Global Leaders' Summit 2025: Connecting, Growing, and Inspiring in Auckland

Auckland proudly hosted Kinetic’s second annual Global Leaders' Summit, welcoming colleagues from across New Zealand, Australia and the UK for an event focused on connection, international growth, and community impact. 

The event commenced with a pōwhiri, setting the stage for a summit rich in cultural exchange and collaboration. Calum Haslop, Kinetic’s Managing Director New Zealand, responded to the traditional Māori welcome and expressed his pride in hosting the event. 

“It’s all about connection—bringing people together from different parts of Kinetic around the world,” Mr Haslop said. “We’re all in the same game, but in very different environments, and learning from each other helps us see the bigger picture.” 

The event was all about 'Playing a Bigger Game'—a theme challenging leaders to anticipate and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of excellence, innovation, and progress in coming years. 

Renowned mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka—who spent decades with the New Zealand All Blacks—delivered a compelling keynote address emphasising the significance of staying grounded, present, and mentally prepared to perform well in big-game situations. 

A panel also shared experiences from global exchange opportunities in the 12 months since the inaugural summit in Melbourne last year. This included Cath Newman, Kinetic’s Head of Talent and Careers – Australia, who reflected on her time in Singapore and London, highlighting some insights gained through international collaboration.

The stories led to a discussion around having ‘strength on the bench’—and the importance of developing future leaders globally. It acknowledged the fundamental importance of driving workforce diversity, equality and inclusion to ensure the sector would sustain and thrive. 

Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Go-Ahead’s South-West UK operations, summed up the summit: "Hearing people’s stories, sharing ideas, and that cross-pollination of perspectives has been so valuable,” he said. 

“These last two days have given me real insight into the intent, drive, ambition, and care of the leadership team—and I’m buzzing about the future."

Ailish Swinbank, General Manager Property – New Zealand, noted that the summit provided not only key connections but also deeper context in understanding the essence of Kinetic’s mission, having joined the company within the last 12 months. 

"I had no idea about the community and social engagement side or the global reach of Kinetic,” she said. The knowledge shared here has been incredible, coming from so many different businesses and perspectives. As someone new, I’m excited to bring those ideas together in a fresh way."

Auckland is a location central to Kinetic’s leadership in the Australasian market. The city is home to the region’s largest all-electric bus depot which Kinetic built in partnership with Auckland Transport in 2024—one of 13 electric depot facilities powering a fleet of over 300 zero emission buses across Australia and New Zealand.

“This year’s summit has been incredible and having it here in Auckland has made it even more special,” Mr Haslop said.

Louise Cheeseman, internationally respected transport figure and current Go-Ahead Non-Executive Board Member, reflected on the event’s theme, emphasising the importance of the vision starting with the people.  

“People are our most important asset and this last day and a half has proven that we’re better together," Ms Cheeseman said. “Bringing people from across the globe into one room to share ideas and best practices is powerful—if we get this right, we can move mountains.”

Kinetic is the largest bus operator in Australia and New Zealand, and majority owner of UK-based transport company Go-Ahead which operates bus and rail services in London and regional England, the Nordics, Ireland and Singapore. 

The event was also the backdrop to present Go-Ahead’s recently announced expansion plans for the Australasian rail market, fresh after winning the contracts to operate London’s Elizabeth line and Stockholm Metro. 

Further enquiries

Barrett Gibson
Head of Marketing & Communications
+61 (0)424 647 488 
barrett.gibson@wearekinetic.com