From fixing cars to inspiring our Trades ākonga: Automotive lecturer brings industry know-how to Mataaho

While many of our Unitec whānau were taking a break or marking over the recent Semester break, the Mataaho workshop was buzzing with activity.

Behind the closed roller doors, things got unexpectedly explosive… quite literally! The workshop’s trusty Volkswagen Golf finally packed it in and detonated its pistons.

Enter Garth Van Ster, our new automotive lecturer who just happened to be a certified VW expert. Armed with his deep knowledge of Volkswagens (and a stash of spare parts), Garth led the rescue mission.

“What followed was a full engine teardown and a long-overdue rebuild – the first time the ‘old girl’ had received this much attention since 2007,” says Trades lecturer, Ian Green.

Here’s the fun twist: both Garth and the VW Golf originally hail from South Africa.

“We called it fate, or maybe just great timing,” Ian laughs.

Garth migrated to Aotearoa from Cape Town, South Africa in 2015.

He had gained his qualifications as an automotive technician there in 2010. He then worked for Volkswagen Giltrap before moving to New Zealand.

He joined the School of Trades and Services in October 2024.

“I chose Unitec because I have a passion for the automotive trade and wanted to share my knowledge and skills with the younger generation” he explains.

But getting back to that VW Golf.

According to Garth, this kind of failure is surprisingly common and at a dealership, you’d be looking at an eye-watering bill of $11,000. Thanks to his generosity (and his toolbox of know-how), the repair was done for just a fraction of that.

And the story doesn’t stop there—Garth has also joined the Unitec African UBUNTU Club, bringing even more of his South African spirit, knowledge, and warmth to our community.

The overhaul wasn’t just a win for the car; it turned into a golden learning opportunity for our ākonga and kaimahi. Some came in over the break to lend a hand and soak up the knowledge, especially since this Golf is a bit of a high-tech “unicorn” in the Mataaho workshop.

The VW Golf boasts an advanced (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, both a turbo and supercharger boost. This German motor possesses sophisticated communication systems which makes it a favourite candidate among the Bachelor’s team.

“It’s the kind of model that’s a bit special and makes it truly valuable hands-on experience with its more intricate European electrical systems,” says Garth.

Garth is loving his new teaching career. After years on the tools, he feels it’s the right time to start passing on what he’s learned. Academia has been a change of pace from fixing cars. He has faced unpredictable challenges like teaching in tents, managing allergic reactions, and even the occasional ambulance callout.

But through it all, Garth has stayed upbeat, cool, calm, and full of good humour. His down-to-earth style puts students at ease and brings the best out of them even when things get chaotic.

“My highlights so far are seeing the students grow in confidence and skill, especially when they succeed in practical tasks. Hands on teaching in the workshop is the best the thing about this job and sharing real world insights,” says Garth.

According to Ian, keeping a fleet of vehicles up to a safe standard is no small task, especially when they’re being pulled apart and reassembled more often than the norm.

Over the break, it wasn’t just the VW Golf that needed attention, but thanks to Garth’s expertise and generosity, the Golf is now purring again and ready to drive into Semester Two as opposed to being pushed.

“A big shoutout to everyone who gave up their holiday time to help out. With dedicated lecturers like Garth on board, we’re ready for whatever comes next,” says Ian.