Entity Information

Who are we?     Why do we Exist?

The Society was formed in 1944 by enthusiasts interested in the then New Zealand Railways. Membership is open to all with an interest in the New Zealand Railway system both old and new. Members can join magazine and photo distribution groups, Member groups meet in most cities where talks, films, and other activities can be enjoyed. We are active in restoring locomotives and rolling stock which we own.
♦ To facilitate the interchange of information and comment concerning the design, construction, operation, and development of New Zealand and other railways, their locomotives, facilities, plant, and equipment. As well as involvements with railways of New Zealand the Society is involved in the recording of the history of industrial railways, including bush tramways, and urban tram systems.
♦ To place on public record information related to the history and development of railway transport in New Zealand.
♦ To encourage and facilitate as far as possible, the preservation of railway literature, photographs, documents, tickets, models, and other items of railway interest that will help illustrate and preserve the history of railway transport in New Zealand.
♦ To foster an interest in railways and railway transport.
♦ To enter into agreements or to affiliate with such other organisations as the Board may see fit, provided that those other organisations have, in the opinion of the Board, objects that are in whole or in part similar to those of the Society..
♦ To encourage or advise the appropriate authorities on the marking of historic railway sites and objects, the establishment of walkways alongside abandoned railway formations, and to provide relevant historical information for these purposes.
♦ To promote the activities outlined in the Bylaws and such other activities as the Board consider beneficial to members.

Management Structure:
The Society is governed by a Management Board, two executive committees, being the Administration Committee, and a Publications Committee, and other sub-committees such as the Archive and Presentation Committees, and New Zealand member groups.

Management Board: consists of seven members, including three executive officer positions of president, secretary, and treasurer. The board meets at least once every three months. The secretary and treasurer and other board members may also lead or be involved in the executive committees and branches as determined by the work plan and priorities.

Administration Committee: The committee meets at least six times a year. The committee is responsible to oversee the day to day operations of the society which include general administration, finance, membership, publicity, liaison with groups, the publication of the Society newsletter, operations of the magazine groups, archives, presentation work, and the maintenance of the Ava premises in Petone, and the premises at Srlverstrearn.

Publications Committee: The committee meets at least three times a year The committee is responsible for the production, publication, and overseas distribution and sales of ‘The New Zealand Railway Observer’ magazine, calendars, books, and booklets.

Operational Structure:
The Society is run predominantly by Volunteers, The Society pays two Administration Officers and a Bookkeeper for the day to day running of the Society. Archive research, preservation, and storage of old records, and publications sales and dispatch is managed by volunteers at our archive premises. Volunteers undertake preservation work at our shed at Silverstream. The Silverstream building stores and displays our rolling stock undercover, and provides space and facilities for the volunteers.

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