November 2025
MTA Today
The MTA is the main automotive industry body in New Zealand, representing over 4,000 businesses that fix, fuel, buy, sell and inspect much of the country’s vehicle fleet.
MTA Inc. is an Incorporated Society, governed by a Board made up of six-member representatives and one independent director.
Our vision is to be the association automotive businesses want to be part of and relevant organisations aspire to align with.
To achieve this our strategy is to:
- be integrated in our members’ businesses and create a sustainable business advantage for them
- act and be a solutions facilitator for the automotive industry
- provide leadership within our industry.
The MTA:
- lead, set, and maintain industry standards within our membership
- provide leadership on specific issues
- initiate or support technical and professional training
- collaborate on legislation and regulations
- provide services, support, business advice and feedback to members
- promote the brand and member services.
The MTA brand is well known and associated with professionalism, good service, and commitment to a fair deal.
Our Members
Today we have over 4,000 members working primarily in the following areas:
- general repair
- service station
- parts and accessories
- new vehicle dealer
- used vehicle dealer
- collision repair
- vehicle recovery.
Our members are proud to display the sign identifying them as members and provide a wide range of services throughout the country.
Advocacy
One of the many benefits we provide to members is our advocacy work.
Our advocacy team engages with Government and other stakeholders on behalf of members to advance the interests of the industry with respect to Government policy and legislation.
The guiding principles the team apply are:
- NZ has safer cars – especially through better education of motorists about maintaining safe vehicles.
- NZ benefits from successful businesses – thriving businesses give back to the community.
- Fit-for-purpose regulations – there is a need sometimes for regulation, but they must not hinder business.
- Changing automotive industry – change is coming and sometimes faster than we think, we need to be ready.
You can see our most recent submissions here >>
Our People
Everyone that serves the MTA, from our Board of Directors to our Category Committees to our members themselves, know the hard work it takes to succeed in the New Zealand Automotive industry. We pride ourselves on being a great bunch who work hard to help MTA serve our members and the wider New Zealand public in the very best way possible.
Our Board
Sturrock Saunders (President)
Sturrock Saunders has a proven track record of leadership and governance, serving on various boards including Auto Stewardship NZ, Tyrewise, and Inspiring Futures Foundation. With a lifelong involvement in the industry, including a successful career at Mayfield Motors, Sturrock brings a wealth of experience to MTA.
As MTA President, Sturrock's vision for MTA is to solidify its position as the undisputed peak body for the automotive industry, enhance member value, and reinforce the industry's commitment to professionalism, quality, and trust.
Grant Woolford (Vice-president)
With over 30 years of experience in the motorcycle industry, Grant has progressed from apprentice to a successful business owner and respected industry leader. As Managing Director of the Cyclespot Group, he demonstrates a strong commitment to growth and delivering exceptional results.
He currently serves on the MTF Finance Board and holds a board position at AUXO.
Rob Braun
Rob Braun has over 30 years of automotive industry experience, starting as an apprentice panel beater and progressing to international industry and management roles across various sectors. He is a successful entrepreneur with a deep understanding of diverse business environments resulting in building his own group of companies.
Rob is dedicated to ensuring MTA effectively advocates for members and provides them with the tools and support they need to thrive in the evolving automotive landscape.
Jason Land
Jason Land is a seasoned automotive professional with over 20 years of industry experience, specialising in auto electrical work and owns a successful repair shop in Hamilton. Family life is important to him alongside everything automotive, including motorsport.
He is dedicated to shaping the future of our industry for businesses and future generations alike.
David Boot
David Boot has a strong commitment to raising industry standards and member value within the automotive sector. He believes that being an MTA member is about being better, not cheaper and stands for superior value, service and standards.
David brings a focus on reminding the motoring public of New Zealand what the MTA badge truly represents. He has experience across automotive repair, collision repair and car sales. He also champions the development and education of the industry in sustainable transportation technologies.
Ross Verry
Ross is the CEO of Syndex Limited and brings a wealth of experience to the MTA Board from various sectors including banking, finance, and business leadership. He excels in developing and executing successful growth strategies, particularly within the family, privately-owned, and agri-business sectors.
His expertise encompasses sales leadership, team development, and navigating organisational change.
Isaac Heron
Isaac Heron is an experienced professional with over two decades in the automotive industry, holding roles from the parts floor to management and the technology sector. This diverse background provides a comprehensive understanding of operational, managerial and strategic business aspects.
He has direct experience working with governance, including directors from ACC and Todd Corporation. Isaac is adept at strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, skills he is eager to bring to the MTA Board.