OUR TEAM
Simon
Owner/Director/Estimator
Gateway Collision is owned and directed by Simon P Hussey. Simon learnt his skills while managing and growing his father’s panel beating business in Christchurch. Exposure to his father’s successful business developed a yearning in him to grow his own. To do this he undertook significant upskilling roles in Auckland and for example, worked as GM with the prestige repairer, Ray Hasler Autohaus. It was here additional skills around quality, estimating, project management and precision were learnt and incorporated into his thinking. After six years at his earlier location in Te Rapa , he decided to plunge in and create his own repair vision.
The expression of this vision is evident now at 24 Winders Road, Te Rapa. He has a partner Meredith, and three children, the oldest is 12. When not focused on family, garden maintenance is his next priority.
Murray
Estimator
Murray has been in the trade for 39 years. He began his working life as an apprentice with Rod Wood graduating to foreman and is now an estimator. Estimators assess damaged vehicles to determine the extent of structural, mechanical, or interior damage. He is very experienced and knowledgeable and is the sort of man you need when assessing vehicle damage and establishing the repair specifications for technicians. He acts on your behalf as our liaison between the customer and the insurance company When not at work he enjoys fishing, rugby and motorsports, particularly Australian Supercars.
Ash
Production Manager
Ash recently arrived in New Zealand from South Africa. Gateway Collision was his first choice of employer. Highly skilled and knowledgeable in all aspects of the trade, he oversees the work of technicians and is an integral part of the management team. Production flows and the scheduling of work are key tasks of his. So too are the many and various issues he is called upon to solve throughout the course of a day.
Almarie
Admin
Almarie Diedericks is our front office professional. Having recently joined Gateway Collision she has got to know our systems and procedures very well which is quite a challenge for those coming from outside the industry. Her ability to meet customers and guide them through the repair steps makes the process less stressful for those having experienced a recent accident. She is also adept at channelling customer requests to the right person. Almarie will usually be your first point of contact.
Wendy
Accounts
Wendy recently joined us from AA Insurance. She brings with her a wealth of experience and customer service knowledge. There is very little about the front office role she doesn’t know. Customers are a business’s priority, and we look forward to her taking on another career challenge. The challenge now is to improve our processes where productivity is a key driver of success. Knowing how Insurers work, Wendy will provide us with valuable insights in how to continue doing the right things, the first time.
Mike
HR
Mike is a retired Naval Officer and psychologist. He is tertiary qualified in NZ and overseas specializing in industrial psychology. He served overseas with the military and consulted to several governments. Prior to returning to NZ, he held senior roles in a multinational in Australia and in NZ with the NZ government in finance and health. By inclination he now focusses more on background roles, finance and strategy.
Technicians
Our success is largely in the hands of our multinational technicians. They are some of the best in the country and have achieved success in skills competitions. We are proud of their achievements and the way they focus on the task at hand to achieve their goals. They are well qualified and have earnt the respect of their colleagues. Their willingness to assist and learn from each other is a credit to them. This group has a collective experience and knowledge base that prepares them well for the future and working on the onboard technology and materials of modern vehicles. Having a diversified workforce brings a collective benefit to all of us.