Voices of Safety: A Conversation with Kinetic's NZ Health & Safety Representatives

At Kinetic, safety is at the heart of everything we do – woven into every shift, every site, and every journey. In August, Kinetic New Zealand celebrated Health & Safety Awareness Month, shining a spotlight on safety across the business and reinforcing the guiding principle: Every journey begins and ends with safety.

As part of the month-long campaign, three of Health & Safety Representatives from Auckland depots – Mana, driver/operator at Panmure; Eddie, driver/operator at New Lynn; and Mills, Diesel Mechanic at Onehunga – shared what drives their passion for workplace safety and the impact they’re making across Kinetic New Zealand.

What drew each of you to become Health & Safety Representatives?
Mana: I’ve always been keen to help others, and I saw this as a great opportunity to do exactly that. I’m really the bridge between the team and management – I’m straightforward and basically the voice of the depot, but with volume!
Eddie: For me, it’s simple – I care about people and want to make a real difference. In this role, you can make a huge difference to people’s lives, and that’s incredibly motivating.
Mills: My desire for safety drives everything I do. As a family man, I want to be able to go back home safely, and it’s important that this is the same for my team.

What do you enjoy most about the role?
Mana: I enjoy sharing updated health and safety information with my colleagues. Communication is key – breaking down information helps keep everyone motivated.
Eddie: I like being the voice of my colleagues and helping create a healthy and safe workplace.
Mills: I enjoy voicing safety issues for my team. Seeing positive changes after raising issues with the HSEQ and Compliance team is really satisfying.

Can you share some positive changes you’ve seen implemented?
Mana: Our health and safety standards have really improved, and being the first fully EV depot in New Zealand brought new challenges that we’ve managed together.
Eddie: We introduced easier ways to report health and safety issues through the Assura system and its mobile app, helping us address risks early.
Mills: New safety protocols and training programs have made a big difference, and 5S housekeeping principles have helped keep the workshop tidy and safe.

What are you most proud of achieving in your role?
Mana: Seeing my concerns taken seriously and acted upon quickly. It’s satisfying to know even small comments can make a difference.
Eddie: Helping review procedures and implement Assura so issues are addressed before they escalate.
Mills: Being part of HSEQ Committee meetings and seeing improvements like upgraded safety signage and better safety supplies.

What have you learned from being a Health & Safety Representative?
Mana: I’ve gained confidence, built strong relationships, and learned so much about health and safety.
Eddie: Small changes can make huge impacts on health and safety. Becoming a representative opened my eyes to that.
Mills: Communication, adaptability, and teamwork are essential in solving safety-related issues.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Health & Safety Representative?
Mana: Don’t be shy – speak out and raise concerns. It’s rewarding for both the workplace and personal growth.
Eddie: Go for it – you can make a real difference. You’ll learn as you go, and it’s very rewarding.
Mills: If you’re passionate about safety, solutions-focused, and positive, give it a go.

Health & Safety Representatives come from all areas of Kinetic New Zealand, united by a shared commitment to keeping people safe. Their dedication is helping to strengthen a safety culture across the business – ensuring that every journey begins and ends with safety.