In 1989, straight out of school in Leeds, Martin Kearney didn’t have a grand plan to work in the rail industry. He was offered a Railway Trainee position by British Rail, earning £69 a week, and it felt like a good enough start. But what he hadn’t anticipated was just how quickly the railway would get under his skin.
From his very first day, Martin was struck by the diversity of people, the complexity of operations, and the passion that runs through the core of the railway. What started as a job soon became a lifelong career, and one that would eventually take him around the world.
Martin’s career in the UK rail industry was both varied and rewarding. But in 2012, he was presented with an unexpected opportunity to take his expertise global. Moving to New Zealand and then Australia, Martin began applying his UK-honed skills to very different networks and challenges. After a stint back in the UK, he returned to New Zealand once more, proving that railway knowledge really does travel.
Today, Martin is based in Auckland and serves as a volunteer on the Australia and New Zealand Area Council for the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO). For him, this is a meaningful way to give back to the industry that has given him so much.
“In New Zealand, we don’t have the same depth of rail experience as the UK,” he explains. “So, helping others grow and develop is critical to the success of the industry here. Being part of CIRO allows me to share knowledge and support others on their journey.”
Martin is proud to be part of a rail industry that is undergoing significant transformation in New Zealand, especially in Auckland, where infrastructure investment and growth are reshaping how the city moves.
He points to three key projects as standouts:
The Auckland One Rail (AOR) transition, which will see the in-house team take over fleet maintenance from CAF in October 2025. AOR currently operates 90 electric multiple units (EMUs), with five more on the way.
The Third Main Line project, a $328 million investment that has created a dedicated freight corridor between Wiri and Westfield, is one of the busiest sections of rail in New Zealand. Once fully operational later this year, the new track will ease congestion, improve resilience, and enable a significant uplift in passenger services.
The transformative City Rail Link (CRL), a 3.45-kilometre underground rail link set to open in 2026. Once operational, CRL will double the capacity of Auckland’s rail network. Martin and the AOR team are deeply involved in its readiness planning, including driver training, customer service, and timetable development.
These projects, he says, are shaping a modern, world-class network. But they also come with their challenges.
Large-scale projects like CRL require significant Blocks of Line (BoL) and infrastructure upgrades. Martin acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges right now is managing ongoing service interruptions while keeping customers informed and satisfied.
Looking further ahead, Martin believes the expected patronage surge from CRL’s opening could accelerate further innovation, such as transitioning from ETCS Level 1 to ETCS Level 2 with Automatic Train Operation (ATO), and even 9-car train operations supported by platform screen doors.
“These are big steps, but they’re part of the evolution,” he says. “Auckland is reaching the point where world-class operations aren’t just desirable, they’re necessary.”
For those entering the rail industry in New Zealand, Martin’s advice is both practical and encouraging. First, understand the key players: Auckland Transport, KiwiRail, Auckland One Rail, and the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. These organisations shape the sector and its future.
“Familiarise yourself with the big projects, especially CRL,” he suggests. “They give you context and show just how exciting it is to work in this environment right now.”
He also recommends joining CIRO to build your network, gain insights, and learn from the wider industry. “Rail in Auckland is changing fast. Be curious. Ask questions. Talk to people. That’s how you grow.”
Throughout his career, Martin has benefited from a network of mentors and role models, people who offered timely advice, believed in his abilities, or simply pointed him in the right direction.
One piece of advice has stayed with him since he was a teenager in Leeds. A senior colleague told him, “Just keep turning up on time, stay smart, keep your head down, and you’ll be fine.” It’s a simple mantra, but one that Martin credits with much of his career success.
Even now, he continues to lean on the wisdom of peers and mentors, proof that, in rail, support and community are lifelong assets.
When he’s not focused on timetables and transformation, Martin enjoys life by the coast with his wife and nine-year-old daughter, who was born in Auckland. Living just ten minutes from the beach, the family makes the most of New Zealand’s scenic walks and outdoor lifestyle.
He’s also a passionate football fan, still supporting Leeds United from afar, while also holding a season ticket at Auckland FC, where he can be found most Saturday afternoons during the summer.
Martin Kearney’s story is a testament to the opportunities the railway industry offers. With it, Martin has built a career grounded in curiosity, commitment, and a deep belief that keeps the industry moving.
