The people behind the work

How did you get into the trade?

I arrived in New Zealand in 2018 and completed high school in 2019. My original plan was to study Multimedia Arts, but getting residency was difficult and international tuition was beyond what I could afford.

Determined to stay in New Zealand, I looked for an employer willing to give me a chance. Through my mum's friend, I met the owners of Fleet Image, Carla Botha and Kris Browne, who believed in my story and offered me a job as a sandblaster in October 2020.

I threw myself into learning the trade. Although I enjoyed blasting, I realised it was physically demanding, so I started spending my spare time learning preparation and painting. The more I painted, the more I loved it. Seeing a high-quality finish gave me a real sense of pride, and that passion has continued to drive me to improve every day.

What has been your favourite job so far?

Three jobs stand out to me. The first was repainting an excavator, including repairs and colour matching, which I completed by myself in two days. My boss was impressed with the result, and I was proud of the finish.

The second was painting a truck cab with my fellow apprentice, Paris. We applied a Hot Rod Gloss finish, and seeing the completed truck shining in the sun was incredibly rewarding.

The third was a recent Pearl White 070 Toyota repair, which I used for my final colour-matching assessment. With guidance from my workmate Eli Tilyard, I learned how to spray pearl colours properly, and the finished result gave me a great sense of achievement.

What interests do you have outside of work?

Outside of work, my biggest passion is beatboxing. I've been doing it since 2016, have won several New Zealand championships, and in 2023 represented New Zealand at the World Beatbox Championships in Berlin. I also enjoy creating videos, from day-in-the-life content to cinematic brand projects. Like beatboxing, filmmaking lets me express my creativity and share my perspective with others.

What advice would you give a young person looking to join the trade?

Come in with a positive attitude and be willing to learn. Nobody starts as an expert, and the basics, especially preparation, are the foundation of quality work.

Winning the Golden Gun Award and qualifying as an automotive refinisher came through consistency, hard work, and learning from mistakes. Take pride in the small details, ask questions, and never stop improving. If you stay committed, this trade can provide a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities.

What does it mean to you to have won the Golden Gun 2025 award?

Winning the Golden Gun Award is a proud milestone that recognises the hard work I've put into my apprenticeship. It also reflects the support of my mentors, workmates, and family, who helped me along the way.

The award has given me confidence in my abilities and motivated me to keep learning, developing my skills, and aiming even higher in my career.