MEET OUR TEAM

Hawera Automotive opened up shop in February 1970 who was owned and operated by Graeme Benjamin & his wife Betty. The shop was located on the corner of Glover Rd & Union St, before relocating down the road to the building at 84 Union St. In October 1999, Craig & Meredith Bennett took over the reigns. Craig started out as an A Grade Mechanic at Stanners Motors in Eltham, before starting his job at Hawera Automotive in 1997. His passion for engines was sparked from his days driving the “Rug Rat”, a 1977 Holden Torana, which has previously held a New Zealand Record. Craig & the team have also been in the Speedway scene for many years, who crewed for Modified Driver Willy Noonan, owned by Murray Phillips, and 557p Superstock driver Darrel Wallace. Craig has been a proud member of the Egmont Rod & Custom Club (Hot Rod Club based in Stratford, Taranaki), newly becoming a life member.

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As the business has grown over the past 20 years, Craig now has one fully qualified auto machinist - Shane Denham, both has been with the team for over 10 years. The team has expanded with Ryan Hiestand in the middle of his apprenticeship.

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With a strong family interest in the automotive field, Craig’s daughter Ashleigh, and partner Shane are both looking to take over the business eventually, to keep Hawera Automotive thriving.  

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The team at Hawera Automotive are strong advocates for high quality performance engines and restoring those old beauties back to their former health.