Kinetic Wins At Diversity Awards NZ™ With Women Up Front

Kinetic’s “Women Up Front – Trainee Bus Driver” program has won the Breaking Barriers category at the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ™, as well as the People’s Choice Award, voted on the night.

The dual recognition highlights both the measurable impact of the program and the strong support it received from attendees, including leaders and advocates for workplace inclusion.

Since launching in New Zealand in October 2024, Women Up Front has welcomed more than 237 women into Kinetic’s workforce, supporting them to begin careers in a sector historically dominated by men.

The fully supported training initiative equips participants with the skills and licensing needed to become bus drivers, while also creating clear pathways into mentoring, supervisory and operational leadership roles.

“Winning this award and having that recognition reinforced by the People’s Choice vote, is a proud moment for everyone involved,” says Nicky Harrison, Director of People, Culture & Safety at Kinetic New Zealand.

“Women Up Front is about creating real pathways, and we’re seeing women step into leadership, mentoring and new opportunities right across the business. That’s what success looks like for us.”

Women Up Front alumnae were among those representing Kinetic on the night, including Operations Supervisor Marjorie Oman and driver Asma Shaikh.

Marjorie joined Kinetic through a Women Up Front cohort in January 2025 with no prior experience driving large vehicles. She progressed to a Mentor Driver role before stepping into her current leadership position within a year.

Asma is set to continue her development through Kinetic’s Cadetship programme, highlighting the broader career pathways the initiative is helping to unlock. She is the first New Zealand cadet in the programme.

The Diversity Awards NZ™, delivered by Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion, celebrate individuals, teams and organisations driving meaningful inclusion across workplaces in Aotearoa.

Kinetic’s recognition reflects the continued momentum behind Women Up Front, and its role as part of the broader Women in Action plan to improve gender balance, create more inclusive career pathways, and support a more representative future for the transport industry.

About Kinetic in New Zealand

Kinetic is New Zealand’s largest bus operator and Australasia’s leading operator of zero-emission buses, operating more than 350 electric buses from 12 electrified depots nationwide. It employs more than 4,500 people across its urban and regional operations.

In 2026, Kinetic was named an HRD 5-Star Employer of Choice in New Zealand for the second consecutive year, recognising its strong people-first culture and commitment to creating an exceptional place to work.

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