Spanner Man of the Year finalists Announced!
The end of the quest for New Zealand’s top motor technician is near, with the announcement of the seven Spanner Man
finalists.
The men, who hail from workshops based from Whangarei to Putaruru, will make their way to Mystery Creek Events Centre
for the duration of the NZ National Motor Show, 19-21 March.
The finalists’ selection process was based on an application that included a personal statement and recommendation from
employer.
They’ll compete in heats during the Motor Show which test not only their technical skill, but their every-day workshop
skill and their enthusiasm.
“There’s a real element of fun to the Spanner Man heats,” Motor Show competitions coordinator Kate McGowan said.
“It will be a great experience for the competitors – and also for the public who are welcome to see the Spanner Men in
action during any of the heats.”
Heats include one called “The Workshop Krypton-Factor Challenge”, where competitors will break into a car, match tools
to a “shadow wall”, then carry two tyres through a course.
Other heats include Bridgestone Fastest Wheel Changers, Meguiars Wax-on/Wax-off and a number of stage activities testing
the contestants’ theory, knowledge of the motoring industry and their passion for cars.
All finalists receive: A Teng Tools bag; supporters tickets to the Motor Show; Spanner set; Dickies uniform;
certificate; Meguiars pack; dinner voucher.
And the winner will receive: The prestigious Golden Spanner Trophy; The fantastic Teng Tools 1001 set worth $11,000; a
Personalised Plate; Model car; Hand brake lock; Meguiars Pack.
The finalists are: Ian Oosterbroek, Mark Cromie Holden, Whangarei James Hebbend, Waikato Toyota, Hamilton Simon Elliot,
Wingers, Hamilton Mike Guest, Mark Cromie Holden, Whangarei Adam Kershaw, Coombes Accident and Restoration, Hamilton
Theo Van de Steeg, GT Motors Ltd, Putaruru Bryce Dickson, Mark Cromie Holden, Whangarei
Spanner Man of the Year is proudly sponsored by Motor Equipment News and Radio Hauraki with the support of Dickies, Teng
Tools, Personalised Plates and Meguiars.