Obituary: Simon Meade
A stalwart of Suzuki New Zealand and the industry has passed away after a motor-vehicle accident.
Simon Meade, executive general manager of motorcycles, marine and after-sales, died following a crash on May 18.
“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we advise of the passing of Simon,” says the company in a statement.
“Simon was far from just an employee. He became a great friend and mentor to many of us at Suzuki NZ, our dealers and everyone he dealt with.
“He was instrumental in Suzuki NZ’s success over the past 25 years and has been pivotal in helping make Suzuki the company we are today.
“Primarily involved in the motorcycle department, and more recently the reintroduction of Suzuki Marine and then after-sales, he was someone who never stopped looking for and mastering any challenge put in front of him, always pushing himself and everyone around to be the best they could be.
“Simon was also someone who never sat still, equally passionate about his work as he was about anything that moved – motorcycles, water skis, mountain bikes, cars and even model aeroplanes.
“Above all else, he was totally devoted to his family – his wife Jenny, sons Brent and Tennessee, daughter Lily, his mother Sally and daughter-in-law Marie, supporting their dreams and pursuits anyway he could.
“Our thoughts and fond memories go out to Jenny and the extended family during this time. It was an absolute pleasure working with you Simon and having the opportunity to get to know such an outstanding person. Your absence will leave a massive hole in our company and our lives.”
It was in 2018 that Meade took on the responsibility for Suzuki’s marine division when Suzuki NZ regained national distribution rights for its outboard motors.
He was also key in securing sponsorships for motorbike events and racers. This work included the Suzuki International Series, which features three rounds in December before Boxing Day’s street race in Whanganui.
In addition to his role at the company, Meade was chairman of the motorcycle committee at the Motor Industry Association, a position he had held since 2020.
He was well-regarded by other distributors, competitors of Suzuki, and had recently been re-elected to the position, such was the high esteem he was held in.
Going back to 2018
What follows is an excerpt from an article published by the Whanganui Chronicle in October 2018 after Suzuki NZ regained national distribution rights for its outboard motors:
Simon Meade, general manager for motorcycles and ATVs, has added the marine division to his responsibilities. “It’s 19 years since we had it here at Suzuki,” Meade said.
“We relinquished it in 1999 due to a change in distribution structure. We had the opportunity to have it back in Whanganui. It’s really good to bring it in with our motorcycles and motor vehicles.
“We started working with the dealer network on September 1. It’s pretty hectic. We’ve taken on 25 new dealers. We’re probably the biggest motor distributor in the country when it comes to dealer representation.
“We have 43 motorcycle dealers, 35 automobile dealers and now 25 marine dealers and there’s the parts distribution as well.”
Since taking the division back in-house, Suzuki’s first sale was to Coastguard Wanganui, whose boat is being repowered with two engines of the latest technology, using electric signals instead of cables. Also keeping it local, Whanganui Engineering and Marine has been appointed as a new dealer.
Meade has owned a lot of boats and is involved in waterskiing. “But I’m on a steep learning curve because I have to understand the marine market in New Zealand.
“There’s a large recreational market but also a large commercial market. It’s good for Whanganui. It’s a really positive thing.” Click here to read the Whanganui Chronicle article in full.
