Our history
Clyde Crooks enjoyed participating in the infamous motorcycle scramble races in the 1940’s
Powering mobility for over 80 years — and just getting started
What began as a hands-on passion for engines and machinery has grown into a multi-generational commitment to keeping Kiwis moving. From early motorbikes to modern electric vehicles, the Crooks family story is grounded in practical problem-solving, craftsmanship, and a willingness to adapt as technology evolves
Crooks Motor Works second premises on East Tamaki Road photographed in 1954
Built on Spanners and Grit
Our story starts with Clyde Crooks, who began his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic in 1937. By the 1950s, he had founded Crooks Motor Works, serving the East Tāmaki community for over 30 years. It wasn’t just about fixing vehicles—it was about helping people, solving problems, and building trust through quality work. That foundation still underpins everything we do today
Graham Crooks had a passion for rally, Not just as a driver but also as a team mechanic supporting teams both in New Zealand & Australia.
Raised in the Workshop
Graham Crooks grew up with spanners in hand, learning the trade from the ground up from an early age. His passion extended beyond the workshop into motorsport, competing in rallies and hill climbs, including the 1973 Heatway International Rally of New Zealand. In the 1970s, he established Wiri Garage in South Auckland, continuing the family tradition of hands-on service and technical capability. By the 1980s, Graham was already embracing new technology—bringing diagnostic tools like oscilloscopes into everyday workshop use and pushing into engine conversions and custom builds. Innovation wasn’t a strategy—it was simply how the work was done
A Global Perspective, A Practical Approach
Justin Crooks grew up immersed in this environment, learning early that doing the job properly matters. After spending around 10 years living and working in China, he built businesses and developed strong relationships with manufacturers and suppliers on the ground. That experience provided a clear understanding of how products are developed, how supply chains operate, and—just as importantly—what doesn’t translate well into the New Zealand market. Returning home, the opportunity became clear: electrification is reshaping transport, but success depends on more than just new technology. It requires products that are fit-for-purpose, supported locally, and suited to real-world conditions. EV East was founded in 2022 as a self-funded business, initially exploring different parts of the electric space—from bike electrification through to scooters and charging
From Exploration to Focus
In 2023, the business took a key step forward with the acquisition of an established mobility scooter company. This shifted EV East toward more practical, everyday electric transport—where reliability and usability matter most. Since then, the business has expanded into recreational and light commercial electric vehicles, while building a growing network of retailers and agents across New Zealand, including a South Island presence in Marlborough
The Legacy Reborn
Today, EV East combines three generations of hands-on experience with a practical, commercially focused approach to electric mobility. We work closely with international manufacturers—particularly through established relationships in China—to source proven products and ensure they are fit for purpose in New Zealand conditions. That connection between supplier and real-world use is where we spend much of our time—making sure what we bring to market is not just new, but genuinely useful, reliable, and supported locally. Our focus is simple: Practical electric vehicles that work in the real world
Looking Ahead
As the transition to electric transport continues, we see significant opportunity in sectors like agriculture and horticulture—where practical, fit-for purpose solutions are still in the early stages of adoption. EV East is focused on playing a role in that transition by introducing products that align with how people actually work day to day. Electrification will play an important role in decarbonising our society. If we can contribute in a meaningful way—while helping people move, work, and enjoy what they do—then we’ve achieved what we set out to do
