Fallowfield seizes new challenge
Larry Fallowfield has called time on what he describes as an enjoyable and never boring stint at the Motor Trade Association (MTA) to join an insurance company.
He joined the association in March 2023 with some three decades of leadership experience spanning general management, sales, marketing and business consultancy.
Fallowfield took on the role of sector manager – dealers and specialist services, working closely with dealers, manufacturers and specialist operators to support the industry and help drive positive change across it.
For example, he was instrumental in developing the MTA-led plastic2eco bumper recycling programme, which diverts plastic waste from landfill.
Last year, Fallowfield joined Women in Automotive NZ with insights gained strengthening his commitment to supporting businesses in creating workplaces “where people are respected, supported and recognised for their contribution, regardless of gender”.
His new role, which has just started, is partner performance manager of Tower in central Auckland.
Fallowfield’s departure from the MTA means Autofile magazine has also lost one of its expert columnists. His regular commentary will be missed, but we wish him well in his new job. We’re sure he will raise many a chuckle at Tower as he did with us and our readers. Good luck, mate.
Words of wisdom raise smiles
What follows is an excerpt from Larry Fallowfield’s final MTA column. The full version can be read in the November 2026 issue of Autofile magazine.
After four years, I’ve decided it’s time to move on from my role and head back into the collision-repairer space.
I’ve genuinely enjoyed writing articles for Autofile as I have my time at the MTA. I’ve met some fantastic people, enjoyed great banter, worked alongside a passionate and committed team, and had the privilege of engaging with and representing members across sectors I have enormous respect for.
Hopefully over the past few years you have gained a few industry insights and you’ve got a few laughs or at least a smile or two from what I’ve penned.
The dealer sector is full of characters, innovators and entrepreneurs along with people who simply love vehicles. It can be challenging, occasionally frustrating and sometimes leave you scratching your head, but it’s never boring.
I also want to give a heartfelt thanks to the MTA’s leadership team and board for their support.
They have kept the association relevant in today’s busy world and continued to ensure the decision-makers in Wellington understand it represents 4,000 members, what 109 years of its existence stands for and just how important the automotive sector is in keeping New Zealand moving forward.
A special thanks to Ris [Autofile editor Darren Risby] for putting up with my ramblings over the years. It’s been a genuine pleasure, albeit at times we probably resembled Statler and Waldorf from The Muppets, pictured below, sitting in the stalls offering our thoughts on the latest industry change.
We seemed to spend much of our time discussing the weather, battery ranges, model launches, regulations and, of course, acronyms. Thanks again Ris for the support, laughs and for giving me a platform to share my thoughts.
As I drive off into my next chapter, I’m grateful for the journey and pleased to report that, despite four years of extra kilometres on the clock, I’m still running smoothly and haven’t failed my warrant of fitness.
So, while I’m hitting the gas pedal out of here, I’m taking with me some great memories, plenty of friendships and, without doubt, a continued interest in what happens next in dealer land – albeit from the passenger’s seat.
The team at Autofile wishes Larry all the best in his new venture. We have enjoyed his humour and his generosity of time explaining what we all need to know about the car industry. You can read the full version of Larry’s final MTA column in the November 2026 issue of the magazine.
