Beyond the wheel. Stories that move us.
Karan – KV on the Road
Most people know him as KV. He’s the friendly face behind the wheel in Tauranga – the one who greets you with a smile, remembers your name, and never seems...
Bus Driver Appreciation Day 2025
Sunday, 16 November 2025 – Join New Zealand in celebrating Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Say thanks, share stories, and recognise the drivers who keep us moving.
Cody – My Mum is a Bus Driver
When Mum first told me she was going to be a bus driver, I thought it would be a bit weird. I hoped she wouldn’t be my school bus driver. Because I catch the bus a lot - to school and to sports and things. .
Colin – Banter on the Bus
It’s not just children. Elderly passengers often get on simply for company. “Sometimes you’re the only person they see that day. They’ll hand you a banana or just have a chat. Otherwise, they’d be stuck at home. It’s good to get them out and moving about.”.
Joshua – Finding Connection behind the Wheel
For Joshua, being a bus driver has become more than just a job – it’s a way to connect with people, find purpose, and navigate the challenges of life in a new country.
Preston – Finding Your Place, One Route at a Time
“Driving a bus is different to any other job I’ve done,” says Preston. “You’re serving people. Every day, you meet different people, go to different places. It’s interesting - you never know what’s next.”.
Hikitia – “Seeing Passengers as Whānau”
When she first stepped into the driver’s seat, her family worried. Stories about driver safety are common, and it’s easy to imagine the worst. But after months on the road, Hikitia’s perspective is different.
Jenni-Lee – The Bus is my Office
Jenni-Lee has been driving buses for around five years, most of them on school runs in Tauranga. The days start early with a pre-check at the depot and the first pick-ups before the school bell. For Jenni-Lee, the rhythm of the job fits well with the rhythm of her life.
A Kiwi (and Aussie) Twist
In 2023, an article in the New York Post reported that American expats in Australia were amazed at how often passengers thanked their bus drivers – and Australians were equally...
City vs Countryside
Interestingly, international research shows there are differences in how often passengers thank their drivers. A recent study found that in rural areas, people are more likely to say goodbye or...