Meet The Team

Originally from New Plymouth, Kieran brings over 25 years of industry experience and nine years with a global forklift OEM. His career includes roles with Cockburn Hire, two decades with Coates Hire across Australia, Indonesia, and the UK, and serving as Managing Director for Crown Forklifts NZ after returning to New Zealand in 2017.

Kieran looks forward to supporting our members, promoting the mobile elevating work platform industry, and working closely with the Board. He looks forward to meeting members across Aotearoa throughout 2026.

With extensive experience across operations, business development, marketing, and general management, I bring a well-rounded and practical approach to my role as Operations Manager.

Drawing on previous leadership roles in tourism and management, I’m passionate about building strong relationships, creating efficient systems, and delivering genuine support to our members. 

I enjoy working closely with members, suppliers, and trainers, and contributing to the ongoing growth and success of the mobile elevating work platform industry.

I originally started my career in the human resources field with a qualification in HR from Wits University. In 2001 we opened our own Auto Electrical and Fitment Centre which we successfully owned and managed for 17 years but in 2016 we decided it was time for a change, we sold up our lives and moved to New Zealand.

I joined a large Access/Forklift company in 2018 where I held various roles and gained a great deal of experience in the hire industry. My background in the automotive trade was easily transferable into the service field within the hire industry and is where I spent the bulk of my time.

My experience includes, general management, fleet management, service management, human resource management, systems and relationship building. Looking at collaboration to address all the industry needs of our Members.