40 Years Service for Ati Isaac

KiwiRail Passenger Vehicle Depot Team Ati Isaac brought up the impressive milestone of 40 years’ rail industry service in January 2011.

Committing to a Fitting Apprenticeship -- and believed to be the first Tokelau Islander to complete a rail apprenticeship trade -- Ati began his career as a Fitter, Locomotive Maintainer and Production Planner in the Hutt Railway Workshops.

“There were at least 30 or so apprentices in my year from different trades -- ie, boilermakers, blacksmiths, coachbuilders, electrical fitters, fitters, pattern makers and turners,” says Ati.

“We had great social club within the rail networks in them days -- rugby and soccer trips to Addington Workshops, East Town, Taumarunui and New Plymouth.”

Over the years Ati’s roles have also included Relief Apprentice Instructor, Locomotive Maintainer, Acting Production Planner and Union Delegate for Tranz Scenic and Tranz Metro Depot staff.

“I’m at present working as a Team Leader, managing the inventory and procurement for the Tranz Metro and Tranz Scenic passenger fleet. This requires local and international sourcing quality standard materials to replace ‘obsolete’ stock on some of our aging fleet.

“I’ve also been working as a Part-time Passenger Operator since 1991 on the Tranz Metro trains to and from the Wairarapa and now on the Paraparaumu Line. This experience has given me valuable insight into customer expectations and satisfaction.”

Ati says he has witnessed “a lot of positive changes in rail” during his career.

Away from work, Ati’s interests include seeing his grandchildren develop and grow, golf and fishing.