Uber Reveals Napier and Hastings as New Zealand’s Lowest-Rated Riders

Uber’s latest annual rider ratings for 2025 have identified passengers in Napier and Hastings as the lowest-rated in New Zealand. According to the data released this week, Uber drivers rated these riders with an average score of 4.86 out of 5. While this score is not alarming, it places Napier and Hastings at the bottom of the rankings compared to other regions across the country.

Understanding the Ratings System

At the end of each trip, Uber drivers evaluate their passengers based on behaviour and etiquette, assigning a rating from one to five stars. This feedback system is crucial for maintaining a positive experience for both drivers and riders. The overall average rating for passengers in New Zealand is typically higher than 4.86, which indicates that some areas are performing significantly better than others.

Despite Napier and Hastings being rated the lowest, the average score still reflects a generally acceptable level of rider behaviour. However, this figure has raised questions about what specific factors contributed to the lower ratings in these regions.

Comparative Performance Across New Zealand

Other cities in New Zealand have seen notably higher ratings. For instance, major urban centres like Auckland and Wellington tend to report average ratings well above 4.90. Such discrepancies could arise from various factors, including population density, the diversity of riders, and regional attitudes towards ride-sharing services.

The implications of these ratings are significant for both Uber and its users. For drivers, understanding the rider landscape can aid in setting expectations for future interactions. For the company, it provides insights into regional service quality that can inform marketing strategies and driver recruitment in specific areas.

Uber has not released further details on the specific behaviours that may have influenced the ratings in Napier and Hastings. As the company continues to collect data, it will be interesting to see if these ratings shift over time and what measures, if any, Uber may take in response to the findings.

Overall, while the ratings from Napier and Hastings are not shocking, they highlight a need for improvement in passenger etiquette that could enhance the overall experience for drivers and riders alike.