Uber is coming to Whakatāne, Edgecumbe and Ōhope in late April and is looking for drivers.

Head of driver operations Uber Australia and New Zealand Daniel Lopez said the company needed at least 20 drivers to launch the service. “Then we'd look to grow from there as we grow the service.”

He said driving with Uber meant “earning on your own terms”.

Uber applicants and their cars must meet specific requirements. Prospective drivers must be at least 20, have held a full New Zealand licence for at least two years, and have a passenger endorsement.

They must also pass a police background check, be listed as an insured driver and have a car that has four doors and is less than 15 years old.

Mr Lopez said Uber supported its drivers, even offering a discount programme for fuel and EV charging.

“We regularly review ways to support driver partners as circumstances change.”

Uber is also offering an extra $1000 for new drivers after they complete 20 rides in their first 90 days as drivers. “We encourage anyone who’s interested to sign up as soon as possible, as the onboarding process can take at least three-to-four weeks.”

People can sign up to be a driver on the Uber website.

Uber Eats launched in the Eastern Bay in October 2024.