My professional journey began at Price Right, where I completed an apprenticeship as a Diesel Mechanic. That hands-on experience, combined with a deep involvement in the NZ speedway scene, sparked a lifelong passion for engineering and problem-solving.

Becoming a young father at 22 was the perfect motivation to take the leap, and I founded Top Gear Rotorua in 2005.

What started with a Ute and a toolbox, servicing forestry machinery and equipment, has grown into a fully decked out, award winning trailer manufacturing business. I am very proud of my crew, who are fun and dynamic, handling anything I throw at them and make it look easy.

Sitting still isn’t my style. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me at the go-kart track with my boys, spending time outdoors with my family, or tinkering away on another project.

I’ve had a pretty varied career over the years, from driving trucks to working in the quarry industry, and picking up plenty of practical skills along the way.

In 2007, I joined my son Scott here at Top Gear Rotorua, and I’ve been part of the team ever since. At 75, I guess you could say I’m the most “mature” member of the crew, but I like to think experience counts for something!

My role is all about keeping things running smoothly. I manage the storeroom, receive deliveries, and transport chassis & parts to and from powder coating. I also get stuck into repairs, mechanical work, and auto wiring whenever needed.

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me in the garden (I’ve got a bit of a green thumb) or working on one of my classic cars. My wife Donna and I are heavily involved in the Classic Car scene, and it’s a big part of our life outside of Top Gear.

Kia ora, I’m Tuawhiao Walmsley, but everyone just calls me Tu.

Proudly Te Arawa, repping Tūhourangi through and through.

I’m the longest-standing team member outside of the whānau, clocking in 8 years on the tools. I’m the main fabricator around here and Scott taught me everything I know, plus the lessons learned from a few classic stuff-ups along the way. I completed my Light Fabrication apprenticeship with Top Gear and graduated in 2023.

Outside of mahi, I’m into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, all things combat sports, the gym, getting outdoors for missions, and mountain biking whenever I can.

I met my wife flipping burgers back in 2015. We’ve been married for four years now and she runs our family business, BurgerFuel Fairy Springs. Between mahi, the shop, our 6-month-old son, and two huskies… life gets hectic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I started my journey with Top Gear Trailers in 2020, working alongside my dad and learning the ins and outs of the trailer manufacturing industry. Over time, I wanted to explore new opportunities, which led me to moving to Australia in early 2024.

Now based in Melbourne, my focus is on growing sales across the Tasman and building strong relationships with our Australian customers. It’s exciting to see our products making an impact in a new market, and I’m proud to be the driving force behind this expansion.

Motorsport has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up following my dad’s racing journey and started go-karting at just 8 years old, enjoying plenty of success along the way. One of the highlights of my racing career was representing New Zealand at the 2023 Rotax Max Grand Finals in Bahrain. In my spare time, you can find me at a go-kart track, either racing or spinning spanners for Pro Karting.

Motorsport isn’t just a hobby; it’s part of who I am.

I’m passionate about helping businesses and communities thrive. My journey has taken me through roles in business development, financial strategy, and governance, where I’ve focused on creating sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

After selling my accounting practice in early 2024, I finally joined the Top Gear Rotorua family part-time while continuing to develop other business opportunities. Working alongside my husband Scott and our incredible team, my role is to bring strategic and financial expertise to the business, helping it grow while staying true to its values.

Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors, always with our furry sidekick in tow, and adding to our travel adventures.

Ko Maungatautari toku Maunga
Ko Waikato toku Awa
Ko Tainui toku Waka
Ko Waikato Tainui toku Iwi
Ko Ngatihaua toku Hapu
Ko Pukerau Raupita ahau

Kia Ora, I am a proud Māori from the Waikato area. I’m a dedicated worker with strong hands-on skills, and I am known for my reliability, adaptability and commitment to the team’s requirements with a background that spans military and skilled trade roles.

My role is in the finishing bay where I assemble and clad trailers to a high-quality standard to suit the customer’s needs.

My hobbies include sports, outdoor adventures, and hanging out with family and friends.

Hi I’m Amy. I joined Top Gear in April 2025. After finishing school, I started working at Sparke Kitchens, where I began a joinery apprenticeship, but unfortunately, due to limited work, I was made redundant. As a qualified beekeeper, I began beekeeping for a while before being offered my current role at Top Gear.

I work in the Assembly and Finishing Bay. Once a chassis returns from powder coating or galvanising, I put the floor in, add ACM cladding, and install anything else specific to the job. I also look after Top Gear’s cabinetry, which has allowed me to continue and finish my joinery apprenticeship and gain design/programming experience.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me fishing, hunting, or camping.

I’m proud of my roots: Māori, Tokelauan, and English, and I bring that same pride and dedication to my work every day. I’m currently a 3rd-year apprentice in light fabrication, learning the craft and building my skills as part of the Top Gear Rotorua team.

My role as a Welder/Fabricator means I get to work hands-on, creating and shaping quality trailers that meet the high standards our customers expect. I love the challenge of learning something new and being part of a team that’s passionate about what they do.

Outside of work, life is all about balance. I enjoy spending time with family, hitting the golf course, and playing footy whenever I can.