Creating spaces that work

Across New Zealand, Kinetic’s property team has been busy creating spaces that do more than just function; they support, welcome, and inspire the people who use them every day.

“Working in property means every day is unique,” says Ailish Swinbank, General Manager Property, Kinetic New Zealand. “This year, we’ve opened new sites, upgraded existing depots, and laid plans for improvements that will serve our teams and communities for years to come."

Every project starts with listening. Through annual surveys and regular site visits, the property team gathers feedback to understand what’s working, and what could be even better. Sometimes the changes are small, like installing a heat pump or adding a fresh coat of paint, but every upgrade is designed to make a real difference.

“Even the smallest improvements can have a big impact on people’s day-to-day experience,” Ailish says. “It’s always a highlight to hear how these changes make work life better for our teams.”

Projects across 2025 have included:

- Go Bus Alexandra, Huntly, and Matamata depots: internal upgrades, including refreshed spaces and improved facilities.
- Go Bus Turangi Depot: move to a brand-new facility with a larger yard, more parking, and modern amenities.
- Kinetic Birmingham Drive Depot: upgraded open-plan driver facilities, renovated bathrooms, and new furniture.
- Kinetic Kilbirnie Depot: new flooring, heat pumps, and upgraded driver facilities.
- Kinetic Hamilton Depot: renovated bathroom facilities.
- Go Bus Dunedin Depot: move to a brand-new purpose-built depot with improved bus wash and refuelling infrastructure, marking a major investment in the city’s public transport future.
- Go Bus Invercargill Depot: electrification upgrades, supporting the city’s move toward a fully electric urban fleet.
- Kinetic (Auckland) City Depot: further electrification to support the introduction of new Inner and Outer link services fleet.

Looking ahead, there are more projects on the horizon, with the property team working closely with staff to ensure every upgrade reflects what matters most to the people who use these spaces.

“When our facilities work well for our teams, they can do their best work,” Ailish explains. “And when our people thrive, every journey runs more smoothly for the communities we serve.”