Behind the wheel: Sonny Tavake's story of resilience and service

Sonny pictured behind the wheel at Kinetic's Higgin's Road Depot in Hamilton

Men’s Health Week NZ, recognised from 15–21 June, encourages men to take one step at a time to prioritise their wellbeing, seek support when they need it, and stay connected with the people around them.

As those conversations continue beyond the week itself, we’re sharing the story of Hamilton urban driver Sonny Tavake — a story of resilience, recovery and finding purpose through life’s challenges.

Every day, thousands of people step onto our buses without knowing the experiences, challenges and achievements of the people behind the wheel. For Sonny, resilience has been shaped by military service, personal loss, recovery and a commitment to serving others.

Sonny has been behind the wheel of our Hamilton services for the past eight years, but before joining the transport industry he served in the New Zealand Army — a chapter of his life that continues to influence him today.

In February 2025, Sonny represented New Zealand at the Invictus Games in Whistler, Canada, competing in skeleton, biathlon, rowing and wheelchair rugby. The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill military personnel and veterans, using sport to support recovery, rehabilitation and connection>
 

Sonny representing New Zealand at the 2025 Invictus Games in Whistler, Canada

For Sonny, being part of the New Zealand team was about much more than competition.

In 1990, while serving in the Army, Sonny was involved in a training exercise on Mt Ruapehu that became a life-changing experience. His actions helped save lives and he was later awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal. He also sustained permanent frostbite damage to one of his hands.

“God felt it wasn’t my time to go,” says Sonny.

“I’ve attended every five-year memorial on the mountain to connect with those involved. I was the last one to see those six guys alive and I hope my presence there can help their families heal.”

Ahead of the Invictus Games, the New Zealand team trained on Mt Ruapehu. Returning to the mountain more than three decades later was both confronting and healing.

“The Ruapehu incident is always at the back of my mind, and I remember it fresh like it was yesterday,” Sonny says.

“Returning there to train during winter was confronting but also part of healing myself. I’m still here, and I could have easily not been.”

Before competing in the skeleton event in Whistler, Sonny paused for a moment of reflection.

“Part of the reason I went to Whistler was to represent the guys that never made it 34 years ago,” he says.

“Before I jumped on the sled, I said a quick prayer. It was a silent moment for the families of the ones that didn’t make it, but also for those of us who are still here.”

Sonny says being part of the Invictus team strengthened his confidence and reinforced his belief that challenges can be overcome.

“The experience strengthened my belief and confidence to get through peaks and valleys, both mentally and physically.”

While the New Zealand team returned home with nine medals, Sonny says the greatest achievement was simply being there and accomplishing what he set out to do.

“For me, the real prize was going there and completing all the things I said I’d do.”

Today, Sonny remains a familiar face to passengers travelling throughout Hamilton and the wider Waikato region. While many know him as the driver who gets them safely to their destination, his story is a reminder that resilience often comes from facing life’s toughest moments and continuing to move forward.

Sonny hopes his experience encourages others who may be facing difficult times.

“If anyone reading this is in a dark place or feeling like they’ve lost hope, believe that you can get through it and come out the other side.”

If Sonny’s story prompts you to reach out for support, resources are available through the Men’s Health Week New Zealand website.