Taupo-based startup Road Ninja is set to expand its driver employment platform and app into Australia by late January 2025.
The Road Ninja platform and app connects businesses with a network of pre-vetted, ready-to-work skilled drivers. The platform aims to address critical labour shortages head-on. Road Ninja’s Australian launch will focus on the fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining industry, a key segment of Australia’s billion dollar mining economy, which is known for offering abundant job opportunities and competitive wages.
“In its first year in New Zealand, Road Ninja onboarded over 500 drivers and 100 companies, facilitating more than $1 million in transactions. The platform has quickly become New Zealand’s largest source for driver talent, offering businesses a one-stop shop to access skilled drivers on-demand while creating valuable job opportunities for those registered,” said Bodhi Vette, CEO and Founder of Road Ninja.
“The expansion into Australia is a key part of Road Ninja’s strategic growth plan. Our initial focus will be on servicing the fly-in, fly-out driving jobs in the mining sector across Australia, leveraging our talented pool of skilled Kiwi drivers who bring extensive experience in the unique demands of this industry.
“At the same time, we’re excited to create new opportunities for Australian drivers and businesses to join the platform, address the growing demand for skilled professional drivers, and deliver significant value to both the transport and wider mining sectors. Additionally, Road Ninja will help skilled drivers access work opportunities on both sides of the Tasman, fostering greater flexibility and collaboration between the two countries.”
Drivers with relevant experience, or those willing to take on contracts requiring set periods away from home, will have the chance to work across numerous destinations throughout the country.
“Our expansion won’t be limited to one region; we’re looking to build a truly nationwide driver network, connecting people with work opportunities from the east to the west coast of Australia,” Vette said.
Differing from traditional driver-hire and recruitment models, Road Ninja’s subscription-based approach has transformed the commercial driver marketplace.
“Our subscription model marks a groundbreaking moment for the transport industry. We reimagined how companies could access driver resources by combining contract driver sourcing, job board advertising, and direct recruitment into one cost-effective, high-value platform,” said Vette.
“The result is a flexible solution that eliminates traditional recruiter fees and gives businesses complete control over their hiring needs.
“With the success we’ve seen in New Zealand, we’re confident that Australia will be the next big chapter in Road Ninja’s journey. Our platform is purpose-built to solve the challenges facing the modern transport industry, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead for both drivers and businesses.”
