Kinetic Opens Moving Communities Fund Across New Zealand

• Kinetic has committed $150,000 in total support across New Zealand and Australia
• The fund launches in New Zealand for the first time, with grants of up to $10,000 available for grassroots community initiatives

3 July 2025: Australasia’s largest bus operator, Kinetic - which also operates Go Bus and Johnston’s Coachlines - has launched its Moving Communities Fund in New Zealand, offering vital support to community organisations facing rising costs and increased demand.

Kinetic has committed $150,000 to the fund with equal investment across New Zealand and Australia, offering grants of up to $10,000, plus in-kind support, to not-for-profits, sporting clubs, and schools making a difference in communities where Kinetic operates.

From youth mentoring and inclusive sport to food relief and homelessness support, the fund helps scale the work of organisations responding to real needs at the grassroots level.

"This fund is about showing up for the people who show up for others," said Michael Sewards, Kinetic Group CEO.

"As a company that connects people every day, we see it as our responsibility — and privilege — to back those building stronger, more connected communities on both sides of the Tasman."

The fund provides one-off grants of up to $10,000, as well as in-kind support such as free travel, volunteer time or promotional space. It supports organisations that:

• Champion youth and disadvantaged groups
• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Address pressing local needs through non-political, community-based solutions
• Align with Kinetic's commitment to social and environmental sustainability

Since launching in Australia in 2024, the Moving Communities Fund has supported 40 grassroots projects across regional and metro Australia where Kinetic operates, including youth mentoring, food relief, and local transport initiatives. The program delivers practical support to communities often missed by traditional funding.

Calum Haslop, Kinetic New Zealand’s Managing Director, said launching the program locally reflects Kinetic's ongoing commitment to making a meaningful difference across the country.

"We're proud of the great relationships we’ve built with partners across New Zealand and launching the Moving Communities Fund here feels like a natural next step in making an even bigger, more meaningful impact," he said.

"Through the Fund, we’re committed to supporting frontline solutions to real challenges at the grassroots level, particularly in the regions we operate.

“We're excited to hear from groups on the ground, whether it’s a local not-for-profit tackling challenges like homelessness or helping a regional rugby team get to their next competition."

Applications are now open at www.wearekinetic.com/community and close July 31. Successful recipients will be announced in September.

About Kinetic in New Zealand

Kinetic New Zealand is the largest bus operator in the country and proudly the largest operator of zero-emission buses in the region, with over 320 electric buses and 13 electrified depots. It employs over 4,500 people across its Kinetic Urban, Go Bus, Johnston’s, and SkyBus brands.

Kinetic New Zealand is a trusted transport partner for local councils and is the largest provider of school transport services for the Ministry of Education. The company also delivers premium charter and tourism services nationwide.

In 2025, Kinetic New Zealand was named an HRD 5-Star Employer of Choice, recognising its strong people-first culture and commitment to creating an exceptional place to work.

For more information visit wearekinetic.co.nz

About Kinetic

Kinetic is the largest bus operator in Australasia and a leading multi-modal mass transit operator globally through its subsidiary Go-Ahead. Kinetic’s network includes 12,000 buses, 36,000 people and 200 depots. Kinetic proudly operates 1,200 zero-emission buses (ZEB) across 33 ZEB depots worldwide and is the leading ZEB operator in Australasia and the UK. Kinetic’s mission is to enhance the communities in which it operates, and this is achieved through delivering on its sustainability priorities.

© Scoop Media