Join us as we celebrate the opening of the City Rail Link (CRL), a transformational moment in Tāmaki Makaurau’s transport history.
Train historians, enthusiasts, and advocates Niall Robertson and Jodi Johnston, will explore and retell the fascinating history of rail in Tāmaki Makaurau. Then hear from Joel Rowan, who will share the story behind the development of the CRL, its significance for the central city and what this major investment means for the future of rail transport.
Together, they’ll explore the past, present, and future of rail in Auckland.
The CRL officially opens on Sunday 13 September. Why not make a day of it and visit us via the new rail network? The library’s nearest station is Te Waihorotiu, set to become the country’s busiest station.
Come along for an engaging discussion, celebrate this landmark achievement, and be part of the conversation.
About our speakers:
Niall Robertson
A lifelong railways enthusiast and advocate, Niall Robertson is the current National Coordinator and original founder of The Rail Advocacy Collective (TRAC), renamed The Rail Advocacy Institute of New Zealand (TRAINZ). Niall is a longtime member of the Railway Enthusiasts Society (RES), and CBT (Campaign for Better Transport). Niall is a volunteer and current board member of the Glenbrook Vintage Railway.
Joel Rowan
Since January 2025, Joel Rowan has been the Manager, Communications & Engagement for the City Rail Link programme at Auckland Transport, charged with helping Aucklanders understand the changes and benefits of their new and improved rail network, with the CRL included. Joel has worked in transport projects around New Zealand for the last nine years.
Tāmaki untold: conversations celebrating the taonga, stories and creativity of Auckland. A curated monthly talk series held in the Whare Wānanga hosted by Research and Heritage Services, Auckland Libraries.
Ticketholders are kindly asked to extend the courtesy of cancelling tickets if they are no longer able to attend, so tickets can be released to others.