Nimon and Sons: GM takes new job after future of Hawke's Bay bus company uncertain

Nimon and Sons general manager Katie Nimon (right). Photo / Paul Taylor

The general manager of long-standing Hawke's Bay bus company Nimon and Sons has landed a new full-time job with Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

Nimon and Sons general manager Katie Nimon has confirmed she is stepping down from the position of the family-run business and taking up a new job with the council.

It comes just three months after the future of Nimon and Sons became uncertain.

The family-owned company - best known for its recognisable Nimon-branded buses - lost a major bus contract earlier this year to continue operating school buses in the region.

The 12-year Ministry of Education contract was won by another company Tranzit, from 2022 onward.

"Without international tourism and school transport the future of Nimons remains uncertain," Nimon said.

"So while I'll no longer be the general manager for Nimons, I have the full support of my family to take on this regional role (with the council)."

Nimon and Sons has been operating in Hawke's Bay for 116 years.

Nimon buses have become synonymous with Hawke's Bay.

This week, Hawke's Bay Regional Council revealed that Nimon was joining the council in the role of transport manager.

"I'm very excited to join Hawke's Bay Regional Council as their transport manager, and I plan to work hard to achieve their vision of a transport network that fosters a vibrant, accessible and sustainable carbon neutral Hawke's Bay.

"I have no doubt that my experience as an operator will be helpful, but I'm most looking forward to the exciting plans that the region has, like on-demand transport, to better connect its community."

The role is a full-time position.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council general manager policy and regulation Katrina Brunton said it was great to have her join the council.

Hawke's Bay Today spoke with Nimon last week about the future of the bus company.

Nimon said there was nothing official to report and the company's priority was ''ensuring that our affected staff are looked after" during the transition of the school bus contract.

Nimon and Sons has operated in Hawke's Bay since 1905 and has remained in the Nimon family since.

The business originated in Havelock North but its depot and main office is now based in Whakatu, with additional depots in Napier and Taupō.

According to its website, Nimon and Sons has a fleet of 120 vehicles ranging from five to 65-seaters.

Katie Nimon has gathered political campaign experience in the past two years, standing as the National party candidate in the 2020 general election.

Nimon lost by 5856 votes to Labour's Stuart Nash.