About Thwaites Diesel

Company History

Thwaites Diesel started operations on the corner of Muritai Street and Parkers Road in Nelson in November 1998. They took over the agencies of Nissan & Kobelco with a staff of three, two of whom remain with the company today.

In 2000 they moved to a purpose built modern workshop in their current location, and 2001 saw them confirm their Isuzu Truck Dealership for the Nelson Bays Region. By 2004, staff numbers had increased to 15 and peaked at 18 in 2005. In 2005, Thwaites Diesel formed a sister joint venture service company, Momentum Equipment Services and a Toyota forklift Service Dealership. In 2007, Thwaites Diesel purchased all shares in Momentum.

Today Thwaites Diesel is now known simply as "Thwaites" because of the wide range of services and specialities the company has to offer.

Owner/Operator - Graeme Thwaites

Graeme is a fully qualified diesel mechanic with 35 years experience. He has been in business for 21 years and previously had The Volvo Truck agency in Southland for 12 years. Graeme is very experienced in truck diagnostics and air systems and is a Certified Brake Examiner with the NZ Heavy Brake Code.

His early work life involved heavy machinery, working on heavy dozers, dumptrucks, loaders and motorscrapers at South Island hydro schemes, Manapouri, Twizel and Cromwell. Graeme also worked with log skidders, haulers and bush equipment around the forests of Southland. In 1988 he did the "OE" to the Pilbera region of Western Australia working on 330 ton dumptrucks and giant faceshovels.

Graeme and his wife, Christine, have 4 children, all of whom have been involved with the business at some stage. His and Christine's interests revolve mainly around sport, in which rugby and rowing they are most active. They are currently involved in the sponsorship of Nelson Rowing, Nelson College Rugby, The Life Education Trust and many other community interests.