The union representing school bus drivers say they are being ''hit, attacked and verbally abused'' by unruly kids

First Union says children are also smoking, vaping and drinking alcohol on the buses.

It says most school bus drivers are aged over 65 and have to be caregivers, first aid responders and the "police" while getting children to and from school safely.

The union says they are paid low rates to shoulder such huge responsibilities.

One driver has told the Bay of Plenty Times he was even subjected to a ''brown eye'' from one student as they were getting off his bus.