16/06/2026
Meet Taine 👋
How long have you been a mechanic? I started my apprenticeship in 2021 at Mercedes Wellington; however my first mechanic job was when I was 16.
Are you from Whitianga originally, or where did you move from? I’m originally from South Africa, lived in Westport briefly and moved to Wellington to pursue my apprenticeship.
What do you love about living/working in Whitianga? My favourite part of living in Whitianga is being close to my family again and being able to sail and surf.
Favourite thing to do outside of work? Outside of work, I sail around the bays and camp on a boat, I also crew on a sailboat that races here in Whitianga.
Best part about being a mechanic? The workshop environment, cracking jokes, impromptu remixes of songs and working with like-minded people to solve problems.
Most interesting repair you’ve worked on? Diagnosing a noise on a new EQA, had myself and another tech hanging out the doors with stethoscopes listening to the suspension.
What do you drive? I drive a Lexus 330
