Supporting our locals

September 2026

Tranzit Coachlines Bay of Plenty has joined forces with the Bay of Plenty Steamers and NZ Police to bring vital school bus safety messages to life for Year 5 to Year 8 students at Bethlehem College.

An interactive presentation was delivered as part of Tranzit’s long-standing school bus safety campaign, but the first time delivered in partnership with the BOP Steamers, whom Tranzit sponsors. It saw Tranzit’s team joined by NZ Police Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter and several Steamers players to deliver three engaging 20-minute sessions onboard a stationary school bus.

Tranzit Coachlines Bay of Plenty Company Manager Jamie Jensen says the partnership provides a powerful way to engage young people with messages that matter.

“By bringing together Tranzit’s transport expertise, the Steamers’ positive influence and NZ Police’s safety knowledge, we can make learning memorable and help students take these habits back to their friends and whānau.”

The familiar, real-world setting helped students understand what to expect when travelling by bus, why positive behaviour and good bus behaviour matters, and how everyone can contribute to a safe and respectful journey. Students were also reminded that motorists travelling in either direction past a stationary school bus must slow to 20 km/h. They were encouraged to share the message with their families and wider communities.

Jamie Hodge, Bay of Plenty Steamer’s Partnerships Manger says the initiative has been a great way for the team to engage with a positive safety message, and they are excited about the opportunity to build on this partnership in 2027.

“Our hope is to expand the initiative to reach even more schools across our region, allowing more young people to benefit from the programme and strengthening our connection with schools and communities throughout the Bay,” says Jamie. “We are grateful to Tranzit for their continued support and look forward to growing the initiative together.”

August 2026

Tranzit Coachlines’ new sponsorship of the Waikato Rugby Union supports the continued growth and development of rugby across the region and helps keep people connected to the game at every level.

The new partnership that began at the beginning of the Mooloo’s 2026 NPC season, reflects a shared commitment between to strengthen rugby communities across the Waikato by creating positive environments that encourage players, coaches, volunteers and supporters to stay involved, develop their skills and see a future in the game.

“Rugby brings people together, and we are proud to support the Waikato Rugby Union in creating opportunities for players, coaches and communities to stay connected to the game,” says Tranzit Coachlines Area Manager Connor Mear. “Whether that is through quality coaching, development opportunities, representative pathways or simply making sure people feel there is somewhere for them to progress, this partnership aligns strongly with who we are as a business.”

Amy Marfell, Waikato Rugby Chief Executive says Tranzit’s support contributes to the programmes, competitions, representative campaigns and development work that give people a reason to keep playing, coaching, volunteering and supporting rugby. “Most importantly, it helps show players there is a pathway and a place for them to keep growing in the game,” says Amy.

August 2026

We’re passionate about showcasing the wide range of career pathways available across the Tranzit Group of companies — and helping more young people understand the opportunities within the wider transport and tourism sectors.

That’s why we took part in a Careers Day which brought together more than 500 high school students, their teachers and caregivers. It was great to connect with them and share our story, and highlight the many roles that keep our people, our communities and vehicles moving — from operations and driving roles through to workshop, finance, marketing, HR and support services.

Events like this are an important way for us to proactively promote Tranzit as an employer of choice but also promote the transport and tourism sectors as a rewarding, innovative and essential industries with real career possibilities. 

July 2026

Tranzit Coachlines teamed up with our partners at Waikato Regional Council at the beginning of the winter school holidays to promote our new electric bus joining the fleet in Tokoroa.

To celebrate its arrival, passengers could take advantage of the BUSIT Free Family Adventure Pass on the new electric bus, during the holidays that ran from July 4 – 19.

The initiative was designed to encourage more people to give the bus a go, particularly families looking for affordable holiday activities or those wanting to experience a quieter, smoother and more sustainable bus ride.

Tranzit Coachlines Area Manager Connor Mear said having an electric bus join our Tokoroa services reflects the joint commitment to secure a modern low-emission vehicle that delivers immediate benefits for passengers.

Families could visit the ‘Out and About’ event at Tokoroa Library, learn more about the new electric bus, Bee Cards and concessions, timetable and journey planning. Children were encouraged to enjoy a paper cut-out electric bus activity and giveaways.

April 2026

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre made it easier for families to visit in the April school holidays, with a free return bus from Masterton running on three special days. 

Thanks to its long-standing partnership with Tranzit Coachlines, Pūkaha removed one of the biggest barriers for families to visit – cost and transport. On three days, children attending Pūkaha’s popular Junior Rangers programme, as well as the general public, could jump aboard the free bus service. Two buses ran at separate times to encourage more families to experience Pūkaha, the mainland indigenous wildlife sanctuary located on SH2, approximately 20 minutes north of Masterton.

Diane Grayson, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre’s Chief of Awesome knows how travel costs can quickly add up for families. “By offering free transport for our Junior Rangers as well as members of the wider community, we’re opening the door for more people to visit and connect with this special place. We recognise the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising fuel prices are putting even greater pressure on families these school holidays, so we’re thrilled to partner with Tranzit Coachlines to help families get out of the house and into nature.”

Brady Powell, our Tranzit Coachlines Wairarapa Company Manager, was proud to support the initiative. “Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a real jewel in our community and by running these free bus services on three special days, we can help families during a time when many are feeling the pressure of increased fuel costs”, he says. “By doing our bit to ensure families have the opportunity to experience the natural environment and enjoy a bus trip along the way, is a win win for us.”

March 2026

Two Masterton icons share a rich history

Wairarapa welcomed international and national competitors to the region for the 2026 World Shearing Championships and Golden Shears Champs in March providing a timely opportunity for Tranzit to reflect on the rich history we share with this iconic event.

Did you know, the concept for the Golden Shears was sparked during a Blue Bus Service (now Tranzit) journey to Wairoa in 1959?

On the maiden run of our No.9, it took a group of Masterton Young Farmers to a shearing competition in Wairoa. During the bus ride back one topic of conversation revolved around ‘who was the best shearer in the district’? Two great mates Laurie Keats and Scotty Stewart decided the only way to settle the question was to establish a national shearing competition – which has been held at the Masterton War Memorial Stadium since 1961. This story highlights how Tranzit has often been at the heart of this community for 100 years and how it shares a rich history with another local icon.

The Golden Shears goes from strength to strength each year and we enjoy transporting many of the competitors, officials and judges who take part.