Since arriving in Aotearoa more than a decade ago, Uber has changed the way Kiwis move, eat and earn – providing flexible earning opportunities for locals and transforming how people go anywhere and get anything. By making transport and delivery services more convenient, safe and accessible, Uber has made a significant contribution – both directly and indirectly – to New Zealand’s economy at a crucial time for the country.

New research from Public First, an independent global policy and research firm, reveals that Uber contributed an estimated $1.5 billion into New Zealand’s economy in 2024. This figure reflects the direct, indirect and induced value created by Uber and Uber Eats. This comes at a time when many New Zealanders are grappling with high living costs and looking for flexible ways to earn, while local industries like tourism and hospitality work hard to bounce back and grow.

Enabling greater inclusion for New Zealanders and how they want to work

For Kiwis earning through Uber, flexibility remains most important. Whether it’s the ability to work around other caregiving responsibilities or to pick up a few extra hours when needed, this flexibility is valued at an estimated $260 million. It’s what makes earning with Uber an appealing option for many – from students, to retirees, entrepreneurs, and people between jobs.

A driver on the Uber platform from Canterbury shares that the most important reason he uses the Uber app is, “The freedom to choose my hours and earn a little extra to cover my family expenses.”

For most, choosing how and when to work is central to how they earn with Uber. More than 70% of drivers and delivery people spend fewer than 20 hours a week on the platform. For 86% of drivers and delivery people, the main appeal is being able to juggle other responsibilities, while one in three use Uber as a secondary source of income. 

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber Australia and New Zealand, said: “Every day, Kiwis use the Uber app to fit work around their lives, not the other way round. This research shows how these opportunities have a meaningful impact, supporting people to earn flexibly, boost their incomes and get ahead.” 

Katherine Rich, Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, added: “Uber has played a significant role in shaping New Zealand’s gig economy and providing unique, flexible work opportunities to tens of thousands of Kiwis. The company’s broader economic contributions are testament to the positive impact a thriving gig economy can make across a number of sectors that are critical to our national economy – from tourism and entertainment to dining, retail and beyond.”

Boosting local business, tourism and entertainment 

A thriving network of drivers and delivery people has allowed Uber to grow its footprint across New Zealand, contributing to regional economies through business, hospitality, tourism and entertainment. 

In 2024, restaurants and merchants on the Uber Eats platform – from Kiwis’ favourite fish and chip shops to local corner dairies – generated an estimated $120 million in additional revenue through Uber Eats orders that they wouldn’t have otherwise. The app also connects local businesses with new customers. Seventy percent of Uber Eats users say the app helped them discover new restaurants, and 58% went on to visit those restaurants in person. 

The platform’s impact extends to tourism as well. In 2024, riders used Uber more than 2.8 million times to travel to and from airports across New Zealand. Partnerships with Christchurch and Wellington airports launched in the past year have helped make airport travel even more seamless. Uber’s presence also helps to bring tourist spending power to local businesses, driving an estimated $67 million in additional economic activity last year. 

Whether it’s a trip to a concert, sports match or night out, Uber is part of how Kiwis move about their daily lives, with one in three adults using Uber to attend a film, show or sporting event in the past year. The platform also created an estimated added value of $21 million for the night-time economy. 

Andy Bowie, General Manager of Uber Eats New Zealand, said: “Uber’s impact reaches far beyond a ride or a meal. It’s about connecting people to the businesses, events and experiences that make up our local communities – and opening up more ways for Kiwi businesses to reach additional new customers. This reciprocal nature makes the platform a powerful tool to boost industries and our small business economy while remaining convenient for how Kiwis want to live their everyday lives.” 

Marisa Bidois, Chief Executive at the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, added: “Uber Eats has had a notable impact on the New Zealand hospitality sector. It’s made ordering more convenient for consumers, opened up new revenue streams for businesses and helped grow the takeaway and delivery market at a time when adaptability has been crucial for survival.”

Minimising harm to support safer roads and improving access

Uber is helping to create safer roads and improve transport access across New Zealand by providing reliable alternative travel options so people can make safe, convenient choices. Eighty-two percent of riders cite safety as a key reason they use the app, while 73% of adults agree it helps to reduce drink driving. The platform also supports public transport, with one in seven trips connecting with buses, trains or ferries – especially during off-peak hours and in underserved areas. 

For many Kiwis, Uber helps make travel safer and more convenient. 64% of female riders say the app gives them greater confidence to travel alone. More than half of riders say they’ve used Uber after consuming alcohol in the past year, making safer choices possible. 

Supporting greener choices 

As Kiwis and visitors look for more sustainable ways to move, Uber is helping enable greener choices for riders. As of the last quarter of 2024, five percent of all kilometres driven via Uber were in electric vehicles. Forty percent of riders reported that their first ride in an electric vehicle took place on the Uber platform. Moreover, by providing reliable alternatives to private car ownership, Uber is helping reduce the number of vehicles on the road. It’s estimated that ridesharing with Uber helps an estimated 33,000 households forgo the need for a car. 

The platform is also investing in helping drivers and merchants shift to more sustainable options. A $7.5 million investment is supporting drivers to switch to EVs through a 50% reduction in service fees, with 750 partners already signed up to benefit. One in four driver partners say earning through Uber made them more likely to switch to an EV. 

For merchants, Uber is investing $10 million across two years to help merchants across the Tasman adopt more sustainable takeaway packaging options and is rolling out a localised framework to support better, more informed decisions from restaurants on the app. 

Contributing to Aotearoa, one trip and delivery at a time 

For more than 10 years, Uber has been committed to transforming the way people move, earn and eat across Aotearoa while supporting the country’s economic growth.

This research demonstrates the platform’s contribution continues to be significant for the country – from creating flexible earning opportunities and boosting local economies, to supporting small businesses and sustainable transport options. Uber is an integral part of Aotearoa’s economy, supporting livelihoods, businesses and communities today and into the future. 

The full report by Public First, including its methodology, can be found here.