Behind the Wheel: Patzy’s story of home, family and firsts

Over the last 44 years, Wellington bus driver Patzy Pouwhare has built a career doing something she genuinely loves.

When Patzy first joined the transport industry, she never imagined she would still be behind the wheel more than four decades later, but driving has been a constant through every stage of life.

As Patzy and her husband raised four children, there were times when she stepped away from the driver's seat to focus on family. There was always an opportunity to return when the time was right, and the flexibility of shift work helped her balance parenting and work commitments.

“This job has been really good to me over the years. When I needed time off, it was there for me,” she says.

“After having children, being able to pick up night shifts meant we could make it work so there was always one of us home for when they needed us.”

Over time, having a career she could rely on helped the family achieve one of their biggest goals: buying their own home. 

Stability is one of the reasons Patzy has stayed in the industry for so long, and the other is simple: Patzy genuinely enjoys the work.

“It helps that I like driving, but really it’s about meeting people,” she says. “You have your regular passengers, and over time you get to know faces around the community.”

While buses, routes and technology have changed over the years, it's those connections that have remained one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

“It costs nothing to greet people with a smile as they board the bus. You never know what sort of day someone is having, and that little bit of kindness can go a long way.”

Having entered a male dominated profession only a few years after Wellington’s first female bus driver made news headlines, Patzy knows first-hand that taking on a new challenge can feel daunting. But her advice, particularly for women considering a career in transport, is straightforward.

“Don't be afraid. Just give something a go and make it your own.”

Over the years she’s watched the industry evolve, with more women entering the profession and more opportunities available through training and licensing. Those skills, she says, can open doors both in New Zealand and overseas.

Her own career stands as proof of what can happen when you take a chance.

“There weren’t very many ladies driving at the time, but I never looked back once I got my heavy vehicle licence,” she says. “I've still got the passion for it. I still really enjoy it.”

Now, with retirement beginning to appear on the horizon, Patzy is looking forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren and embracing a new chapter of life. But after nearly 44 years in the driver's seat, slowing down may be the hardest part.

“When I think about retirement, the I'm going to miss the most is getting up and going to work,” she says. “When you've done it for so long, it's going to be hard to let go and change.”

Patzy’s story is a reminder of the opportunities that can come from a long-term career and as she prepares for her next chapter, she has just one piece of advice to pass on: 

“Seize the moment. If an opportunity presents itself to you, have a go, make it your own. That's all you can do.”