What saved rail in New Zealand?

Friday 12th May 2000

Retiring managing director Dr Francis Small said a belief among key staff that it had a contribution to make to the economy saved rail. Other reasons were:

Acceptance by key stakeholders - politicians, management, staff, unions, customers - that dramatic action had to be taken to fundamentally change a shambolic system if it was to survive.
A road to Damascus conversion for then railways minister Richard Prebble some time during his 1985-86 "Save Rail" campaign. "Somewhere along the way ... 'Prebs' [found that] delightful phrase 'I'm going to save rail - but not for all of you.'"
Some "pretty brave actions" by groups of senior staff and managers who took key steps, realising they meant there would be no future for them in the reshaped company.
Prompt actions that made fundamental changes without upsetting the customers too much - from changed timetables to reworked management information systems and even to reducing goods yards and workshops.
Communications programme which at each step had Little Red Books supplied to staff, detailing the change. "Those involved had a belief the business would survive and would make an important contribution to New Zealand industry."

- Ray Lilley

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