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Ritchies Transport

Nationwide bus, school, and tour operator

Port Coordinator - Cruise Operations

Full-Time
No salary listed
Mid
Swanson, Auckland, New Zealand
In PersonApplicants must be in New Zealand and have the legal right to work in New Zealand at application.
Vehicle Operation & Delivery

About the job

Requirements
  • Strong communication and organisational skills.
  • The ability to stay calm and proactive in high-pressure situations.
  • A customer-first attitude and professional approach.
  • A full New Zealand driver’s licence is required.
  • Flexibility to work around cruise schedules, including early starts or varied hours.
  • Applicants must be in New Zealand and have the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application.
Responsibilities
  • Coordinate transport operations on cruise ship days, from vehicle arrivals to passenger departures.
  • Allocate buses and support drivers to ensure all vehicles are clean, ready and on time.
  • Liaise with IDNZ staff, port security and other partners to keep operations moving smoothly.
  • Be the main point of contact for drivers, offering clear instructions and support.
  • Manage on-site logistics, including luggage handling, crowd flow and schedule updates.
  • Maintain a strong focus on passenger safety and customer experience.
  • Report operational updates and performance feedback to the Operations Manager.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in transport, logistics or event coordination is preferred.
  • First Aid training is desirable.

About the company

Ritchies Transport is a large New Zealand transport operator that runs public transit services, nationwide school bus operations, and tourism charters. It grew from a single Temuka bus in 1935 by acquiring many local bus lines, building a nationwide fleet of over 1,600 vehicles and sustaining a family-owned business for decades. Today, it operates primarily through contracts with cities for public transport, school run networks, and charter work, leveraging its extensive, multi-service fleet. The company differentiates itself by its long history, scale achieved through a series of regional acquisitions, and, since 2021, ownership by KKR with the Ritchie family retaining a stake to preserve continuity and focus on long-term infrastructure and greener transport solutions. The goal is to support New Zealand’s public transport network while accelerating the transition to greener transportation options.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded

1935

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Ritchies opened Māngere depots in 2025, supporting 102 electric buses and 250 staff.
  • Auckland Transport said 175 new electric buses join west and south Auckland routes by 2026.
  • Ritchies appointed Scott Thorne CEO on 17 August 2026, restoring operational leadership.

What critics are saying

  • KKR's unresolved sale process creates strategic drift after Michele Kernahan's August 2026 exit.
  • Auckland driver assaults and Whangārei rock-throwing incidents expose daily safety and reputational damage.
  • Failing Auckland's electrification rollout would wreck AT trust and end future contract wins.

What makes Ritchies Transport unique

  • Ritchies runs New Zealand's largest bus network, spanning urban, school, charter, and tourism.
  • Auckland Transport's 2025 nine-year, $1.068 billion contract makes Ritchies a dominant urban operator.
  • Zenobē depots and GIRO HASTUS give Ritchies integrated electrification and scheduling capability.

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Benefits

  • Training Programs
  • Professional Development Budget

Company News

NZ Herald
Sep 28th, 2024
Greenline Motors sold for $19.5M

Allen and Sharon Fretwell, owners of Greenline Motors, sold their bus company to Ritchies for $19.5 million. The Fretwells took over the business in 1991, expanding it to a fleet of 52 buses. Allen, with a background in transport, converted older buses to diesel and documented every transaction. At 73 and facing health issues, Allen decided to sell when approached by KKR on behalf of Ritchies.