Casual SESTA Driver x 5

Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd.; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 58,000 - 66,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Ongoing training & career development

Supportive team culture

Work around whānau commitments

Job summary

Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd. is seeking SESTA Drivers to support tamariki by providing safe, friendly school transport in Westgate. The role focuses on reliable, caring service with a guaranteed 4 paid hours per day, Monday to Friday during school terms.

Holidays are available when not training or developing, fostering a meaningful, community-focused job. You will contribute to a safe journey for children with diverse needs, building trust with families and schools while upholding our

Qualifications

• Full NZ driver license with Class 1 and P Endorsement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with tamariki and whānau.
• Ability to keep passengers safe and calm during journeys.

Responsibilities

• Drive SESTA routes to school, ensuring tamariki arrive safely.
• Maintain a calm, friendly presence for students and families.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and school staff.
• Adhere to safety, compliance, and pre-employment checks as required.

Skills

Patience

Clear communication

Calm under pressure

Relationship building

Reliability

Education

Full Class 1 License

P Endorsement

Job description

Drive With Heart – Make a Difference Every Day

The Opportunity

We’re searching for Specialised School Transport Assistance (SESTA) Drivers to join our team in Westgate.

This is more than just a driving role – it’s meaningful, purpose‑led work helping tamariki arrive at school safely, calmly, and with a friendly face they know and trust. You’ll work a guaranteed 4 paid hours per day, Monday to Friday, during school terms. School holidays are yours to enjoy (except when training or development is scheduled).

Our SESTA Drivers play a vital role in supporting whānau who rely on safe, reliable transport for their children. For many families, you’ll be an important part of their daily routine and a trusted presence in their child’s day.

The Tamariki we support are at the heart of everything we do. As a SESTA Driver, you’ll be transporting children with a range of abilities, needs, and personalities, so it’s important that you can approach every child with patience, understanding, and respect. We’re looking for people who can build positive relationships, adapt to different situations, and help create a safe, calm, and supportive journey for every passenger.

If you’re calm, patient, and enjoy connecting with people, this role could be life changing for you and for the children and whānau you support every day.

About Ritchies

Ritchies Transport is one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned transport operators, providing bus and coach services across the country. Founded in 1935, the company has grown from a small family‑run business into a major player in public transport, school bus services, and charter travel.

Ritchies operates urban bus networks in several regions, including Auckland, Queenstown, and Dunedin, as well as offering long‑distance coach services and tourism transport. Known for its focus on safety, reliability, and customer service, the company plays a key role in connecting communities and supporting both daily commuters and the tourism industry.

What you offer

• Have a warm patient, and caring nature
• Enjoy helping others and giving back to your community
• Prefer predictable hours that fit around life
• Can build trust with children and families
• Stay calm under pressure
• Are committed to safety, reliability and professionalism
• Bonus – if you have already had experience with additional needs children
• Hold a full Class 1 License
• Hold a P Endorsement
• Have excellent communication skills

What we offer

• 4 paid hours per day (school days)
• Uniform provided – white shirts, jacket, vest, tie, cap and epaulettes
• Ongoing training & career development
• Supportive, friendly team culture
• A role that genuinely changes lives
• Work that fits around whānau, retirement, or other commitments

Next Steps

We’re an equal opportunity employer committed to Health and Safety. Our pre‑employment checks include Police Vetting, under the Children’s Act 2014, drug testing, reference checks, and a medical examination.

If you’re ready to Drive With Heart, apply now through the link below. Join us in making a daily difference for Tamariki and their whānau.

Candidates for this position must be in New Zealand and have the right to work in New Zealand at the time of application.