NZ Bus in Tauranga is projecting a return to full driver staffing over the coming weeks.

NZ Bus has had many of its services impacted by the nationwide post-Covid driver shortage, says a statement released this week on behalf of the bus company.

It has spent the last six months conducting an intense recruitment campaign aimed at both overseas and local drivers.

'Through the enormous efforts of our Tauranga recruitment teams, we have recruited enough drivers to enable a return to full services over the coming weeks,” says Head of Kinetic in New Zealand, Calum Haslop.

'We are currently on-boarding new recruits as fast as we can. We've made a large investment to bring in drivers quickly from the Philippines, India and Fiji to supplement our local recruitment endeavours.

'For those travelling from overseas locations, we are fully involved in ensuring their accommodation, banking, tax and transport needs are met until they have a chance to make their own arrangements.

'Training, of course, is super important, and getting all the licences and permits sorted can take some time. Fortunately, all the authorities we work with, such as Waka Kotahi and VTNZ, are mindful of the need to get bus drivers on the road and have been very helpful.”

NZ Bus and its sister Kinetic company Go Bus have recruited approximately 559 drivers since November – 57 of which will be employed in Tauranga.

'We are now in discussions with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council on dates for the return of full timetables,” Haslop says.

Kinetic is the largest bus operator in Australasia, operating NZ Bus, Go Bus and Johnston's in New Zealand.