Nicholson Autos is a family owned business dealing with Kia, Suzuki, Mazda, Nissan, GWM/Haval & used vehicles. With fully equipped workshops and parts departments.
When the business originally opened in Morrinsville it was owned by the Paine family, with strong emphasis on providing quality GM vehicles at affordable prices. Today the business is still family owned, though now by the Nicholson family.
In 2016 Nicholsons took on a brand new franchise in Whakatane, welcoming Mazda NZ to the family. Then January 2018, Nicholson Autos grew into another region with again a new franchise. This time opening a brand new Nissan dealership in Rotorua. We welcomed Kia in 2020 at both our Morrinsville and Whakatane dealership.
In 2021, we welcomed our latest franchise GWM/Haval.
While the capability of vehicles has undergone immense change since the business first opened. One thing that remains and will continue into the future, is the complete commitment to our customers.
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Brad McKenzie
Chief Executive Officer
Brad has been with Nicholson Autos since we opened in Whakatane in 2013. He started as a Service Advisor and worked in every department before becoming our CEO. When Brad isn't working he enjoys field hockey and spending time with his wife and kids.
Geoff Masters
Chief of After Sales & Performance
Geoff has been in the automotive industry for over 40 years, starting out as an apprentice technician and working in both New Zealand and Australia. He began at Nicholson Autos as a Service Advisor and is now our Chief of After Sales & Performance. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys fishing and a round of golf.
Our Team
Alan Kerby
Community & Promotions
Alan has been part of the Nicholson Autos team for nearly 10 years. He and his wife Nicole moved to Morrinsville in 2019 with Alan’s stepson Zack, and since then their family has grown — they’ve adopted a retired greyhound named Nana, welcomed their daughter Kennedy, and recently added their son Atticus to the mix. When he’s not at work, Alan enjoys gaming and anything “nerdy”.
Dylan Nicholson
Accountant
Dylan is the oldest son of Ross Nicholson and has recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Alongside his work, he’s actively involved in several horse racing syndicates and even celebrated a winner in the 2021 Karaka Million Group 1 race. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find Dylan shooting hoops on the basketball court.
Jane Passi
Accounts Assistant
Jane lives in Morrinsville with her husband Danny and three fur babies, Priscilla, Presley and Jessie. You can usually find Jane having a round of golf or bowling a few ends at the local indoor bowls club.
Curtis Nicholson
Dealer Principal
Curtis is the youngest son of Ross Nicholson. He’s worked across all departments, starting as a Service/Parts Advisor, then Business Manager, and now Dealer Principal. Curtis lives in Morrinsville with his wife Baylee and their three kids — Harry, Maeve, and Sidney. When he’s not working, you’ll usually find him down at the Morrinsville Rugby Club.
Kiel Keat
Sales Manager
Kiel has been with Nicholson Autos since he was a young teenager. Starting out as an apprentice, he’s gained valuable experience working across every department. Raised in Morrinsville, Kiel now lives there with his wife Leah and their two boys, Declan and Clay, balancing family life with his passion for the business.
Erin Klatt
Sales Consultant
Erin was born in Wisconsin, USA and lived there up until 2016. She then travelled to New Zealand to see all that New Zealand has to offer. She decided to set up camp in Morrinsville, where she took a job on a dairy farm. After 3 years of farming she made a change and joined our Sales team just round the corner from her home. Erin now considers herself a Morrinsville local.
Ben Blackler
Sales Consultant
Ben joined the Nicholson Autos sales team in 2025 and is known for his drive and determination. A true Morrinsville local, Ben bought his first home at just 20 years old — an achievement he’s proud of. When he’s not at work, he plays Under-21s rugby, rides motocross, and loves getting out for a fish.
Bronwyn McNally
Business Manager
Bronwyn brings a friendly, down-to-earth approach that immediately puts customers at ease. Since joining Nicholson Autos in 2022, she has grown into our Business Manager role, helping keep everything running smoothly and supporting both customers and staff. Outside of work, she’s a devoted pet owner to her cat, Geri.
Ryan Kerby
Service Manager
Ryan joined Nicholson Autos in 2021 as Service Manager, bringing over 15 years of industry experience. He lives in Te Kowhai with his wife and four kids. When he’s not working, Ryan can usually be found helping out at his local junior rugby club or lacing up his boots to play a game for the Prezzies.
Marcus Radonich
Assistant Service Manager
Marcus has been a qualified technician for over 20 years, starting on the tools before working his way up to foreman. In 2025, he moved out front to become our Assistant Service Manager. Marcus lives just outside Morrinsville with his wife Sarah and family, and loves hunting, fishing, and riding motorbikes.
Emma Charteris
Service Advisor
Emma joined Nicholson Autos in 2025 as a Service Advisor and brings plenty of energy to the team. She has a real passion for field hockey and was proud to play in her school’s First XI. Emma loves spending her weekends away camping and relaxing in nature, and at home she enjoys the company of her cat, Scooby.
Andrew Marks
Parts Manager
Andrew is a true Morrinsville local with over 25 years in the automotive industry. He’s worked his way up from apprentice to technician and service manager, and was a Holden Gold Certified Technician. In 2023, Andrew joined Nicholson Autos as Parts Manager, seeking a new challenge closer to home.
Mikayla Hawkins
Parts & Tyre Consultant
Mikayla grew up in Hamilton and later enjoyed the beauty of Waiheke Island before settling in Morrinsville to be closer to family. She loves cheering on her cousins at their sports games and spending time with her great-grandmother. A huge animal lover, Mikayla’s passion for animals shines through, even without pets of her own.
Sean Gardam
Parts & Tyres Consultant
Sean is a qualified car painter originally from Auckland who wanted a change in career when he joined Nicholson Autos. He now lives in Morrinsville with his wife and their busy tribe of six kids. When he’s not at work, Sean loves working on cars and getting out for a ride on his bike.
Brad McKenzie
Dealer Principal
Brad has been with Nicholson Autos since we opened in Whakatāne in 2013. He started as a Service Advisor and has worked in every department on his way to becoming our CEO. When he’s not working, Brad enjoys playing field hockey and spending time with his wife and kids.
Chris Holmes
Sales Manager
Chris has been with Nicholson Autos for over 10 years, starting in the Morrinsville Service Department. He has always wanted to be a Car Salesperson and achieved this goal in 2013. Chris lives in Matamata with his partner and his dog. Chris is in full swing renovation mode and loves anything to do with cars.
Cameron Trask
Sales Consultant
Cameron joined Nicholson Autos as a vehicle detailer and not long after moved into Vehicle Sales. He has always been into cars, it all started with his Grandfather Chris Barns a well known rally driver. Cameron also enjoys building his new car a JZX100 and when not doing that, he is usually doing a bit of gaming.
Ritchie Tidd
Sales Manager Manager
Ritchie started at Nicholson Autos in 2016 as a Parts Advisor, bringing plenty of experience as a qualified panel beater. Over the years, he’s put that expertise to great use and is now our Sales Manager. When he’s not at work, you’ll usually find him enjoying quality family time.
Ian Holbrook
Service Manager
Ian has been in the Automotive Industry almost 40 years, starting his career as a Service Advisor at a large Toyota dealership in Hamilton. He started at Nicholson Autos as a Service Manager in 2005. Ian lives in Hamilton with his wife and enjoys training for half marathons in his spare time.
Jazmin Matchitt
Service Support Manager
Jazmin started at Nicholsons as a Vehicle Detailer in 2016 and quickly moved into the role of Service Advisor. She has always had in interest in cars and is really into JDM vehicles. When Jazmin isn't working she is gaming or horse riding.
Mark Mountfort
Parts Manager
Mark is born and bred in Rotorua. He has been working in Automotive Parts Departments since 2012, specializing in Holden and Isuzu. In 2019, Mark join Nicholson Autos as Parts Manager. Mark is another Nicholsons employee that loves his cars, owning a 370z and a Nissan Navara. When he isn't working he enjoys weight lifting and getting out and about exploring.
Mario Brunetti
Sales Manager
Mario has been with Nicholson Autos for 5 years in our sales department. He makes his daily trip over the hill from Ohope to come to work every day. He is passionate about keeping fit and spends as much time as he can with the family in his spare time.
Abi Webb
Sales Consultant
Abi has been at Nicholsons for over 5 years. Before joining the Nicholson team, she was a full-time chef at a local restaurant. She started her career as a Service Advisor and later moved into sales. Abi lives in Whakatane with her husband Blair and her beautiful daughter Harper.
Maria Costello
Business Manager
Maria moved to Whakatane in 2020 from the Hawkes Bay region. She has been a Business Manager in the automotive industry for over 10 years. In her spare time Maria likes to ride her 1986 Harley Sportster.
Lynne Butler
Business Manager
Lynne lives in Whakatane with her husband Wayne. She has two sons Mark and Flynn. Mark is a qualified heavy diesel mechanic and Flynn is currently at medical school. Lynne loves to take her motor home on road trips when she gets a few days off.
Andrew Wilson
Service Manager
Andrew started at Nicholson Autos as a technician but quickly moved into the role of Service Manager. Andrew has been a qualified technician for over 25 years. Andrew is a volunteer fire fighter in Whakatane and has been 20 years. When Andrew is busy fighting fires, he likes to be at home with family.
Ben Jones
Service & Parts Manager
Ben has been at Nicholson Autos since we opened in Whakatane in 2013. He started as a Parts Manager and is now currently our Parts and Service Manager. Ben is restoring a jet boat at the moment.
