When Aroha joined Transit Systems less than a year ago,  becoming a bus driver wasn’t something she ever pictured herself doing. But  for this proud Māori woman, the leap into transport has become one of the  most rewarding and empowering decisions of her life. Today, Aroha embraces the  unpredictability of the job and the diversity of the people around her, all  while representing the spirit of International Women’s Day and its 2026  theme, “Give to Gain.”

A ROLE THAT BRINGS JOY AND  NO TWO DAYS ARE THE SAME

Ask Aroha what she loves most  about driving buses, and her answer arrives instantly: driving.

“You  could be in Campbelltown that morning and Liverpool that afternoon. Camden to  Minto, Minto to Narellan, Narellan to Macquarie Fields. No two days are ever  the same.”

It’s the constant movement, the  changing scenery, and the variety of people she meets that keep Aroha  energised and excited to start each shift.

A CAREER CHOSEN IN A MOMENT  OF CHANGE

Aroha’s journey into transport  began during a deeply emotional moment. After losing her mother in April  2025, she knew she needed something different — a fresh start, a new  direction.

Scrolling through Facebook one  day, she saw an ad for bus drivers and applied on instinct.

“There  really weren’t any aspirations to become a bus driver, but I’m so glad I  did.”

What began as a simple search  for change grew into a career filled with connection, purpose and community.

SUPPORTIVE, INCLUSIVE AND  PROUDLY DIVERSE

As a woman in the transport  industry, Aroha hasn’t faced the barriers some might expect.

“I  can honestly say not really. Everyone I’ve encountered has been amazingly  helpful and encouraging.”

Her depot at Macquarie Fields  has become a second home, a vibrant “fruit salad” of cultures where  colleagues look out for one another.

“I’ve  never been in a workplace where everyone was so helpful and loving when I  started. Nothing has changed almost a year on. Thank you, Macquarie Fields  Depot.”

LIVING THE SPIRIT OF “GIVE  TO GAIN”

The theme “Give to Gain” was new  to Aroha, but its meaning resonated immediately.

“To me, it’s the principle that  giving always promotes positivity and generosity. When you give something,  there is always an opportunity to gain back.”

Whether it’s offering kindness,  patience or practical support, Aroha believes the workplace is strongest when  people uplift one another, something she experiences daily.

SHAPED BY STRONG WOMEN AND  A PROUD MĀORI LEGACY

When asked who inspires her,  Aroha can’t choose just one woman.

“My  mums, grandmothers, aunties, cousins, sisters and most importantly my  daughters. Every one of them has shaped and moulded me.”

Her Māori heritage influences  how she views family, identity and responsibility.

“It’s  in our DNA to nurture all those in our immediate and extended family. We  follow the concept that it takes a village to raise a family.”

HER PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT:  STAYING WHEN IT WAS HARDEST

Aroha speaks candidly about her  first solo run, which is a day she describes as “a disaster.”

“Everything that could go wrong, did. I ended up on a dead‑end street, on my first shift, almost in tears.”

Convinced she wasn’t cut out for  the job, she returned to the depot ready to quit. But her coordinator and  teammates shared their own early mistakes and surrounded her with  encouragement.

“If  it wasn’t for my whole team and their positivity, I would have left the job.”

She stayed, and that decision  remains her proudest achievement.

“I  no longer rely on an iPad. I can do most runs now, which I never thought I’d  be able to do. And I can drive a bus.”

MOTIVATED BY FAMILY,  GROUNDED BY PURPOSE

With her children now grown and  raising families of their own, Aroha and her husband share a dream of  retiring in New Zealand or moving freely between both countries.

“That’s  what motivates me to keep working and saving.”

A FUTURE WITH MORE  INCLUSION FOR WOMEN

Looking ahead, Aroha sees  opportunities to make the industry even more supportive for women.

Within the workplace, she would  love to see:

Longer       breaks between runs to allow proper bathroom access

More women‑focused initiatives, like social clubs, outings or “bring your kids to work” days

For the industry more broadly:

More representation

More inclusion

And most importantly, more women behind the wheel

HER MESSAGE TO WOMEN  CONSIDERING THE JOB?

“Jump  on board! You won’t regret it. It’s a great job, and I enjoy what I do. We  need more women drivers.

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