For Paul Irwin and Fiona Gates, purchasing Raglan Shuttle wasn’t simply about adding another business to their portfolio – it was about investing in a service they believe plays an important role in the future of Raglan.
Already owners of the Harbour View Hotel, the couple saw an opportunity to combine transport, tourism and hospitality in a way that better serves both the local community and the growing number of visitors choosing Raglan as a destination.
“We’ve always believed that great communities are built around great local businesses,” Paul says. “Raglan Shuttle has an excellent reputation, and we saw the opportunity to build on that while creating a sustainable transport business for the future.”
Today, Raglan Shuttle provides airport transfers, local transport, ACC transport, school runs, charter services, group bookings and rental vehicles, with a focus on providing reliable, friendly service for locals and visitors alike.
For Fiona, the acquisition was also about creating stronger connections across the businesses they already operate.
“The transport business complements what we’re already doing through the Harbour View Hotel,” she says. “We work closely with visitors, local events and the tourism sector, so being able to offer transport alongside accommodation, hospitality and experiences just felt like a natural progression. It also creates opportunities to support other local businesses by helping visitors get out and explore everything our region has to offer.”
The couple already have several new initiatives underway. Plans are progressing for a Friday and Saturday night taxi service, helping people enjoy Raglan’s hospitality safely, while work is also underway on a range of local tour packages expected to launch from September ahead of the busy summer season.
“There’s so much more we can offer than simply getting people from A to B,” Paul says. “We want to showcase Raglan through transport, whether that’s airport transfers, local tours, rentals, event transport or helping people discover some of the incredible attractions throughout the district.”
Like many transport businesses around New Zealand, recruiting drivers remains one of the biggest challenges.
“We’d genuinely love to hear from local people looking for flexible or part-time work,” Paul says. “Retirees, semi-retired people or anyone wanting a few extra hours each week could be a great fit. It’s rewarding work and a fantastic way to stay connected with the community.”
Fiona agrees that people will ultimately be what drives the business forward, noting that a P endorsement is needed for anyone looking to join the team.
“We’re fortunate to have Paul leading the business day-to-day alongside Claudia Arevalo, with support from others during the transition,” she says. “The response from the community has been incredibly positive, and that’s given us confidence that we’re heading in the right direction.”
For both Paul and Fiona, the most rewarding part has been investing in another business that directly benefits the community they call home.
“Our vision is simple,” Paul says. “We want Raglan Shuttle to become a sustainable, reliable transport solution that supports locals, visitors, ACC clients, schools, events, tourism and our growing rental fleet for many years to come.”
To learn more, book an airport transfer, shuttle, charter or rental vehicle, or enquire about upcoming tours, call 0800 825 8125 visit www.raglanshuttle.co.nz or follow Raglan Shuttle on Facebook.
As Raglan continues to grow, Paul, Fiona and the team are excited to help keep the community moving with friendly, dependable and proudly local transport.
