Public transport operator Kinetic has been named a finalist in the Breaking Barriers category at the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ for its “Women Up Front – Trainee Bus Driver” programme.
The initiative is a fully paid four-week training course designed to help women enter the bus driving workforce, providing licensing, skills training and pathways into supervisory and leadership roles.
Since launching in New Zealand in October 2024, the programme has brought more than 215 new female drivers into depots nationwide.
Kinetic director of people, culture and safety Nicky Harrison says the programme is focused on opening up opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
“Women Up Front is about removing barriers and giving women the confidence to succeed in a career they might never have considered,” Harrison says.
“We’re already seeing alumna step into mentoring, supervisory and operational roles. That’s exactly what Women Up Front was designed to do – open doors for women to take on new challenges within the transport sector, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’re achieving.”
Operations supervisor Marjorie Oman joined Kinetic through the programme in January 2025 and progressed into a leadership role within a year.
“I had no experience driving large vehicles when I applied, which meant I had no idea what to expect,” Oman says.
“I was quite nervous on the first day, but being part of a group of women all at the start of the same journey made it feel less intimidating.”
Oman says the programme opened up career opportunities she had not previously considered.
“I didn’t realise how many opportunities were available at the start,” she says.
“With support and encouragement from the management team to take on new challenges, I’ve developed the skills needed to thrive in my new role.”
Kinetic says the programme forms part of its wider diversity strategy, including a goal to achieve a workforce made up of 40% women, 40% men and 20% people of any or no specific gender by 2030.
The Diversity Awards NZ, delivered by the Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion, recognise organisations and individuals promoting inclusive workplaces, with winners to be announced in Auckland on May 6.
