Connecting communities: Kinetic’s 2025 impact across Aotearoa

Kinetic helps connect communities; it’s part of our DNA. From city streets to small towns across Aotearoa, our buses move people every day, and throughout the year our teams work just as hard to support the communities they serve.

Through our Moving Communities Fund, Kinetic supports grassroots organisations that champion youth and disadvantaged groups, promote equity and inclusion, and respond to pressing local needs. This year marked the Fund’s first year in New Zealand, providing around $90,000 in cash, in-kind support, and bus-back advertising to 18 organisations across the country, from sports clubs to homelessness support services and disability advocacy groups.

Alongside the Fund, our urban depots actively support local charities throughout the year. Teams regularly donate unclaimed lost property items to organisations including the SPCA, City Mission, and Salvation Army in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

This year, Go Bus and Kinetic supported the Lion’s Skin Cancer Trust, helping get New Zealand’s first Skin Cancer Screening Bus on the road. The mobile bus brings free skin checks to regional and rural communities across the South Island, with plans to expand in the North Island in 2026.

As part of our March to Wellbeing annual staff wellbeing challenge, we contributed $10,000 to help maintain the Te Araroa Trail, with its impressive length forming a key part of this year’s challenge and helping ensure the iconic walking path is preserved for future generations.

Through this year’s annual engagement survey, staff had the opportunity to direct donations to causes meaningful to them, with a total of $4,000 donated across Heart Kids NZ, Blind and Low Vision NZ – Guide Dogs, Blue Light NZ, and InsideOUT Koaro.

Depots and teams around Aotearoa continue to connect with their communities in hands-on ways, providing transport, hosting training initiatives, and volunteering time to make a real difference.

In Whakatāne, our Go Bus depot has supported multiple Blue Light programmes over the years, donating driver time and reducing costs for community events. Most recently, the team made a dream day possible for a group of tamariki (children) by providing free transport for Kawerau Blue Light’s trip to Rainbow’s End.

Sometimes supporting the community means welcoming them into our spaces. In Auckland, our Johnston’s Coachlines depot hosted the Aviation Security Service’s Explosive Detector Dog Unit, giving young detection dogs hands-on training across our fleet to build confidence and sharpen their skills, reflecting our commitment to community-focused initiatives.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the dedication of our teams across Aotearoa, who give their time, resources, and energy to make a real difference in their communities,” says Calum Haslop, Managing Director, Kinetic New Zealand. “Whether it’s through our Moving Communities Fund, supporting local charities, or volunteering in hands-on initiatives, every effort contributes to stronger, more connected communities.”

Throughout early December, our teams have helped bring festive initiatives to the heart of their communities.

In Hamilton, our urban depot is proud to once again support The Hits Toy Run, cruising the streets in a dedicated Toy Run Bus to collect donated gifts for families in need. Collected toys are shared with St Vincent de Paul Hamilton, spreading festive cheer across Waikato.

In Napier and Hastings, our Go Bus depot continues to support The Breeze Pack the Bus, collecting gifts throughout Hawke’s Bay for Women’s Refuge. Like the Toy Run, the Breeze bus travels the region, bringing communities together to spread festive cheer to those who need a bit of extra support at Christmas.

In Auckland, we supported Auckland Transport’s Christmas Joy Rides by collecting donated gifts from their team to deliver to VisionWest, a West Auckland charity helping families enjoy a joyful festive season. The campaign also brought cheer to commuters this past month, with Kinetic driver Jona (@ThatBusGuyNZ) spreading smiles through his carolling, lip-syncs, and festive energy - read more here.

It is a privilege to support communities and the frontline solutions to real challenges. Every contribution, funding, transport, volunteer time, or opening our depots, makes a lasting impact and reinforces our commitment to connecting communities and backing the people and projects that make a difference.