Story perspectives

Ritchies van scandal: 11-year-old left, driver fired after fatal drowning.

6/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

An 11-year-old was left in a Ritchies Transport school van on Auckland’s North Shore, leading to the driver’s dismissal.
The incident follows the drowning of an 8-year-old boy last month transported by the same Ritchies company.
The Ministry of Education has demanded explanation, launched a review of Specialised School Transport Assistance program, and ordered police to conduct enquiries with Ritchies and Wilson School, which is reviewing its procedures and cooperating.

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Story summary

An 11-year-old was left in a Ritchies Transport school van on Auckland’s North Shore, leading to the driver’s dismissal.
The incident follows the drowning of an 8-year-old boy last month transported by the same Ritchies company.
The Ministry of Education has demanded explanation, launched a review of Specialised School Transport Assistance program, and ordered police to conduct enquiries with Ritchies and Wilson School, which is reviewing its procedures and cooperating.