Fourth generation, New Zealand family-owned transport and tourism company Tranzit Group will mark its centenary with a special exhibition opening this weekend in its home region of Wairarapa.
Tranzit- Driven to Succeed: 100 Years of Exploration and Innovation will open at Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art and History in Masterton on Saturday, November 8. It was created with respected local historian Gareth Winter, who has also written a book to accompany the exhibition.
Sarah McClintock, Aratoi director says, it brings Tranzit’s history to life through memorabilia, photos, old uniforms, oral histories and objects that celebrate its people, its innovations and the future of the company.
“Tranzit holds a special place in the Wairarapa – it has connected our community for 100 years and Aratoi is incredibly proud to be celebrating this milestone by collaborating with Tranzit on this exhibition that will enlighten, entertain and shine a light on a true Wairarapa success story,” she says.
It will also feature meticulously painted original oil paintings by former Tranzit team member and artist Wally Trickett.
“I started painting the original Tranzit buses to give to the Managing Director Paul Snelgrove,” Wally says. “Then, I thought I could challenge myself to paint 100 buses to celebrate the 100 Year anniversary and everyone seemed keen!”
Almost 50 of Wally’s 100 paintings will be included in the exhibition, with selected paintings having an accompanied audio allowing visitors to hear Wally talk about the painting.
Also on display are historic papers from Tranzit Group founder AJ Snelgrove, the company’s first ever Bank of New Zealand bank book from 1925, the company’s first ever computer and innovative objects from the company’s workshop.
“Tranzit’s 100-year celebration is a proud milestone for our family and our team,” says Paul Snelgrove, Tranzit Group’s Managing Director, whose grandfather AJ Snelgrove founded the business in 1925 with one vehicle.
“We can reflect with pride on our company’s humble beginnings and take time to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to Tranzit’s success and will continue to do so in the future. “
Author Gareth Winter says this book was different to others he has written, as the whole family were involved in its production.
“I was privileged to speak to many of the family, and discover what their values are, and how they have worked hard to make Tranzit the successful business it is,” says Gareth.
“The book is a celebration of a hugely successful family business that has somehow flown under the radar. Hopefully, the book will allow the reader to gain an insight into the way the Snelgrove’s (along with their work family) have created one of Wairarapa’s most successful commercial ventures. It is wonderful story – you don’t have to be passionate about buses to enjoy it – it is a people story not a bus story.”
Today, Tranzit Group is New Zealand’s largest family-owned transport and tourism company operating in the public transport, school bus transport, tourism, event charters, car rentals and leases, and electric bus sectors.
It is still proudly owned by the Snelgrove family with the fourth generation now driving the company forward with Paul and Keven’s children in key leadership roles.
With over 2000 employees nationwide, connecting the communities they live and work in, Tranzit Group’s head office proudly remains in Masterton and continues to thrive, attracting new talent to the region and growing existing team members. Many are long serving, with one driver having been with the company for over 50 years.
Tranzit Group operates a fleet of over 3000 vehicles, 15 workshops, 35 depots and owns significant charging infrastructure for its growing electric bus fleet. It is behind well-known brands Tranzit Coachlines, Tranzit InterCity, Tranzit Tours, Pacific Tour ways (Auckland), Royale Coachlines, Tranzurban, Cross Country Rentals, Mauger’s, Right Price Rentals and Bus Travel NZ Ltd. Furthermore, Tranzit Group is a 50% shareholder of Entrada Travel Group, which owns and operates InterCity in New Zealand and Greyhound in Australia as well as marine based tourism brands.
Exhibition Details:
Tranzit- Driven to Succeed
Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, Masterton
Runs from Saturday, 8th November – 8 February 2026
On Saturday, 8th November at 11am: Artist talk with Wally Trickett, who will discuss his paintings. Free all welcome.
12pm – 2pm: refurbished 1951 No. 8 bus will be parked up outside Aratoi
