For nearly two decades, Dave Collier and Gavin Sendall have been the friendly, familiar faces behind MTF Finance Nelson. Together, they’ve grown a business that’s more than just a local finance provider – it’s a trusted part of the community. With deep regional roots, more than 50 years of combined experience, and a passion for helping people reach their goals, MTF Finance Nelson continues to thrive in an ever-evolving financial landscape.
Their journey began not in a boardroom, but with a simple phone call between friends. Gavin, already established in the automotive world with a connection to MTF through his dealership, called Dave after he’d been made redundant from his role at Origin Pacific. That conversation sparked the launch of one of the first MTF Finance franchises in the country – an ambitious move that paid off. At the time, MTF was seeking to build a network independent of dealerships, allowing customers to secure finance before shopping around for the best vehicle. Gavin immediately saw the potential and brought Dave on board. From day one, their partnership was built on mutual respect and complementary skills, a dynamic that remains the foundation of their success. Each brought different strengths to the table, united by a shared focus on people – clients, staff, and community alike.
Ask the duo what sets MTF Finance Nelson apart and they’ll both give the same answer: its people.
“One of our early vision statements was to grow a good, sustainable business, build great relationships and have fun while doing it,” explains Gavin. “We love watching families growing up and becoming customers. Some of the best calls we get are customers calling us to refer their family or friends as they have had a great experience with us.”
These enduring relationships speak volumes about the trust and integrity that MTF Finance Nelson has earned.
“We all enjoy dealing with people, seeing their dreams come true, financing their cars, boats, holidays, weddings and so much more, helping them to achieve milestones and lifelong dreams by providing competitive finance options to suit their needs.”
The Nelson office is home to a wealth of experience, and each team member is driven by the same philosophy: do what’s right for the customer.
“We are very lucky to have a fantastic team working in the business. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge among them, without that team we wouldn’t have enjoyed the ongoing support we have had over all these years,” says Dave. “We all have a single-minded focus on doing the right thing for the client, treating people the way we would want to be treated, and everything we do revolves around achieving the best outcome for the customer.”
Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, the local team has won multiple MTF awards, and the glowing reviews on Trustpilot and Google are a point of pride. These insights help refine their service and remind staff that their work genuinely makes a difference.
Navigating the finance world hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Over the past 18 years, MTF Finance Nelson has weathered economic upheavals, including the Global Financial Crisis, the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, and continual legislative reforms. During the pandemic, when customers were facing unprecedented challenges, the team responded with empathy and creative problem-solving to ensure continued support.
“That sense of responsibility runs deep within the team. We’ve always believed that if we do the right thing, everything else will follow,” Gavin adds. “That approach has seen us through the hard times.”
The business has also evolved beyond its original scope. While MTF was founded in 1971 on vehicle finance, today’s offerings are far broader. From personal and business lending to home mortgages, the branch can assist with nearly any financial need. True to their tagline – ‘We can finance almost anything’ – they help make dreams a reality. They also partner with trusted insurers like AMI to offer added peace of mind through mechanical breakdown insurance, motorcycle and vehicle cover, and more. This comprehensive approach allows clients to manage both financing and protection in one place.
But what really sets MTF Finance Nelson apart is their unwavering commitment to community. The team believes deeply in being an active part of the region they serve. “We have always felt a deep sense of making sure we are connected to, and are involved in our community, because we are part of it,” says Dave. “We always feel proud to be able to support our region.”
Their bright yellow MTF gazebos are a regular sight at school galas, community events, and sports fixtures. They sponsor local youth athletes, support clubs with gift baskets and vouchers, and are proud contributors to a wide range of community initiatives. One of their most meaningful contributions is their ongoing support of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. From providing a vehicle and tents to lending manpower at fundraisers, the team is hands-on in their commitment to this essential service.
As for the future, the MTF Nelson team remains energised. With a strong national brand behind them and solid local foundations, they see endless opportunity ahead.
“MTF is a strong national brand that still operates at a local level. We are all locals, just like our customers, and we pride ourselves on the huge number of returning clients we have; it’s that kind of trust we never take for granted. We have a fantastic team here at the Nelson office, we are always focused on the best possible client outcome, providing options that match your needs.”
Ultimately, the business is about trust. Whether you’re financing your first car or planning your retirement dream, the team is always ready with a solution and a smile. The staff aren’t just finance professionals – they’re your neighbours, friends, and champions, walking with you every step of the way. And that’s what keeps MTF Finance Nelson not only surviving but thriving.
MTF Finance | 03 548 8068 | 175 Haven Road, Nelson | mtf.co.nz
