International rideshare company Uber is coming to Whangārei and is looking for drivers to sign up.
International rideshare company Uber is coming to Whangārei and is looking for drivers to sign up.
International rideshare company Uber is coming to Whangārei as part of a regional expansion across New Zealand.
This week, Uber is launching an appeal for drivers in Whangārei, plus Gisborne, Whanganui and Invercargill. It plans to launch in all four centres in about four weeks’ time.
Whangārei locals have beenasking for the rideshare company, said Dan Lopez, Uber Australia and New Zealand strategic supply and expansion lead.
“We’ve heard from the Whangārei community who are keen for more convenient and reliable ways to get around, and we’re now one step closer to making that possible.”
Uber will be complementary to existing transport options already in Whangārei, such as taxis and buses, he said.
Exact details about how rural the service will go and when it will launch are still to be worked out, and in part depend on local drivers signing up, Lopez said.
A minimum of 20 local drivers will be needed, with more later on as the service expands, he said.
Those interested need to have a car newer than 15 years old, undertake online training and get a P-class endorsement.
In return, drivers will be able to work flexibly and can fit Uber driving around other work or study commitments, Lopez said.
Uber is currently fighting in the Supreme Court to overturn a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that classified four of its drivers as employees. The company is arguing its drivers are contractors.
Dan Lopez from Uber Australia and New Zealand says Whangārei locals will have a convenient way to get around and potentially earn money as a driver.
Lopez said while the specifics of the court case are outside his area of focus, drivers have told Uber they really value the flexibility to work whenever they want.
Uber also provides safety features for both drivers and passengers, such as not having to carry cash around and not having to give directions, as all of this is handled through the app, he said.
Morningside resident Rachel Anderson, who is unable to drive because of a disability, said she will definitely use Uber along with taxis.
But services have since improved and she has formed a close bond with many of the regular drivers, she said.
Tiana Epati from Uncle Billz Taxi Company (right) has been leading the way for local taxi companies, including working with Brent Markwick from Semenoff Stadium. Photo / Denise Piper
Anderson thought having Uber as an option would be good for taxi drivers too, as they can come under a lot of demand at peak times.
Tiana Epati from Uncle Billz Taxi Company also said local taxis have a good relationship with their customers.
She encouraged locals to continue using the local companies, where money stays in the district.
“With Uber, you’ve got to question how much the drivers are getting, especially in this [financial] climate.”
Lopez and the Uber team will be holding an information event for locals wanting to be drivers on Wednesday, July 30, from 3pm to 5pm at NorthChamber.
But Epati said Uncle Billz is also looking for drivers and she encouraged them to call 021 161 3100 for more details.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
