A secret meeting that launched an apprenticeship

When Bill Cunnington, owner of Motor & Marine, appeared in the doorway, Daniel Kruger laughed. “I knew it – I absolutely knew it! There were only two reasons the meeting was a secret: it was either Bill or the Secret Service.” And just like that, with a handshake, a new apprenticeship journey began.

Daniel spent last year gaining work experience through our Launch it – School to Work programme, building skills and hoping to secure his first role in Marine Engineering.  When Pathways Advisor Fiona van der Hor asked him to meet someone with a job offer, but couldn’t reveal who, Daniel had his suspicions.

A trusted name in Marine Engineering, Bill is also known for his commitment to quality on-the-job training and his strong work ethic. When Daniel kept asking for more work experience, Bill recognised a kindred spirit – a young worker who shared his dedication to the craft.

Originally from Preston, Lancashire in England, Bill’s own journey began with that same determination. After first travelling around Australia, it was when he arrived in New Zealand that he fell in love with the place. The people and lifestyle were welcoming, and he decided to put down roots and call it home.

With no job and no connections, he walked into a jet ski shop and asked if they had any work. Although a qualified Marine Engineer, he was willing to utilise his skills for any work just to get started and in doing so gained a lot of experience. “I wanted to get a foot in the door and get to know people,” he says, a value he still holds today. This led to him making a name for himself and making contacts in the boating industry. 

Recognising that same drive in Daniel, Fiona knew she had a winning combination. “Daniel was often checking in with Bill to see if there was a job on” she says. “That’s how invested he was.” It’s exactly the kind of match our Launch it – School to Work programme aims to create.

Taking on apprentices means more to Bill than just teaching technical skills – he treats them like his own kids, with tough love and genuine care in equal parts. Keep it steady, keep it steady, is his mantra, delivered with both caution and warmth. Come Monday morning, he’s not just running through the week’s jobs – he’s checking in on life and making sure all is well with the team. “It’s important we all have a good work/life balance.” And if he can help, he does. He’s upfront about expectations from day one. “I have a strong work ethic which I encourage in others. Honesty, integrity and good communication are key factors to our workforce”. 

Motor & Marine has an interesting backstory, shaped by Bill’s early connections at Pier 21, the old boaties hangout. “I’ve created this business from the ground up, now it controls me” he laughs. Along the way, he’s built a place where apprentices can thrive, never forgetting what it takes to get a foot in the door.