MTA awards for work in sector
A car dealer has been awarded life membership of the Motor Trade Association (MTA). Ian Redshaw, the owner of De Luxe Ford in Wairoa, received the honour for his involvement in the motor vehicle sector, which has spanned more than four decades. Known and well-respected for his integrity and industry knowledge, Redshaw has been involved with the Motor Vehicle Dealers’ Institute, Ford Dealer Council and MTA locally and nationally over the past 43 years. The outstanding service award was presented to Geoff Harper, who has served on the MTA’s Auckland branch. He also chaired the Alternative Fuels Committee and the Automotive Technology Committee. Mike Walsh took out the services to industry award and has been chief executive of VTNZ since 2004. He led the company to be named one of the country’s best places to work. Walsh can often be found in a pit at one of VTNZ’s testing stations discussing cars, inspections and business issues with his staff. Julius Bloem, of E&H Motors in Pukekohe, won apprentice of the year, while his employer was recognised for the skills they shared, such as diagnostic work, servicing and rebuilding engines. Ben Unger, of Windhaven Investments, won the services to the MTA award. He has had a long relationship with MTA as chief executive of Cardlink. During his time at Cardlink, the business has grown as a global provider of fuel-payment and loyalty systems, and has beena major part of the MTA’s Gift Card product. Auckland-based Vodis Automobile won the environmental award. Its efforts have included introducing recycling processes, biodegradable cleaners, microbial parts washer, energy-efficient bulbs and automatic light sensors. The MTA also recognised ex-Brit Martyn Payne owner of Kapiro Garage, Kerikeri who has won a two-year bid to stay in New Zealand.
