Forty years on – rail a good career choice

Whangarei Locomotive Engineer Garry Peri’s father had a big hand in his son’s choice of career but 40 years on, Garry isn’t complaining.

Shortly before 10 January 1972 at the tender age of 17 years, Garry’s father bought him into the Whangarei Rail Depot for an interview with the then depot supervisor Mel Claridge.

On 10 January he commenced work as a Locomotive Trainee, earning the princely sum of 73 cents an hour. For the first three months he spent most of his time cleaning locomotives and studying for his shunt ticket.

With that experience behind him he went to Westfield for shunting experience and more study for his Main Line Ticket as Locomotive Assistant. After passing this ticket he spent the next 12 months out on main line shunts.

In 1975 he transferred to Putaruru for 11 months. During that time he experienced his first and only earthquake, albeit a small one. He then transferred back to Westfield where after completing all the courses by 1977, gained his second grade driver’s ticket.

After another four years he gained his first grade driver’s ticket, driving suburban passengers and the Northerner until 1990 when he decided to transfer to Whangarei due to his parents’ ill health. The transfer back to Whangarei brought about a big change in that he met his wife Shirley and they have remained in Whangarei for the past 22 years.

Over the years he played social rugby for Westfield Railway Club where many games were played and friendships made at Lost City! He also represented the North Island Railway rugby team in 1978.

Garry played in many Railway golf tournaments throughout the country and was a member of the successful Whangarei team which beat Westfield in Wellsford two years ago.

Since returning to Whangarei, fishing and diving have become regular hobbies providing opportunities for bragging about his exploits.

Over the past 40 years, he has seen many changes in the rail industry and has made many lasting friendships. In his younger years there were a few mishaps, but on the whole, he says it has been an enjoyable career with no regrets.

Manager Mat Tana says Garry can always be counted on to do whatever it takes to get the job done and is often being called in to work extra work periods.

“This sort of work ethic makes him an invaluable member of not only the Whangarei team but the KiwiRail team,” he says.