WHEN: Monday, 16 November 2026 | 12
noon–1 pm
WHERE: Public walkway
outside Kinetic City Bus Depot, 1 Gaunt Street cor. Halsey
Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
1010
ORGANISED BY: Union Network of
Migrants (UNEMIG) and United Filipino Bus Drivers
(UFBD)
WHY:
Migrant bus drivers
in Auckland will use Bus Drivers’ Appreciation Day to
highlight the uncertainty surrounding their immigration
status and their future in New Zealand.
Many were
recruited from overseas to help address bus driver
shortages. They have since helped keep Auckland’s public
transport services running while supporting their families
and building their lives here. However, uncertainty
surrounding visa security and immigration pathways has left
some drivers concerned about their ability to remain in New
Zealand and continue working.
Established by Auckland
Transport in 2022, Bus Drivers’ Appreciation Day encourages
passengers to acknowledge and thank drivers for their work.
UNEMIG and UFBD are using the occasion to highlight the
challenges facing migrant drivers and call on political
leaders to recognise their contributions.
With special
votes still being counted and final election results
expected on 27 November, the organisations are calling on
political parties and those seeking to form the next
government to address the concerns of migrant bus
drivers.
Max Santiago, Coordinator of UNEMIG,
said:
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“Appreciating bus drivers should mean
more than thanking them for their service. It should also
mean recognising their contribution and ensuring they have a
fair opportunity to continue working and building their
future in New Zealand.”
“These workers came here
when the country needed more bus drivers. They helped
address the shortage and kept public transport moving. Their
contribution should not be overlooked when decisions are
made about their future.”
Ryan De Guzman,
spokesperson for United Filipino Bus Drivers,
said:
“We came to New Zealand to work,
support our families and build a better future. We take
pride in our work and in the service we provide to
Aucklanders. But it is difficult to plan for the future when
you are uncertain whether you will be able to continue
working and living
here.”
