wanaka wof

Welcome to Our Story

Aaron began his apprenticeship in the mid-1990s and had the opportunity to work in a busy workshop in Dunedin with a specialised arm in classic cars. This experience gave him additional unique knowledge in his field. After completing his training, he and his wife Toni moved to Sydney, where he continued working on all car makes and models, including Australia's beloved Holdens. A couple of years later, Aaron, Toni, and friends Ken and Sarah opened their own workshop, "Gateway Automotive". Their unique combination of skills and expertise was a perfect match, and the business won several small business awards. After ten years in Australia, Aaron & Toni found themselves missing New Zealand, and so in 2007, with their two young children, they decided to return. After settling in Wanaka, Aaron worked for a well-respected local mechanic for a few years before deciding to start another business venture.

In 2010, Action Automotive started its journey on Anderson Road as a small husband-and-wife team. In 2013, Nasir Haig joined the team, and over the next seven years, Action gained momentum and more team members. By 2018, it had well and truly outgrown its space. In 2020, during a most challenging year worldwide, they managed to build a purpose-built workshop here in Enterprise Drive. 2023 saw the diversification into Auto Electrical, and in 2024, joined forces with Century/Yuasa batteries to become Wanaka's own battery specialists - "BatteryZone". Complimenting their existing services & further offering their customers a more rounded experience.

OUR TEAM TODAY

When you contact Action Automotive, Kate, our friendly customer service guru, will greet you. She will assist you with booking appointments or any other queries you may have.

On the workshop floor, you will find our fully qualified mechanics, Aaron Collins, Nasir Haig, and Rory Johnston, who provide thorough workmanship and ensure the safety of your vehicle.

Our in-house auto electrician, Ben Umbers, provides auto electrical services from air conditioning to electrical diagnostics and repairs.

Kate Prosser takes care of office administration and accounts, while Toni Collins handles business management and HR.

From our humble beginnings to where we are today, our journey has been filled with dedication, hard work, and a passion for all things automotive. We are here to ensure that your vehicle is in safe hands, offering honest service every step of the way.

- Aaron & Toni Collins