MoE Driver - Ara

The Opportunity

We're looking for a caring, dependable, and safety-focused driver to join our Oamaru team, operating our Ara service between Oamaru and Timaru, five days per week.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, values safe driving practices, and wants to make a positive difference in their community.

About Us

Ritchies Transport is one of New Zealand's largest privately owned transport operators, delivering bus and coach services nationwide. Since 1935, we've grown from a family-owned business into a trusted leader in public transport, school bus services, charter operations, and tourism transport.

With operations across New Zealand, including Auckland, Queenstown, Dunedin, and many regional communities, we're committed to providing safe, reliable, and professional transport services that keep people connected.

About the Role

In this rewarding position, you'll be responsible for safely transporting students between Oamaru and Timaru while creating a positive and welcoming experience on every trip.

This role is about much more than driving. You'll be a trusted and familiar face for students, playing an important role in ensuring they travel safely and comfortably each day.

The position follows school-term hours, with work scheduled during the morning and afternoon school runs. You'll also enjoy school holidays off, except where training or operational requirements apply.

What You'll Bring

• A current Class 2 or Class 4 Licence (minimum Class 2)
• A current P Endorsement
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A positive, customer-focused attitude
• Reliability and a strong commitment to safety
• Confidence and patience working with children and young people

What We Offer

• School-friendly hours
• Weekends and school holidays mostly off
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Stable employment with a well-established New Zealand company
• A supportive and inclusive team environment
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Opportunities for additional charter or casual work, where available

Ready to Apply?

As a safety-focused employer, all successful applicants will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including drug and alcohol testing, Ministry of Justice checks, and reference checks.

Applicants must currently reside in New Zealand and hold the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application.

If you're passionate about safety, enjoy working with young people, and want to be part of a great team, we'd love to hear from you.