A bus driver has been hospitalised following an unprovoked assault at the Manukau Bus Interchange on Monday afternoon.
Sree Swami, who had recently started with Ritchies Transport (operating under Auckland Transport), was waiting to change routes when he was suddenly punched by a man reportedly involved in a nearby altercation. The attack left him bleeding and injured, requiring hospital treatment.
A CT scan at Middlemore Hospital confirmed a nasal fracture and extensive facial swelling. Apparently, the offender has been arrested by Police.
Mr Swami’s wife, said her husband was traumatised and is still recovering. “We just want justice and safer places for everyone. My husband loves his job and serves the community every day, he didn’t deserve this,” she said.
Despite the serious nature of the assault, the family has not yet been contacted by Victim Support. They remain grateful to a customer service staff member at the terminal who provided first aid, and to Ritchies Transport, which is continuing to support them through his recovery.
Chairman of the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime, Sunny Kaushal, personally visited the family after the incident.
“I was deeply moved by their resilience. Sree is a hardworking member of our community, and his message was clear, people should feel safe when they go to work or travel on public transport,” Mr Kaushal said.
He added that incidents like this are becoming too common at public transport hubs, where commuters and frontline workers face regular disorder and aggressive behaviour. “We urgently need stronger safety measures, visible deterrence, and better victim support,” he said.
“Our bus drivers, like retail workers and emergency responders, are the backbone of daily life in New Zealand. They deserve protection, respect, and a system that keeps them safe.”
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Statement from Chairman Sunny Kaushal
“We can’t accept that this kind of mindless violence is a normal part of life in New Zealand. We need to continue making law changes so that criminals know they cannot get away with committing crimes, and that they will be held to account for their actions.
“Crime is not just a Police matter, it’s everyone’s matter.
“Police need mates, and that means the .
“Empowering the public with citizens’ arrest provisions isn’t only about shop theft, it’s about all crimes where immediate action can prevent harm.
“It’s unbelievable that some politicians on the left tell people to stand back and do nothing.
“That’s not the Kiwi way. When we see something wrong, we step up.”TIN Bureau