News & Updates.
OCTOBER 2026
JW Group is taking another step towards sustainability by transitioning to digital workshop processes, reducing paper consumption and improving operational efficiency across New Zealand.
GOING PAPERLESS
SEPTEMBER 2026
Karori depot in Wellington has completed its transition to electric operations, with 15 charging stations now supporting a fleet of electric light vehicles operating on Metlink’s Route 2.
KARORI DEPOT GOES ELECTRIC
2026
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“We’re going paperless!”
JW Group is taking another step towards sustainability by transitioning to digital workshop processes, reducing paper consumption and improving operational efficiency across New Zealand.As part of this initiative, we're rolling out a new digital system across our workshops, replacing traditional paper-based job sheets, service checklists and other documentation. With the goal of becoming fully paperless by early 2027, we estimate that this transition could save approximately 30,000 sheets of paper annually, helping to reduce waste and associated emissions while supporting our commitment to more sustainable operations.
“Kinetic begins major Dunedin expansion with 37 new electric buses and new Ōamaru service”Dunedin’s electric bus network is expanding with 37 new zero-emission buses and upgraded charging infrastructure at Go Bus’s Portsmouth Drive depot.
The depot now features the South Island’s first overhead gantry charging system, alongside ground-mounted chargers, with capacity to charge up to 38 electric buses at once. The gantry system also uses around 25% less space than traditional ground-mounted charging, helping maximise depot capacity as electric fleets grow.
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“How Kinetic’s Karori depot in Wellington went quietly electric”
Karori depot in Wellington has completed its transition to electric operations, with 15 charging stations now supporting a fleet of electric light vehicles operating on Metlink’s Route 2.
The depot upgrade was delivered while services continued to operate, with the charging infrastructure also designed to accommodate the future arrival of electric articulated vehicles. The project highlights how depot electrification is helping prepare public transport networks for the next stage of zero-emission fleet growth, while delivering practical operational benefits including reduced non-service travel and lower depot noise.
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“More than buses: the infrastructure behind public transport transformation”
The transition to zero-emission public transport involves far more than introducing new buses. Behind every electric fleet is a network of charging infrastructure, depot upgrades, power supply, maintenance systems and operational planning.
A key part of this infrastructure is overhead gantry charging, which allows multiple buses to charge within the same depot footprint. With the latest gantry system taking shape at Auckland’s City depot, the technology is becoming an increasingly important part of New Zealand’s growing electric bus network.
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“Kinetic officially opens Victoria’s first overhead gantry-charged zero-emission bus depot”
A major milestone for zero-emission public transport in Melbourne, with the new Preston depot featuring innovative overhead gantry charging infrastructure and supporting the rollout of 58 zero-emission buses. The gantry system maximises depot space while enabling efficient charging for a growing electric bus fleet.
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“Kinetic New Zealand unveils the country’s first lightweight electric double-decker bus”
Kinetic New Zealand is proud to announce the arrival of the country’s first lightweight electric double-decker bus. Developed through a strategic partnership between global automotive innovator Geely and Kinetic, this groundbreaking vehicle represents a major step forward in sustainable public transport and is set to enter service with Environment Canterbury as part of a trial. -
“A major milestone at Kinetic Glenfield depot in Auckland, with its electrification journey now complete and 31 new zero emission buses in service, replacing 31 diesel buses”
The newly electrified depot features seven ground-mounted charging points alongside New Zealand’s first-of-its-kind large-scale overhead gantry charging system, allowing multiple buses to charge efficiently, safely, and at scale within the existing depot footprint.
Glenfield is Kinetic’s fifth electrified depot in Auckland, joining New Lynn, Panmure, Māngere, and the City depot. Together, these five sites support 174 zero-emission buses, more than two-thirds of Auckland’s current electric fleet, with 19% of the city’s total bus fleet now electric.“As part of a partnership with AT, Kinetic’s Glenfield bus depot has gone electric”
A major upgrades to support a growing electric fleet, enabling the rollout of 31 brand new zero emission buses.
The depot now features:
- Seven ground-mounted charging points
- A first-of-its-kind in New Zealand large-scale overhead gantry charging system, for efficient space-saving charging
Glenfield is now the fifth Kinetic depot in Auckland to be electrified, joining New Lynn, Panmure, Māngere and the City depot. Together, these five sites service a fleet of 174 zero emission buses.
These new buses will be used on several of our bus routes, including 82, 923 and 924. From later this year, each of these routes will be entirely operated by zero emissions buses, and along with eight other fully electric routes already running, helping to provide cleaner and quieter journeys around Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.This important milestone marks Invercargill City Council’s move toward a fully electric urban fleet.
The depot and charging infrastructure were completed in October ahead of schedule, with seven brand-new Geely C10E zero-emission buses now ready for service.
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“Celebrating official opening of Go Bus Dunedin Depot”
This modern, purpose-built facility has been designed to support a growing fleet and deliver sustainable, reliable public transport for the region.
The new depot brings together operations and maintenance under one roof, featuring advanced workshop facilities and infrastructure to support the city’s expanding zero-emissions bus network.“Dunedin Buses have new home!”
Otago Regional Council helped Go Bus officially open their new Dunedin depot on Portsmouth Drive – a big move from the old site opposite Kensington Oval on Princes Street.
The new depot has been purposely designed in a way to support the growing Dunedin bus fleet, featuring:
• A workshop that can service six buses at a time
• Paint spray booth
• 50,000 L diesel tank and refuelling area
• Electric bus charging
• A bus wash that recycles 80% of its water
• Improved driver facilities and office space -
Launch of newest service: Orbus On Demand.
Orbus On Demand is a rideshare service offering a new way for locals to travel within the Mosgiel, Wingatui, East Taieri and Kinmont areas — a small 22-seat wheelchair-accessible electric bus. The service is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm for people to book via an app or phone.
The ceremony at the Go Bus depot in Mosgiel in style in a new large 75-passenger electric bus – one of 13 new electric buses for Mosgiel routes that are also starting Monday. -
“The first 75-passenger electric bus has hit the road in Mosgiel”
This is the first of 13 new zero-emission vehicles arriving by July to power a cleaner, smarter public transport network for the region. The new fleet includes six large EVs, six standard electric buses, and a 22-seat, wheelchair-accessible vehicle for a new On Demand service launching later this year.
With upgraded depot infrastructure already in place, and driver training well underway, this rollout marks a major step in our journey in supporting long-term emissions reduction goals for public transport. -
“EV Buses arrived at Christchurch International Airport”
Two Geely electric buses to support the airport’s new Park & Ride service has arrived in Christchurch International Airport. These zero-emission vehicles mark a step forward in sustainable transport, offering passengers a clean, quiet, and efficient ride between the carpark and terminal.
2025
2024
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“Mosgiel bus service set to expand with 13 new electric buses”
The local bus service is expanding with the addition of 13 brand-new electric buses, marking a major step forward in sustainable public transport. The zero-emission vehicles will help reduce carbon emissions, lower noise pollution, and provide a smoother, cleaner ride for passengers.
“13 new Zero Emissions Buses for Otago Regional Council to cover southern routes more sustainably”Kinetic has announced the addition of 13 new zero-emission buses (ZEBs) to the Otago Regional Council’s fleet. These electric buses will service southern routes more efficiently while cutting down emissions and improving air quality for local communities.
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“How JW Group and Z Energy are progressing the transition to electric buses”
Z Energy’s latest case study highlights ongoing partnership between Z Energy and JW Group to accelerate the electrification of fleets across New Zealand.
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“Celebrating the acceleration into an electric bus future”
Environment Canterbury (ECAN) has significantly advanced sustainable public transport by introducing 21 new electric buses to the Greater Christchurch fleet. This addition increases the total number of electric vehicles to 65, making 26% of the urban bus fleet electric.
“West Auckland home to Australasia’s largest all-electric bus depot”
Operated by Kinetic Auckland, this state-of-the-art facility supports a growing fleet of electric buses, helping to significantly reduce emissions and promote cleaner, quieter public transport. -
“Significant impact on emissions expected with new electric buses”
The Otago Regional Council has announced a major step forward with the rollout of new electric buses, expected to have a significant impact on emissions across the region. These zero-emission buses will improve air quality, reduce noise, and support the council’s commitment to a more sustainable transport system.
2023
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“Kinetic powering ahead with Auckland electric bus transformation”
Kinetic is powering ahead with its electric bus transformation, and next year marks a major milestone with the delivery of 42 new electric buses—further accelerating the city’s shift toward zero-emission travel. These new additions will boost capacity, reduce emissions, and improve the passenger experience across Auckland.
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“Transdev Deploys 3 Electric Buses in Auckland”
Transdev has deployed 3 new electric buses in Auckland, marking another positive step toward a cleaner, more sustainable public transport network. These zero-emission vehicles will reduce both carbon emissions and noise pollution, enhancing the daily commute for passengers.
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“Driving real change: 20 percent of Metro's bus fleet now zero-emission”
With the delivery of 16 new electric buses, Environment Canterbury (ECAN) has reached an exciting milestone—20% of the Metro urban bus fleet is now zero-emission. This shift marks a major step toward a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable transport future for the region.
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“Wellington Airport Express is a great success”
The Wellington Airport Express, operated by Transdev, has been a resounding success, offering passengers a fast, reliable, and sustainable connection between the city and the airport. With a growing number of travelers choosing this service, it's proving to be a smart solution for reducing congestion and lowering emissions.
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“Transdev Deploys 3 Electric Buses in Auckland”
Transdev has deployed 3 new electric buses in Auckland, marking another positive step toward a cleaner, more sustainable public transport network. These zero-emission vehicles will reduce both carbon emissions and noise pollution, enhancing the daily commute for passengers.
2022
2021
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“New fleet of electric buses to service Wellington airport route”
A new fleet of electric buses is now servicing the Wellington Airport route, offering passengers a clean, quiet, and modern travel experience between the city and the terminal. This initiative marks another important step in reducing emissions and building a more sustainable public transport system for the capital.