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Helping to build the future of Uber
Whether you're getting people to the places they need to be or helping them get home safely, as a driver-partner, you help keep your communities moving. And you know the day-to-day of driving on the Uber app better than anyone.
Launched in 2023 with RPS Group, the Advisory Forums allow members of the driver-partner community to give feedback and share ideas how we can make Uber the best platform to earn with in New Zealand.
In 2025–2026, there will again be four forums over two years. Advisors will have an opportunity to give feedback, share their ideas for solutions and advocate for the interests of their fellow driver-partners. Advisors help shape the topics discussed, to make sure we're focusing on the things that matter most to you.
Meet your advisors for 2025–2026
Advisors have been chosen by RPS Group (based on selection criteria approved by Uber) from over 600 submissions to represent the diverse voices of driver-partners earning on the Uber platform.
*Quotes from the advisors have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Paul, Auckland
'I really enjoy the interaction with the public and the different people that I’ve come across. I would really appreciate to have the opportunity to be a part of the Advisory Forum so that I can be a voice on behalf of Auckland driver-partners.'
Arti, Christchurch
'I joined the Uber Advisory Forum to help shape a better experience for both driver-partners and riders by sharing real insights from the road. Being part of the forum allows me to represent the voices of local driver-partners and contribute to meaningful improvements.'
Robin, Hamilton
'I applied to be an advisor because I felt I wanted to assist in creating positive change for all drivers using the platform. I also saw it as an opportunity to increase communication and understanding between the drivers and Uber.'
Nee, Wellington
'Being able to voice and represent driver-partners in Wellington actually means something to me because I would like to see more improvement happening on the road in Wellington area'
Sukhpreet, Auckland
'The main reason to be an advisor is simply to bring the voice from Uber driver-partners to Uber management – to fill in the gap to make sure what we experience on the ground level can be shared so they can make appropriate changes in the future.'
Aleni, Auckland
'I applied because I wanted to help get Uber driver-partners a better platform. As a driver-partners, we see a lot of things on the road and I will love to voice some of the concerns that I have.'
Hylton, Christchurch
‘I applied to be an advisor because I wanted to contribute to improving the driving experience within Uber and help shape a better platform for all of us. I believe my experience can offer valuable insights.’
Alister, Christchurch
'I hope to see the things we have talked about during the Advisory Forum, some of them to flow down into the system and to improve the way that Uber works'
Mitali, Auckland
‘I want to become an advisor because as a female driver I want more females into the market’
Craig, Napier
'I feel passionate about being involved in the Uber forum for a number or reasons. I really appreciate the flexibility we are afforded in the Uber platform and this was an opportunity for me to highlight how important this is for me and many like me. I want the best possible, practical conditions for driver-partners and the best experience for riders, and the forum gives us a chance to talk about potential improvements and opportunities that may exist within the platform.'
Nicholas, Auckland
‘I want to be an Uber advisor to help the Uber platform become the best that it can be for both drivers and riders. I love that my job is super flexible to fit around my busy life, and I like driving.’
Robert, Tauranga
'The reason I applied to become an advisor is because in my experience I could see things that could perhaps help improve the experience of riders and drivers, but also I saw opportunities for me to learn by mixing with other drivers.'
2025 Driver-partner Advisory Forum 1
In partnership with RPS Group, Uber held the first bi-annual driver-partner Advisory Forum with 12 driver-partner advisors from across New Zealand in April. For this forum, the topics discussed were ‘Trip types’ and ‘Driver-partner ratings given by riders’.
For most advisors, their key takeaways from the session were that Uber values driver-partners’ ideas and will be making changes based on their suggestions.
During the forum, advisors provided insights from their own experience on the road along with results from the ‘Have your say’ survey on:
- The variety of trip types available and suggestions to increase earnings opportunities.
- The importance of driver-partner ratings for safety, along with concerns about unfair ratings and poor rider behaviour.
- Improvements to compensation for additional services like longer wait times, long pick up and additional stops
2025 Driver-partner Advisory Forum 2
In partnership with RPS Group, Uber held the second biannual driver-partner Advisory Forum with 14 Advisors from across New Zealand in September 2025. For this forum, the topics discussed were Airport Trips, Costs of Driving and Fatigue.
During the forum, Advisors shared insights from their own experience on the road, as well as insights gathered from ‘Open Hours’ and the ‘Have Your Say’ Survey.
Contribute to the Conversation
Answer the Have Your Say Survey
As someone who drives with the Uber app, you have unique experiences and insights which can help shape the future of driving with Uber.
Before each forum, we invite driver partners to share their feedback on the topics chosen by Advisors through the 'Have Your Say' survey. Advisors have access to all the comments to help them best represent you and others at the forum.
You will be notified via email or your in-app inbox when the survey opens.
Book time with Advisors through Open Hours
Before the start of the second, third and fourth forum, Advisors (together with RPS Group) host 'Open Hours' sessions.
These are short feedback sessions with driver partners like you to help them understand the challenges you face and advocate for solutions.
Slots are subject to limited availability so book your session early if you’d like to participate. RPS Group will send you instructions and reminders in the lead up to each booking.
You will be notified when bookings open.
Frequently asked questions
- I’m interested in being an Advisor. How can I apply?
Applications to be an advisor for 2025–2026 are now closed. You will receive an email and in-app message when applications open for the next Advisory Forum.
- What does being an Advisor involve?
Twice a year over two years, Advisors attend the Advisory Forums (facilitated by RPS Group) to meet with Uber representatives to give feedback and share their ideas and solutions.
RPS Group will ask Advisors to complete light preparation work and engage with other driver partners in the Open Hours* programme ahead of each forum.
Advisors will be given updates on improvements and innovations made as a result of their feedback.
*Open Hours occur a couple of weeks before the second, third and fourth Forums.
- What is the eligibility criteria to be an Advisor?
It is important that you have a sufficient level of familiarity with the Uber platform in order to participate in the Advisory Forums.
To be eligible, you must meet the following base criteria at the point of selection:
- Have completed at least 750 trips with the Uber app
- Have completed a trip in the last 45 days
If you meet the above criteria (as well as other criteria aimed at ensuring inclusivity and diversity), your expression of interest will go into the pool for selection. An independent third party agency, RPS Group will select the final group of Advisors.
- I wasn’t selected to be an Advisor. Can I still participate in the programme?
Yes! Before each forum, we invite driver partners to answer the Have Your Say survey. Advisors will have access to all the comments you submit to help them best represent you and others at the forums.
For the second, third and fourth forums, Advisors will host 'Open Hours' sessions over phone call or Zoom. Driver partners interested in engaging with Advisors can book to participate in these sessions.
Invitations to provide feedback in the Have Your Say survey and Open Hours sessions will be sent to your email and Uber inbox.
- What are Open Hours?
Advisors will meet with driver-partners over Zoom or phone call to discuss issues related to the selected topic. Open Hours sessions will be solutions-focused, allowing driver-partners to voice their key concerns and provide specific suggestions for improvement.
- Are Advisors paid?
Advisors will receive payment in the form of a gift card or otherwise from RPS Group as a thank you for their time and effort in preparing for and participating in the forums and other advisory activities.
The Uber Advisory Forums are facilitated by RPS Group.