Ritchies Transport has established several key operations roles to support expanded services.
Robert McCoid is joining as South Canterbury Area Manager with responsibility for operations out of Ritchies Timaru depot, Pearsons Coachlines depots in Ashburton and Oamaru and Methven Travel. He has significant operational and management experience from a 37-year career with Fonterra in the South Island.
Director of Operations, Sean Hayes, says it is experience that is well matched to the work of our teams and services provided.
Auckland expansion
New Area Manager roles have also been established in South and West Auckland to provide additional leadership.
- Teams are preparing for a programme of work that will see six depot builds and upgrades and new services for those communities.
- Ritchies was awarded New Zealand’s largest ever tendered bus services contract by Auckland Transport at the start of the year, to deliver more frequent, reliable and sustainable services.
West Auckland Regional Manager Mathew Edwards was promoted having joined Ritchies as Swanson Depot Manager in November 2024. He has extensive experience in operations and customer service in New Zealand and Australia.
One of his first tasks in his new role was in the Philippines with the Recruitment Team with 250 new drivers needed to support the expanded services.
“It has been a privilege to get involved with the recruitment,” he said. “Not only are we helping to change the face of public transport in Auckland, but we have been able to change the lives of many wonderful people during our recruitment drive.”
South Auckland Area Manager, Martyn Brewer, works from our Takanini and Māngere depots.
He has a strong background in commercial and operational management, working for almost 20 years as Commercial Manager Transportation at Auckland Airport, most recently working for 7 years in Los Angeles, California, as Executive Vice President for a technology company.
“It definitely is an exciting new chapter leading a fantastic team across multiple depots,” Martyn said.
“The focus is on supporting our teams but also the customers and having a positive impact for what is one of New Zealand’s busiest and most diverse transport networks.”
Area Managers Mathew Edwards (West Auckland) Martyn Brewer (South Auckland) and Robert McCoid (South Canterbury)
