Celebrating IWD: Meet Pele Sui

This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on some of the wonderful women we’re lucky enough to call Kinetic team members. Meet Pele Sui, who works out of Kinetic's Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau city depot in New Zealand/Aotearoa.

For 15 years, Pele Sui has been a familiar and welcoming face for thousands of Aucklanders who spend part of their day on her bus. Today, she is not just an experienced driver at our Auckland City Depot, she is a mentor, a role model, and a great example of what dedication, passion and hard work can build.

“My journey with Kinetic began when a family member encouraged me to apply for a driving role," she says.

"I was looking for a career that would help me support and build a stable future for my family.

"I walked into the depot with my CV, went through the interview and training, and before I knew it, I was given my uniform and started driving.

"It felt unexpected, but it became a real blessing for me.”

Ask anyone who knows Pele, and they’ll mention her smile, her calm presence, and her friendly “good morning” to every passenger, even on days when things feel challenging.

“Some people respond, some don’t, but I never take it personally,” she says.

“A simple greeting can brighten someone’s day I stay positive and never lose hope.”

One of Pele’s proudest achievements is what her career has enabled her to do at home. In 2017, she purchased her first house, and since then, she and her family have moved into a new family home – something she once thought would never be possible.

For Pele, Giving to Gain is woven into what she brings in her role at Kinetic each and every day and her passion to guide encourage others has made her a trusted mentor within the depot, especially for women considering careers in transport.

“With 15 years of experience, I’ve learned so much – and I don’t keep it to myself," she says.

"I support new drivers and teach them what I know, because when you give your experience to others, everyone grows.

"Some women think they can’t drive a bus, but they can – women are strong and capable.

"This job brings stability and opportunity, and I want more women to give it a chance."

Over the years, Pele has seen the evolution of our fleet, standards and technology – and she’s proud to have grown right alongside the company.

“Kinetic has supported me from the beginning – they believed in me before I believed in myself.

"I’m very grateful for that.”