About Us
Welcome to
Big John’s Mobility Express!
Established in September 2020, Big John’s Mobility Express started with just one van and a vision to provide reliable and accessible transportation services to the community. In just a short span of time, our fleet has grown to include six vehicles, consisting of one van, three caddies, and two taxis.
At Big John’s, we take pride in serving the residents of Dunedin and beyond. Our services extend to Central Otago, Balclutha, Invercargill, and all the way up to Christchurch. We are dedicated to making transportation hassle-free for everyone, especially those with mobility challenges.
Big John’s Mobility Express holds accreditation from Total Mobility and is proud to be ACC accredited, meaning that we are part of the nationwide Total Mobility scheme, which provides discounted transport services for people with mobility impairments. This accreditation allows our customers to access discounted rates on our services, making it more affordable for them to obtain the mobility solutions they need.
We specialize in a wide range of transportation services, including hospital and hospice transfers, airport transfers, school runs, and tours to cater rest home residents and cruise ships passengers. Whether you require transportation for medical appointments, daily commutes, or leisure activities, our team is here to assist you.
To cater to the diverse needs of our customers, Big John’s Mobility Express maintains a well-equipped inventory. We have three floatation chairs, two wheelchairs, and a selection of hospital-approved blankets to ensure utmost comfort and convenience during your journey.
We understand that transportation needs can arise at any time, including during holidays and outside of regular business hours. That’s why Big John’s Mobility Express is committed to serving you 7 days a week, even during the night. Our round-the-clock availability ensures that you can rely on us whenever you need reliable and accessible transportation services.
At Big John’s, we believe that excellent service should be accessible to all. That’s why we strive to provide top-notch transportation solutions at an affordable price. Our dedicated team of drivers and staff are committed to delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience for every customer.
Thank you for choosing Big John’s Mobility Express. We look forward to serving you and exceeding your expectations with our reliable, safe, and customer-centric transportation services.
We Can Transport
Wheelchairs
Powerchairs
Flotation chairs
Meet The Team
John Gonsalves
Owner
Born and raised in the charming city of Dunedin, John Gonsalves is a multi-talented individual with a wealth of experience in various fields. With a friendly demeanor and a passion for cars, John brings a unique perspective to our team.
When he’s not on the road, you’ll find John indulging in his love for cars. His passion extends beyond ownership, as he frequently attends car shows to admire the craftsmanship and engineering behind these mechanical marvels.
John’s personal life is just as fulfilling as his professional one. He has been happily married to his lovely wife, Michelle, for an impressive 30 years. As fate would have it, they also work together, leading to John’s playful remark, “What was I thinking? Haha”. John is also the proud father of 2 adult children, one of which is an engineer and the other which is a nurse.
At home, John shares his life with two adorable dogs, Indi and Willow. These four-legged companions bring joy and laughter to his everyday routine, reminding him of the importance of love and companionship.
With his diverse background, affable nature, and genuine passion for cars, John Gonsalves is an invaluable member of our team. John is here to assist you with a warm smile and a wealth of knowledge.
Michelle Gonsalves
Owner
Before Big John’s, Michelle spent a whopping 12 years as a support worker. She has always had a knack for customer service and enjoys working closely with people. In fact, she believes that one of the main reasons she got into this business was to help people, especially those with disabilities, to break free from their limitations.
When Michelle isn’t busy at work, which is quite rare lately−when she gets time she likes to do a bit of gardening. Also, she likes watching TV on the couch. It’s her ultimate relaxation zone, where she can kick back, relax, and sometimes doze off.
Michelle is an integral part of our team. Her dedication to helping others and her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities make her a priceless asset. So, the next time you see Michelle buzzing around Dunedin and neighboring towns behind the wheel, give her a thumbs-up and a big smile – she deserves it!
Penelope Jaggar
Driver
Penelope has been with Big John’s for almost a year now. She has honed her skills in navigating the roads with precision and efficiency. But her expertise doesn’t stop there− she has also dedicated 30 years of her life on and off as a registered nurse showcasing her compassion and commitment to caring for others.
Outside of work, Penelope is very much involved in the community. She serves as the secretary for the Dunedin Food and Wine Society and is also a welfare/support person for a guardian Trust. In addition, Penelope indulges in her love for reading, golf and spending time with her two beloved dogs − Mirko and Dash.
With her diverse background and array of interests, Penelope is a well-rounded individual who brings a unique perspective to any endeavor she undertakes. We’re so lucky to have Penelope as part of our team!
Marg Hughes
Driver
We’re thrilled to welcome Marg Hughes as the newest member of Big John’s team! With her extensive background as a community support worker, Marg brings a wealth of experience and a whole lot of banter to the table.
Marg’s passion for helping people is evident in every aspect of her life. She has a big heart for individuals with disabilities and has spent a significant chunk of her working life making a positive impact on their lives.
But don’t let her serious side fool you! Outside of work, Marg is a social butterfly. You’ll often find her surrounded by family and friends, especially her beloved children and grandchildren. Marg believes in the importance of a work-life balance and knows how to make the most of her time off.
When she’s not busy making the world a better place, Marg enjoys some well-deserved “me time.” Whether she’s binge-watching her favorite TV shows, strolling along the beach, or tending to her garden, Marg knows how to relax and unwind.
So, if you’re ever in need of a good laugh or some heartfelt support, Marg Hughes is the go-to person. With her infectious personality and genuine care for others, she’s sure to brighten up your day. Welcome to the team, Marg!
Amanda Vainikolo
Driver
Amanda is not a stranger when it comes to Mobility Taxi. Her dad, Bill Overton, was the mastermind behind United taxi back in the day. Amanda worked alongside her father for a few years, assisting him with the business. But then she decided to switch gears and dive into the world of aged care. For the past 9 years, she’s been a jack-of-all-trades at the same rest home, from caregiving to housekeeping duty.
Amanda is a true Dunedin native, born and bred in this amazing town. She is also a proud mum of three amazing children and she’ll jump at any chance to hang out with her little ones. Also, just like the rest of us, she can’t resist a good Netflix binge on the comfiest couch she can find.
Amanda is all set to take you to your destination, without a worry or a frown!
PHONE: 0800 566 893 | EMAIL US HERE