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Glossary Papakupu

Explanations of abbreviations and acronyms.

    K

    Karakia
    A Māori incantation or prayer used to invoke spiritual guidance and protection.
    Katabatic wind
    A downslope wind generated when the air cools and becomes increasingly dense. Normally prevalent early in the morning after a cool night.
    Keel
    The draught at the bow and the stern are the same.
    KHI
    Kawasaki Heavy Industries (the helicopter manufacturer)
    Kilometre mark
    In railway terminology, the system of measuring track distance on the railway line. Rail workers use a kilometre mark to reference a specific location on the line.
    KiwiRail
    KiwiRail Limited
    KiwiRail Learning Exchange (KLE)
    A software tool used to manage certification currency and record the results of assessments.
    KMC module
    An electronic module on each locomotive of a train that monitors the current location of the train against the locations of worksites across New Zealand, which it receives over the mobile phone network. It is part of the eProtect system.
    kN
    Kilonewtons
    Knot
    A measurement of speed in nautical miles per hour, equivalent to 1.85 km/h.
    Kort nozzle
    A non-rotating nozzle fitted around a marine propeller, used to improve the efficiency of the propeller
    kt
    knot