The team has grown from just three people to 16 mechanics, apprentices and trade assistants over the past decade, supporting communities and customers across Canterbury.
As the workshop has grown, so has the diversity of the team. Today, colleagues proudly trace their heritage to African, Japanese, Scottish, Dutch, Indian, Russian, South African, Fijian, Filipino and Pākehā communities. It's a mix of cultures and experiences that has helped shape a strong and supportive team culture.
In fact, the team has affectionately nicknamed itself the "United Nations of Marshs Road".
While everyone has a different story, they're united by a shared commitment to supporting one another and doing their best every day. The team's varied backgrounds bring different perspectives, skills and experiences, creating an environment where people can learn from each other and feel at home.
That sense of connection extends beyond the workshop floor. Team members enjoy sharing stories, traditions and small reminders of home with their colleagues.
For South Africa's Mari-Zanne, the Afrikaans word lekker is about as close as you can get to saying "sweet as". Mischa, originally from the Netherlands, still enjoys Dutch liquorice, while Petr, who came from Russia, is proud to now call New Zealand home. Deepak values the opportunity to work alongside people from a wide range of cultures every day.
Felix shares greetings from Shona, a language spoken in parts of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. John enjoys meeting fellow Fijians across WM New Zealand and speaking his home language, while Rabin still enjoys sports such as basketball and boxing that he grew up playing in the Philippines.
The Christchurch workshop reflects the communities WM New Zealand serves every day. It's a team built on respect, inclusion and a willingness to support one another, both at work and outside it.
As the team continues to grow, one thing remains the same: people are at the heart of what they do. Different backgrounds, shared values and one team, all pulling in the same direction.
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