Built new for Metro Tasmania, the Orana style body was the last design built by Ansair in Kingston. Built from 1993-1995, the early version Oranas were distributed between Launceston (5) and Hobart (54).

In 2000, the State Government (in collaboration with Barry Duckett in Devonport), refurbished (13) of the early version Oranas to modernise the urban services in Devonport.

This refurbishment included new interiors and repainting the exterior in a new (blue/yellow) Merseylink livery. Those 13 buses (252-256, 606-613) were leased to Duckett's Devonport operation.

Over later years, a few units were returned to Metro (252,253,613). In 2013, Barry Duckett sold the Merseylink business to Grant & Jan Bingley, including all plant & equipment. The operation was expanded with more acquisitions and the depot was relocated to new premises at Wesleyvale (just outside Devonport)

It was around this time, the Bingley's altered the livery of the fleet, albeit retaining the name Merseylink. A few of the Oranas in the fleet were refurbished again, #86 (#8) being partially refurbished with new lower panels, bonded windows and electronic destination signs, in the anticipation of extended life.

In 2022 however, the Orana body (classed as high-floor) were delegated to school services, as they were not DDA compliant. Most of the remaining 10 Oranas were sold however #86 (& #82) both being refurbished more recently, were retained as school buses until finally retired in 2023.

It was also in 2022, the Bingley family sold the business to the multi-national Kinetic Group. 2025 saw Kinetic Group donate two Oranas with Tasmanian history significance, to the TBCS for preservation.

Bus #86 (#8) will retain the "Duckett" Merseylink livery, whilst #82 will retain "Bingley" Merseylink livery, thus preserving two Tasmanian public transport identities.