Any UK train drivers recently moved to NZ?
 

Hi,
Me and my family are planning to move to NZ in the near future and after some advice on train driving jobs (locomotive engineer). Anyone on here moved over recently? Is there anywhere to find NZ rules and regulations? Would a UK driver need fully retaining or just do a conversion course?
Many thanks
Zac

Re: Any UK train drivers recently moved to NZ?
 

Trains are a rare animal in NZ so you might need to do some serious research into the possibilities of getting a job as a train driver here.

Re: Any UK train drivers recently moved to NZ?
 

Have a look at Kiwirail and Transdev for train driving and/or shunter opportunities.
There isn't much of a passenger service in NZ. Auckland and Wellington is pretty much your lot. There are a few long haul regular services like The Northern Explorer and a couple in the South Island. Majority of rail in NZ is heavy freight, logging trains etc. Suppose it don't matter as long as it pays the bills aye.

Re: Any UK train drivers recently moved to NZ?
 

https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-dat.../train-driver/

Train driver is on the Skills Level list so you would need to make sure you are up to speed with the difference in the levels.
as for whether you can transfer your certification I couldn't find anything on it, but then Kiwi Rail website is a bit rubbish, their job search page has no driver jobs listed.
maybe give Kiwirail a email and ask them direct.
[email protected]

Re: Any UK train drivers recently moved to NZ?
 

At the end of the day you will need the New Zealand Certificate in Rail Operations (Level 4) in order to be accepted as a train driver in NZ by one of the rail operators. There are no conversion courses that I can find, and understandably so as there wouldn't be much demand for a course of this type. It is unlikely any UK qualification/'s would count for any credits towards getting the New Zealand Certificate in Rail Operations (Level 4), however with your UK work experience and qualifications it shouldn't be too difficult or time consuming for you to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Rail Operations (Level 4) course which is carried out by Competenz out of their facility in Lower Hutt, Wellington.
I'd say the best course of action would be to use your UK qualifications and experience to get a job offer from one of the rail operators in NZ and with that they'll put you through the training to get you up to speed asap.
That may not be easy though. There is scope for jobs to be opening up with a high degree of retirements looming and high investment in to the future of NZ rail but doesn't mean you'll walk in to a job. All you can do is try or come out for a visit and line up some discussions with the rail operators for a face to face chat. May just get you an offer.

https://www.competenz.org.nz/industr...for-employers/

https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/nzqf/search...edItemKey=2886