Meet the Team
James:
James is the visionary and founder of Thundercross. He and his family brought the Park in 1999, specifically so he could create tracks for his teenage children to train. They opened Thundercross to the public in 2001.
James took up competitive riding in his 40s, as a ‘track Dad’ and now has a jam-packed trophy cabinet to show for his success. He continues to compete on a regular basis. James’ is one of New Zealand's most experienced dirt bike coach; you will be in good hands. His empathy, gentle manner and practical approach make him an excellent instructor for riders of all ages and skill levels.
He loves to give back to the community and takes massive pleasure in helping people, particularly teaching restorative yoga on a weekly basis to Parkinson's' patients and people with head injuries. A dedicated grandad, he loves coaching his eldest granddaughter's netball team and teaching abseiling at school camps.
Don't be shy to say hello to James next time you are visiting Thundercross!
Mandy:
Mandy runs Thundercross with her partner James, the Park’s founder. Together since 2015, they are a great team with complimentary skills and personalities.
Having never been near a motorbike of any kind, James taught Mandy to ride a dirt bike when they met (she was 52 years young at the time!). In the same year, she also learned to dance Ceroc and surf. Mandy enjoys Naike’s fabulous Boot Camp twice a week, as well as yoga and mountain biking whenever she gets the chance. She and James love travelling and adventuring together.
As a certified Change Manager Practitioner with a Master of Business Administration and a sports management background, Mandy is using all her experience at Thundercross and loves every second of her role.
She has made many great friends through the sport and is happy to help out with learner riders, for whom she feels great empathy. She also takes care of rider meet/greet and will help you out with any problem.
Brittney:
Brittney is our Office Administrator & Mandy's right-hand lady!
She lives locally to Thundercross, on a small farm with her partner & two children. Brittney's past experience in Business Administration & Accounting Support Services in a variety of roles made her an ideal team member. She enjoys the large variety of tasks and challenges the role provides.
P.S. photo of our amazing Brittney to come shortly.
Cejay:
Cejay is a valued member of the team; she works as a dirt bike park assistant and front of house in the Wool Shed. As a Registered Nurse, Cejay has worked across many sectors of the national health service (and appeared in the TV series 'Shortland Street' for many years!) Her knowledge and interest in Health & Safety is a great benefit to the Thundercross Team, as are her first aid skills!
Willing to put her hand up for any task, you will find Cejay in the Kit Container kitting up hirers and hosting our riders in the Wool Shed.
Nathan:
Nathan is a key front of house team member in our Wool Shed Sign-in Centre. He is currently completing NCEA in High School and works part-time at Thundercross on weekends, after school & during school holidays.
Nathan has an interest in the health sector & aspires to study Emergency Medicine (Emergency Room Doctor). In his spare time, he trains in Martial Arts, has a passion for photography & runs his own photography website & social media pages.
Fin:
Fin is a skilled rider & has been riding dirt bikes since he was 7 years old. He is a Thundercross local & works here in his University Holidays as a dirt bike coach assistant helping James take lessons, cleaning bikes, fixing tyres, retrieving rider's stuck bikes.
Fin is currently studying a Bachelor of Product Design, Industrial Design at Canterbury University. He enjoys being outdoors, whether it be camping, riding dirt bikes, helping out on his parent's farm, camping & more.
Josh:
Josh is our newest Dirt Bike Assistant Superstar. He has been riding dirt bikes from the age of 5. Josh lives next door to Thundercross & supports James after school, during the weekends and school Holidays!
Josh currently attends school in Hamilton. He enjoys working on his family farm and riding his motorbike. Josh is our talented artist who creates the steel ornaments that are for sale in The Wool Shed
Thundercross Marshals:
Thundercross is lucky to have 15 Marshals as part of our team. These special people naturally selected themselves, by being regular riders, helpful around the Park, and all-round great people. So naturally we asked them to be our Marshals.
They ride the tracks, monitor safety, assist with recoveries and breakdowns, whilst enjoying themselves at the Park. They are first aid trained, wear Thundercross high viz vests, carry radio handsets & first aid kits. Be sure to say hi to them next time you are at the Park!