The Society exists to “foster an intelligent interest in road passenger transport” - in short we are “busnuts”.
The Society grew out of the late lamented OMNIBUS BULLETIN, which served to bring together a number of like minded individuals, some of who knew of each other, and others who thought they were “the only bus enthusiast in New Zealand”.
First there was the Morris Commercial, and then there was 3583 and now there are more than 30 buses in our collection (see Fleet page). These keep those of us of a more practical bent occupied – with restoration, operation and ongoing repairs and maintenance.
Others are more sedate in their passion, and collect information and photos of buses and coaches, documenting the make up of both the national fleet and individual operators. Its quite remarkable how fast things change when you look back, but don’t notice at the time!
Both interest sections come together to ride buses, visit depots, and meet socially - often with guest speakers who can widen our knowledge of an industry which is vital to the efficient functioning of New Zealand’s larger cities – and is enjoying a resurgence in some of the smaller ones as well. The industry in which we share an interest is also a vital part of the tourism industry, which makes a major contribution to our country’s economic performance.
Our main operating base is at Karori Bus Depot in Darwin Street, Karori, Wellington. Number 12, 17 & 18 buses go right past on Karori Road - but you won’t notice was we are under a large block of flats on the right as you travel down towards Karori Park. The giveaway is the trolley overhead which disappears off to your right just past the BP service station, and reappears some 800m further on. If you are travelling by bus you get off at the Catholic Church stop, cross the road and head down Eagle St till you come to the trolley wire again - follow it and you will find us - if the yard gate is closed (evenings & weekends) just keep going along the road till you meet the wire again. If there is anyone working at the depot this gate will be open. As noted earlier Tuesday evenings are our usual work nights, but members can often be found working onsite at all sorts of odd times. If you want to visit contact us in advance. This is especially important of you wish to visit our off site storage areas, which are secure and not open to unaccompanied visitors.
Each Tuesday evening from 7-30pm sees the workforce embark on the myriad tasks that are necessary to get old vehicles back on the road and stay there.Visitors are welcome but we have noticed that when we do have visitors the work rate drops as the chat increases.
We also try to hold at least one other event each
month. These can be tours in vehicles of interest, visits to depots, or social gatherings. There we have visiting
speakers, films, videos and Natter Nights. 2005 activities have been a trip in 3583 to Plimmerton, incorporating a
visit Drapers Earthmoving amd Main Line Steam and an evening at the Old Time Cinema. Activities planned for 2007 are
Club President and information requests:
obnz@paradise.net.nz
Webmaster:
Mike Butler mbutler@ihug.co.nz
Membership fees are $25 waged, $12.50 non-waged each calendar year. Membership forms can be
obtained from:
The Treasurer, The Omnibus Society,Or click here to download
30 Abilene Cres, Churton Park, Wellington
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