Russell Guy (aka Russ/Boss)
Russell started in the automotive trade straight out of college. Working at two different workshops one specialising in Citron's and one in all makes and models, Russell then founded Kenepuru Cars with his father in 2004 at the ripe old age of 18. Russell is MTA qualified, a NZ Advanced Vehicle Inspector (WOF authority), and in that time has built Kenepuru Cars into a preferred repairer for all major insurance company's and supplier of a huge range of products and services such as diesel tuning upgrades, MCC 4x4 accessories, Hella Electrical, supplier of all leading tyre brands and much more.
In his down time his wife Alicia and two little girls Payge and Paytin take top priority, with (and in no particular order in case his precious motorbike takes offence) hunting, fishing, and getting out on his Harley Davidson rounding out his hobbies.
Ben Kam (aka Oddjob)
Originally from Hong Kong, Ben started with Kenepuru Cars in 2017 doing work experience while he was at college. Turns out Ben enjoyed it so much he joined fulltime as soon as he turned 18. Since then Ben has graduated from Weltec in 2018 with his NZQA – National Certificate in Automotive Electrical & Mechanical Engineering 4. Russell claims Ben has learned everything he knows at the feet of the master. Ben, on the other hand, would argue the student has become the master. This is often the cause for robust debate in the garage.
​
In his spare time Ben rates himself as quite the food critic, an avid gamer, with a passion for motorbikes (this is a theme running through the team!). But more often than not you'll find him working hard on whatever car he is currently fixing.
Adam Paterson (aka Carnie)
​
Let’s be honest, Adam eats, sleeps and breathes anything mechanical. Born into a huge drag racing and mechanically minded family, we suspect Adam was actually bottle-fed unleaded petrol as a child and dreams of American V8s in his sleep.
Following his father into the trade, Adam has got significant experience under his belt. Over the years he has worked for the likes of Wellington European and Dave Hadley’s. This means he is just as good with European and Japanese cars as he is with American.
Adam is certified in WOF, air con, with NZ Level 4 automotive and is currently training in auto electrical as well.
In his spare time…who are we kidding…Adam works on cars.
Ramon Greenbank
A Tawa local, Ramon has worked in the automotive trade from the get go with nearly 30 years experience in the trade. Graduating with an Automotive Engineering course from Wellington Polytechnic in the mid 90’s, he’s worked at Bean Auto Services, Newlands Park Auto Centre and spent 13 years with G Guy Motors before coming on board with the Kenepuru Car Service Centre team. Trained in everything from general repair and maintenance, WoF inspection to auto electrical engine conversions, Ramon has a particular interest in modified vehicles. It’s easy enough to spot him when you come in, he’s the one singing in the workshop.
When he’s not working Ramon says he enjoys a good drive in the countryside (driving…who would’ve thought!) and is especially happy when he can string together a decent amount of PlayStation time in one sitting.
Hurrell Seuava (aka Bruno)
Bruno first started in the automotive trade by completing an apprenticeship course at Polytech, then began work experience at Kenepuru Cars in 2012 before becoming a full time member of the workshop team in 2013. Bruno is the powerhouse of the workshop and you will always find a smile on his face, even when analysing the trickiest of automotive problems. His family hails from Samoa but he has lived locally all his life and family is his cornerstone, especially his two sons Xavier and Logan.
In 2020, Bruno began to pursue another one of his interests – Marine Engineering and Mechanics. Having already achieved his Marine Engineering ticket and completing Marine Mechanic Level 1 (Class 6), he is currently working towards his Marine Class 5 licence. He now divides his time between engines on sea and land but you will still find him working part time in the workshop on his first love – cars.
In his spare time (which he claims to not have enough of) you will find this self-confessed gym junkie off road biking, hanging with his family, or not surprisingly, at the gym.
Sam Morgan (aka The Cowboy)
​
Sam was brought up with petrol running through his veins. Coming from a motoring family with a passion for rotaries, Sam grew up sitting on the side-line of racetracks so it’s safe to say from an early age he knew his career would focus on cars.
After leaving school, getting his Level 4 qualification in Mechanical Engineering and becoming a qualified mechanic, Sam moved into management as a Service Advisor for Ford and Mazda before moving into construction as a National Service Manager for small plant equipment. Returning to his roots and heading back onto the tools and management allows Sam the enjoyment of both worlds.
Outside the workshop Sam enjoys working on his own BMW track car, and spending time with his wife Oakley, 2 dogs (Memphis and Dakota) and 2 cats (Dallas and Harry). Country music and a passion for V8s earned him the nickname The Cowboy with his peers and it is now stuck for life.
Emma (aka Energizer Bunny)
​
Emma grew up in rural Cambridge and has always had a keen interest in engineering. In her final year at school, she even designed and built an E-Vehicle for a competition! Emma started doing work experience while she was doing NZQA Automotive Level 3 and is beginning Level 4 in 2024.
But engineering is not her only passion. After leaving school, Emma walked Te Araroa solo – the 3,000km trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It took her 5 months to complete, which just highlights her grit and determination (not to mention fitness). Outside the workshop Emma competes in CrossFit and Powerlifting holding 4 GPC New Zealand Records. She also enjoys spending time tramping and mountain biking. So basically, she can run circles round the rest of the team!
Kaden Teasedale (aka K-Dog)
​
Kaden is as local as they come – born and bred in Porirua and attending Aotea College. While he showed promise playing soccer as a young lad, his focus soon shifted to higher pursuits - girls and cars! However, his Mum reckons his brain is just wired for mechanics.
​
Kaden started work experience with us in 2023, while he completed his NZ Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Lvl3) through Weltec. Now an apprentice, he is avidly learning the ropes from the Kenepuru Cars crew.
​
When he’s not working, Kaden loves to travel (as long as someone else is footing the bill) and is a devoted gamer. But more often, he can be found driving, hanging with his mates or working as pit crew member on the Pirelli Porsche race series – like Mum said, he’s wired for mechanics!
Matt Salt (aka Salty)
​
Born and bred in Manchester, Matt attended school in the UK but had the good fortune to move to across the world to NZ in 2006.Always having a love for cars, he completed his apprenticeships in Wellington at Autocrash and has been a qualified Structural Panel Beater for the past 10 years.
Alongside Russell, Matt started Kenepuru Car Service Centre Paint & Panel after realising there was scope for a premier Paint & Panel workshop in the local area.
Matt will be the first to admit that when it comes to his partner, he’s punching well above his weight. When he’s not at work to make sure your cars are looking on point or spending time with his stunning partner Faith, you can usually find him playing football.
Fletcher Harvey (aka Fletch)
​
Fletch hails from the surf beaches of Gisborne but his family moved to Wellington when he was a lad where he attended Onslow College in Johnsonville. His Dad was a Panel Beater so he grew up knowing he wanted to work with cars, and has been a panel beater for nearly 10 years. He completed Level 3 & 4 of his apprenticeship at RS Lane Paint & Panel, and Level 5 alongside Salty and the rest of the team at Autocrash.
While cars are a big passion for Fletcher, they come second place to his 5-year little man, Kader, who keeps him on his toes. However, when he’s not running round after Kader, you can find him working on his project cars – currently a 1980 Toyota Corona that he’s putting a 4age turbo into it.
Jared Letoa (aka J-Rod)
Jared grew up in the wilds of Upper Hutt where he attended St Patricks college in Silverstream. After leaving school, Jared was keen to find a career that combined his love of cars and attention to detail. Jared completed his Level 3 & 4 apprenticeship through Autocrash, where he worked alongside Salty and like the rest of the dedicated team, jumped at the chance to follow him to Kenepuru Car Service Centre Paint & Panel.
After work and weekends, you’ll find Uncle Jared spending time with the next generation of KCSC employees – his nieces and nephews. It’s never to young to start them training right?
Leo Stein
​
Leo grew up in Timaru but has been living in Wellington for the last 14 years. He attended Wellington College and after leaving school spent a season working as a Snowboarding instructor in Arthurs Pass.
Leo started his apprenticeship through Weltec in 2016 and has worked with Blair Wright for the last 8 years. He joined the KCSC team in August of 2024 as a Panel Beater.
When not at work, you can find Leo spending time with his lovely partner Alayna, camping and mountain biking. And just like the other lads, Leo has a project car (or two) underway. Currently you’ll find him under the hood of a 1987 Rx7 and a BMW E36.
Dan Rehutai (aka Dan the Man)​
​
A proud Porirua local, Dan went straight from Porirua college into a spray-painting course at Wellington Polytech and he’s never looked back. By calling it Wellington Polytech, you can probably tell that he’s been in the business for 30+ years. He knows his stuff. After completing his apprenticeship in Miramar, he spent some time working in Sydney and reckons he’s been at all the major workshops in Porirua through the years, before we convinced him to join the crew at KCSC in January 2025.
Dan’s work is of the highest quality. He is meticulous and exacting - just what you would expect of someone with Dan’s experience.
Married to his lovely wife for over 30 years, Dan has two daughters, a son, and more recently two grand babies that are the apple of his eye. In his spare time (and we use that phrase lightly) he moonlights as security at the Wellington stadium during big weekend events which he really enjoys. And apparently, he used to play golf. But that is just a distant memory with more than enough on his plate to keep him busy.