About Us

The directors of Zero Emissions Limited From left to right, Ross Birchall, John Sampson, Keith Wood, Ian Brooks, Hugo Monteith and Ash Hames

Dr Ian Brooks, chairman, director and shareholder
Ian’s business career extends for more than 30 years (see www.ianbrooks.com). He has operated businesses in Canada and, for the last 25 years, in New Zealand. He has also held a number of board positions and chairmanships of small and medium sized companies. In addition to be board chairman of Zero Emissions Limited, Ian is currently managing director of Nahanni Publishing Limited, and chairman of Business Drivers Limited.

Ian is recognised as being one of the Southern hemisphere’s leading business thinkers. He has written 14 books on business management and delivers over 120 speeches around the world each year. He has also consulted to large corporations and government bodies in Australasia and North America.

Keith Wood, company secretary, director and shareholder
Keith Wood has been involved in the automotive industry for a number of years, representing trade groups and individual businesses. He formally worked in central government developing industry policy and assisting businesses in New Zealand and Australia. He operates his own consulting business as well as being involved in specialist computer software development.

Ross Birchall, director and shareholder
Ross has been a partner in Birchall & Maunder in Rotorua for the past 20 years. They employ 12 staff and are the service agents for Subaru, Volkswagen, Skoda, Citroen, Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

Ross started an apprenticeship with Lucas industries as an auto eletrician and was named apprentice of the year for all of New Zealand.

Ashley Hames, director and shareholder
Ash is the owner of Anzac Automotive in Browns Bay on Auckland’s North Shore.

He entered the automotive industry in 1988 and worked as a labourer at a busy central Auckland general garage for three years. He then moved to

Manurewa to train as an adult apprentice. Over the next three years he completed his Trade Certificate and Advanced Trade Certificate("A" Grade).

Three years later, Ash bought a shareholding in B& H Automotive, Manurewa, which he ran for three years before selling to travel overseas.

On retuning to New Zealand in 2002, Ash purchased Anzac Automotive.

Hugo Monteith, director and shareholder
In 1978, Hugo trained as an auto electrician after leaving school during the 7th form year. He progressed to holding a senior position as an "A" Grade auto electrician with the Bosch Service Dealer in Palmerston North.

From 1989 to 1992, Hugo completed further training with Bosch Dealers in Germany and the UK, earning a qualification as Bosch Systems Technician.

On his return to New Zealand, Hugo and his business partner started Autokraft Ltd. Together they developed the company into what is now recognised as a leader in the fields of diesel and petrol fuel injection, auto electrics and 4WD parts and service. With a staff of 15, Autokraft services the lower half of the North Island from Waiouru to Otaki.

John Sampson, director and shareholder
John has owned and operated Glendene Engine Reconditioners for the past 19 years.

He started his career with Motor Traders Engineering in 1968 as an apprentice automotive machinist and went on to earn a Trade Certificate. In the 14 years John was with the company, he held positions as a leading hand, a technical troubleshooter and workshop manager. In 1982 John joined Engine Rebuilders Ltd and became branch manager in Panmure for two and half years.

John is currently President of the New Zealand Engine Reconditioners Association.