CCTV footage has caught the moment an Auckland bus driver was viciously assaulted while on the job.
The video, which was taken on December 17 on Queen Street, shows a passenger getting on the bus and starting to make their way towards the back, before turning around.
The passenger then walks back towards the driver while swearing several times. He then punches the driver directly in the face before turning around and walking away.
The dazed driver gets up and follows the passenger, before kicking him in the back in retaliation. The passenger stumbles, grabs onto a handrail and manages to keep his footing.
Another passenger can be heard telling the shocked onlookers to call the police.
While the culprit is yet to be found, the bus driver has been given a formal warning by NZ Bus, according to the NZ Herald.
But Tramways Union boss Gary Froggatt told the outlet the company's reaction was unfair and "heavy-handed".
"I don't think he needs a warning. He just needs some retraining," Froggatt told NZ Herald. "It's not acceptable for passengers to do that and it's not acceptable for bus drivers to get involved in altercations with passengers.
"There should be more training and making sure drivers understand what they can and can't do in situations like this."
NZ Bus chief operating officer Jay Zmijewski said the company doesn't comment on employment matters.
"NZ Bus takes the safety of our drivers, including the prevention of assaults very seriously. In this regard, we have procedures that drivers are required to follow in order to de-escalate a situation and reduce the likelihood of an assault occurring.
“These procedures have been well communicated and are supported by the Unions. We also conduct targeted de-escalation training.”
Police said they have so far been unable to identify the assailant. A spokesperson said the complainant did not wish to "proceed further with the matter".
