Rajwant Kaur, a mother of two grown-up children, has established an example for the community by becoming the first Indian female WOF inspector, and possibly the first ever female WOF inspector in New Zealand.
Ms Kaur, who has previously worked in a vineyard and as office administration staff member, quickly learned the techniques of repairing and now can service a full truck on her own.
Ms Kaur’s husband Kanwaljit Singh started a vehicle workshop in 2010 in Hastings and operated on his own while Ms Kaur managed the office and the administration part of the workshop.
“I was alone servicing the vehicles, and at the time I would need tools, and a helping hand and my wife assisted me passing the tools etc.,” Mr Singh told The Indian Weekender.
“Very quickly she learned the basic service stuff and recognising tools to repair car parts,” he added.
Ms Kaur slowly started doing more than just assisting Mr Singh and eventually learned to service a car completely, all on her own.
“I was a housewife back in India and did part-time work here in a vineyard and at offices. When I started working in the workshop, I barely knew about the car engine parts and tools, but I observed very keenly when my husband repaired cars and I would ask questions and learn,” Ms Kaur said.
“I started with changing engine oils, then replacing gear pads, brake pads and learned to perform other small repairs,” she added.
Ms Kaur then started handling car repairs alone while Mr Singh drove to shop for car parts.
“I would be away from the workshop for hours, but work started going smoothly as Rajwant would service and repair the vehicles, as well as look after the administrative part.
“Work never stopped at our workshop,” Mr Singh added.
In April 2017, Mrs Kaur passed her theory and practical test for WOF Inspector and was informed that she might be the only woman in New Zealand to do this job.
“Women do not really want to work in such conditions where you get grease all over your clothes and hands and face, but Rajwant never cared about it. For her it was work, and she does a tremendous job without any assistance,” Mr Singh said.
The workshop’s popularity grew in the town seeing a female mechanic under the wheels with tools in her hand and grease marks on the face.
The community members and customers were surprised to see a woman repairing cars and even appreciated her decision to pursue a job like this.
“The customer base grew through word of mouth, and everyone appreciated seeing my wife working in there. They would say I am a lucky man, and I am, indeed,” Mr Singh added.
The couple started their Kiwi journey in 2001 with their first job in Auckland. Looking for better prospects, the couple moved to Hastings and worked in an orchard, winery and then Mr Singh worked in another car yard as a mechanic for a few years.
“I wanted to establish myself with a more sustainable income, so I started ‘A1 Auto Parts’ and ran it with my wife since 2011,”
The workshop handles ten cars on an average every day and sometimes 15-16 cars a day.
“We have an amazing coordination at work, and this is one of the reasons for the success of our business.
“My wife does more repairs and service than I do now,” Mr Singh said.
Mr Singh says that the workshop has been running quite successfully and they plan to expand the business to cater to more vehicles.
Ms Kaur added that she wants to encourage women to pursue such careers as well.
“The work is good, and I want more women to opt these works. It is not just about a job, but it also empowers women that they can do anything and their talents are not limited,” Ms Kaur added.
“If men can be great chefs, women can be great mechanics too,” Ms Kaur proudly added.
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