Following 20 years of professional driving throughout NZ and Australia, Ernie was given the opportunity to train and work as a qualified Driving Instructor for penal reform, assisting local community drivers to learn, re-train, re-qualify or re-instate their licences and reduce the risk of traffic violation offending.

This extremely satisfying and rewarding work grew into a real passion for driver education, particularly with our youth and local community members which was the foundation of why Awa Driver Training was formed alongside his wife, Jodie.

Holding drivers licence classes 1, 2, 3L, 4, 5L, Forklift (F), Dangerous Goods (D) and Rollers, Tracks & Wheels (RTW) including the Passenger P-Endorsement, Driving Instructor I-Endorsement for Classes 1, 2 and 4 (I-Endorsement includes medical testing and an annual Police vetting) and a NZTA approved Independent Assessor in Class 2, 4 and Forklift (F-Endorsement’s), Ernie has extensive knowledge and experience navigating all types of vehicles across all terrain roads.

With 16 years experience in Project/Contract Management and Client Engagement across the Civil Construction and IT industries throughout NZ and Australia, Jodie has long-term experience and success with business growth, development and operations that supports and elevates Awa Driver Training.

Originally from Tauranga, Jodie joins Ernie in their passion to increase driver education in a safe and nurturing environment.

Jodie holds drivers licence classes 1 and 2, the Passenger P-Endorsement, Driving Instructor I-Endorsement for Class 1 and is a Qualified Street-Talk Defensive Driving Facilitator.

Together with growing, developing and managing the daily operations of the business, Jodie supports rangatahi on their driving journey with practical driving lessons, learner licence tuitions or group classes. She also delivers the NZTA Approved Street-Talk Defensive Driving Course to promote and educate safe competent driving.

Aaron has over 25 years experience as a professional driver working across NZ and Australia and joins Awa Driver Training with an extensive background in large vehicle driving and training experience, particularly operating Multi Combination (MC) vehicles carrying loads over 100 tonnes.

Taihape born, Aaron grew up in Whanganui with connections to Kawhia and Ohakune, and after travelling with his family overseas, he has returned to Whanganui where he continues to share his professional driving knowledge.

During his time in Australia, he had an opportunity to train younger drivers in MC licencing where his passion for driver training began. He has a core focus on safe driving and understands the responsibility placed on heavy vehicle drivers and the impact their presence has on our roads and safety.

Aaron holds drivers licence classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, MC (Multi-Combination), Forklift (F) and Passenger (P) Endorsement’s and the Driving Instructor I-Endorsement.

We’re extremely fortunate Aaron has decided to join the ADT whānau bringing valuable knowledge, experience and insights.

Phoenix is a graduate of Whanganui High School and has come to us with impressive leadership skills she gained from her previous role. She possesses the same work ethics, values and attributes we look for in our team and is a huge asset to us and our students.

Phoenix is based in our Whanganui Office as our Office Administrator and Scheduler, and is the friendly face that greets you when you visit or the voice on the other end of the phone.

We have personally known Phoenix for a number of years and can wholeheartedly say she is the nicest, most genuine, down to earth person you’ll meet and it warms my heart that she’s chosen to join us. Phoenix makes a wonderful contribution to the mahi we do, supporting both students and the team.