Specialised School Transport Assistance Driver

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

This role is a great fit if you:

• 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

Whether you’re semi-retired, looking for stable part-time work, wanting to make a difference, or seeking a role with purpose, you’ll thrive here.

What we offer

• Guaranteed 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.