Celebrating the women driving Kinetic's success
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women keeping Kinetic moving—on the road, in depots, and in leadership roles. It’s a time to recognise their talent, reflect on the progress made, and reaffirm our commitment to diversity.
Kinetic aims to achieve workforce gender equality by 2030. While progress has been made, there is still work to do. Initiatives like Women Up Front – Trainee Bus Driver program and the Future CEO program create pathways for women to enter, grow, and lead in transport.
Sophie Mackintosh – Group Financial Controller, Auckland
Based in Auckland, Sophie joined Kinetic five years ago on a short-term contract to implement a new system. She quickly advanced to Finance Manager and now Group Financial Controller in NZ.
“Both of these promotions were big moments for me. I saw it as a reflection of my hard work, and the confidence my leaders had in me. When I progressed to my current role, I was also proud to offer a team member the opportunity to step up.”
Throughout her career at Kinetic, Sophie has valued a strong work-life balance and supportive leadership.
“I have a young son, and I’m able to manage priorities and appointments like childcare. My manager, Reegan Pearce, has been a great leadership example and supported my transition back from maternity leave—it’s been a very warm and welcoming experience.”
While she hasn’t felt held back in the industry, she notes there could be more women in senior leadership.
“My team is entirely women, but most leaders above me are men. That hasn’t restricted my growth, but I would love to have a female mentor in finance.”
Kinetic launched its Future CEO program in 2023, fostering the growth and development of female leadership over an 18-month period. One graduate is now managing the company’s Sunshine Coast operations.
Nik Mackenzie – Operations Manager, Auckland
Overseeing Roskill and Onehunga depots with a team of approximately 300, Nik plays a key role in keeping Auckland’s buses on the road.
“I handle employment and industrial matters, liaise with Auckland Transport, and work closely with our team in the office, workshop, and on the road. I love the diversity of my job, I love the challenge of it, and I love working with the team—I take my hat off to them."
Nik has worked with buses for 25 years, starting as one of Belfast’s first female drivers.
“‘It was quite a novelty at the time. Passengers would board, double take, and go, ‘Oh, it's a woman!’ We have come a long way from that point, but there’s more work to do.”
Kinetic’s Women Up Front – Trainee Bus Driver program, launched in 2023, has already recruited nearly 450 female drivers in Australia and recently expanded to New Zealand.
“We’ve had about 13 applicants so far. It’s important to ensure the program entices women, with hours that work around childcare and other responsibilities.”
One of Nik’s most memorable days was being recognised by a veteran driver.
“When I returned a bus to the depot, an older driver said to me, ‘I followed you the whole way here and your driving was impeccable’.” That really instilled a lot of confidence in me.”
Lauren Robinson – Bus Driver, Hobart
A recent graduate of the Women Up Front program, Lauren moved from Melbourne and transitioned from a 20-year career in accounting to drive for SkyBus in Hobart.
“It's quite a big change - you couldn't get more different – but the training was brilliant and a supportive process.”
As a new driver in the industry, Lauren is aware there could a greater number of women in driver roles.
“There are 13 drivers in our team, and only two of us are women. But that hasn‘t affected how I'm treated. Compared to my time in automotive, which felt like a boys’ club, this industry has been far more inclusive.”
Lauren came to Kinetic without any heavy vehicle experience or knowledge of the Hobart streets, but after 6 months on the road she is enjoying the independence and responsibility.
“Every day is a learning experience. I've got the best view from my office that I've ever had.”
Talya Garrett – People Experience Specialist, Gold Coast
With a background in business, government and construction HR, Talya plays a key role in employee engagement and experience at Kinetic.
“I really like sharing my frontline HR experience with leaders and helping them feel more confident in managing and growing teams.”
One particular achievement was revitalising a team struggling with culture.
“We held an interactive meeting to find the root cause of the issue, and then 8 weeks later, they told me, ‘We realised we could recreate our culture, and now we all love coming to work’. That was such a pivotal moment for me.”
As a single mum of two, Talya appreciates Kinetic’s support for working parents.
“My mornings are often a whirlwind trying to get my kids to school. But one of the things I really love about Kinetic is how supportive they've been for my family situation.”
“I've had incredible women leaders like Madonna Hegerty, Fiona Petty and Maria Bicchi, and fantastic support from male colleagues as well.”
Talya is thrilled about the industry’s transformation and supporting women in a new career.
“We’re selling the dream of a new career to women, and setting them up for success, and I feel like that's an amazing change to be a part of and I get quite excited about it.”
To all the women who keep Kinetic moving—thank you. Your contributions are invaluable, and we celebrate you today and every day.
Further enquiries
Loni Jeffs
Communications Specialist
loni.jeffs@wearekinetic.com