Motu Move rollout update
Motu Move, the new National Ticketing Solution (NTS), is still coming to Timaru and Temuka — but the rollout schedule has changed.
Motu Move will now launch first in Greater Christchurch later in 2025, before being introduced in South Canterbury.
Read more below:
- What is Motu Move?
- What’s happening now — and what’s changed
- Why the phased approach?
- Acknowledging our Timaru and Temuka community
- What happens next?
- In the meantime…
- FAQs and more information
What is Motu Move?
Motu Move is the new national ticketing and payment system being introduced across Aotearoa. It will make travelling by public transport easier by letting customers pay using:
- Contactless debit/credit cards Contactless Symbol
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Prepaid Motu Move cards (similar to Metrocard) that can be topped up online or at local retailers.
Motu Move will make paying for public transport simpler and more consistent across New Zealand, giving customers more choice and flexibility. In time, one system will work across all participating regions, replacing the need for separate cards. As new features like tag-on/tag-off are introduced on some services, we’ll also be able to improve services by better understanding how people travel.
What’s happening now — and what’s changed
Originally, Timaru and Temuka were scheduled to be the first to receive Motu Move. However, due to delays with some of the more complex system components, the rollout has been adjusted to a phased approach, starting with Greater Christchurch in November 2025.
For Timaru and Temuka, this means:
- You can continue to use the MyWay app to pay with a debit or credit card today.
- Metrocard, cash, and SuperGold card remain valid for now, with no changes.
- When Motu Move arrives, it will come as a more complete system with additional features ready from day one, allowing for a smoother transition.
Why the phased approach?
Rolling out in Greater Christchurch first means customers there can benefit from debit and credit card payments sooner. MyWay by Metro customers have had this payment option since the launch in 2020. For Timaru and Temuka, it ensures that when Motu Move does arrive, the system will be feature-rich, including:
- The new Motu Move card
- Concessions built into the system
- An online customer portal
Acknowledging our Timaru and Temuka community
The benefit of this new approach is that Timaru customers will receive greater functionality of Motu Move from day 1. We sincerely appreciate the collaboration and commitment from our local partners and community to date, and the groundwork to date will still be used when the rollout takes place.
What happens next?
- We’ll continue working closely with Timaru and Temuka stakeholders to confirm timing as planning progresses.
- Updates will be shared here on the Metro website, via Metro emails, and social media channels.
- Customers will receive clear information and support well ahead of any changes.
In the meantime…
- Keep using the MyWay app for debit/credit card payments on Metro services.
- Continue to travel with Metrocard, cash, and SuperGold card as usual.
- Stay tuned — Motu Move is coming to Timaru and Temuka, and when it does, it will bring a more complete and reliable system for our community.
FAQs and more information
See Metro’s Greater Christchurch webpage for more details about how the Motu Move rollout will happen in phases and FAQs.
Visit the NZTA website to find out more about Motu Move and the National Ticketing Solution programme.
Thank you to our Timaru and Temuka community for your patience — your turn is coming, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.