Training Course Instructors
To contribute to complete, safe and quality collision repairs, I‑CAR aims to bring training and knowledge to everyone in the industry.
Such a lofty goal would not be possible without dedicated instructors and volunteers on I‑CAR’s front lines.
This I‑CAR community is united by the urgency of its work that ultimately helps keep consumers safe. Undaunted by the size of I‑CAR’s mission, it steadily whittles away at the enormity of ‘every’ day after day. I‑CAR instructors travel far and wide to train technicians who face increasingly complex repairs due to rapid technological advancements. I‑CAR volunteers promote I‑CAR curriculum to technical schools and work tirelessly to spread the word about I‑CAR’s training solutions, one shop at a time – and there are thousands of body shops not currently doing training.
Teaching for I‑CAR, volunteering for I‑CAR, and in some cases, doing both, becomes a way of life. We invite you to learn more. Because we can’t reach ‘everyone’ without a lot of help, and we welcome yours.
Rick Lunn
My passion for Collision Repair training began with the start of my apprenticeship in the mid 1980’s in the UK, where I became qualified in both Collision Repair and Refinishing – going on to attain an advanced qualification in Collision Repair. I worked for both Toyota and VW/Audi before managing a large Volvo Collision Repair facility in Nottingham, England.
I emigrated to NZ in 1996 with my wife, where we settled in Whangarei and continue to reside in the beautiful north, with one of my sons, whilst the other resides in Wellington. I have a real passion for mentoring and supporting young people through apprenticeships, having been involved with literally thousands over the last 30 or so years. Many of these have progressed to become successful business owners, World Skills winners, and CRA Apprentice of the Year.
I am enjoying the challenge of my present I-CAR NZ role as Operations Manager, whilst also being Managing Director of Smart Trade Solutions Ltd and Director of a number of other training related businesses. In addition, I provide support for the CRA apprentices National Scholarship recipients. My other role as an Instructor and Weld tester with I-CAR NZ really feeds my other passion of lifelong learning and always seeking more knowledge to continually improve on everything I do. Away from work, and my interests include reading, practising martial arts, gym/fitness, soccer, and building things!
Jerry Kendrew
Joining the I-CAR NZ team felt like a natural next step, a chance to give back to an industry that has given me so much with over 20 years of hands-on experience across panel beating, refinishing, business management and owner of a large collision repair facility, I’ve had the privilege of seeing this industry from just about every angle.
I’m passionate about raising the standard of collision repair across New Zealand, and I believe that starts with investing in the people doing the work. Whether it’s supporting experienced technicians to sharpen their skills or helping the next generation find their footing, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone grow in their craft.
I’m excited to be part of a team that shares that commitment, and I look forward to working alongside New Zealand’s repair professionals to help drive our industry forward.
Outside of work, I am a keen footy fan and enjoy the odd fitness challenge to combat the beers.
Marty Lane
At the risk of being labelled an ‘old fossil’, I’ve just this year clocked 50 years in the autobody industry. It should come as no surprise that I’ve had a wide variety of autobody-related roles over all those years, including being (after completing an apprenticeship waaaay back in 1980), a workshop foreman, shop manager, business owner, autobody trade tutor, unit standard writer, motor assessor, systems development advisor, technical specialist and, more recently, a light vehicle repair certifier.
For the last 20 years or so (with a couple of small sabbaticals in between), I have been heavily involved with I-CAR New Zealand’s training programme as an instructor, weld-test administrator, course developer and technical specialist.
In the last couple of years, I’ve reduced my involvement with I-CAR NZ to the remote delivery of (primarily OEM-specific) courses, using the ‘virtual classroom’ format. While this obviously isn’t quite the same as seeing and talking to attendee’s face to face, it works well and delivers good quality training in a timely manner. It also allows me to pursue other autobody-related business and personal pursuits, including motorcycle road racing and restoration, and cycling.
Wayne Houghton
Based in Christchurch I am the joint owner of a large collision repair business, and I also work as an industry consultant managing the Axalta Coating Systems ‘Drivus’ programme for New Zealand. This role has me working alongside Standox, Cromax and Spies Hecker end users, helping them navigate the challenges of the industry and to achieve their business goals.
I started out in a small suburban panel shop as an apprentice panelbeater in the early 80’s and went on to owning that business 7 years later. I have been heavily involved with both the CRA and I-CAR for many years, serving as Chairperson for each of the organisations. Throughout this time and after 37 years as a business owner I have seen many changes in vehicle technology and understand the difficulties in keeping pace with the rapid changes in repair requirements.
I am passionate about industry education, both technical and management, and enjoy working with businesses and individuals in their drive for continual improvement. I enjoy keeping fit and I’m a mad keen mountain biker and road cyclist, with any spare time spent out on the local trails or the Christchurch Adventure Park. I also enjoy skiing, golf and occasionally riding my horse.
Brent Mackay
Brent’s bio to come.
Max Bradley
I am a second-generation collision repairer with extensive experience in the automotive repair industry. I have six MITO qualifications and I am a NZTA Repair Certifier. Having previously owned and operated a collision repair business, I bring practical industry knowledge, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to vehicle safety.
Outside of work and my passion for all things with a motor, I also enjoy spending time outdoors through spearfishing, wakeboarding, and snowboarding whenever the opportunity and weather allow.
Welding Administrators
Warren Burns
We were lucky enough to sell our business back in June 2025, so now I fill in my days doing Light Structural Certification for NZTA and I-CAR NZ Welding Tests.
It is great to keep my hand in and keep in contact with guys in the industry.
Richie Brady
Hiya, Richie here. These days you’ll find me in the sunny north tending our lifestyle block that overlooks the Kaipara harbour.
I’ve been weld testing for approximately 25 years in the Auckland area. Facilitating weld testing keeps me in touch and up to date with my industry.
I am currently doing insurance repairs and restoration at my premises, so am welding on a daily basis – practising what I preach.
I enjoy working with the team at I-CAR NZ.
Tony Straugheir
I am a panel beater by trade. I started my apprenticeship at 15 and after I had completed it I worked overseas and have managed shops, worked as an insurance assessor, and owned my own collision repair business in Wellington for 25 years. My wife and I now live in the Bay of Plenty and I am still involved in the trade.
I am a Membership Liaison Officer for the Collision Repair Association, a job I really enjoy as it gives me the opportunity to meet lots of the good people we have in our industry. My patch includes all of the South Island and a chunk of the Central North Island.
My wife and I are keen outdoor types and we enjoy fishing, cycling, skiing and pretty much anything that involves getting out and about. We enjoy spending time with family and have 3 kids between us, and 2 granddaughters.
Aaron Hogg
I started my time in the panel industry in 1987 at Lynn Larsen Panelbeating in Wanganui. After completing my apprenticeship, I did the usual OE to London/Europe and returned to New Zealand. I worked in various other shops in my hometown, to later return to my original employer and eventually buying the business in 2008.
Having been involved with the CRA as Branch Chairperson and then National Executive representative for the Wanganui/Manawatu/New Plymouth area, my role has moved to the Membership Liaison Officer for the Wellington district. I am also the I-CAR NZ Technical Support person and an I-CAR NZ Welding Instructor.
Since selling our business in 2022, I enjoy spending my spare time riding adventure motorcycles around New Zealand and overseas whenever possible, along with spending time with friends and family.
Paul Butland
I started in the trade as a panelbeater at 15yrs old, eventually going on to run my own shop for 20 years. This led me to participate with the CRA as a member and part of the local branch.
Based in Christchurch and still in the trade (old habits die hard!), I enjoy splitting my time between rebuilding vehicles, conducting I-CAR NZ welding tests and fishing.
With a love of the outdoors, hunting, mountain biking and travelling, roaming the South Island to conduct welding tests is almost the perfect job!
Rick Lunn