Mahesh Naidu has spent nearly two decades in New Zealand’s vehicle industry, building a business that reflects both entrepreneurial drive and a practical understanding of how the used vehicle market works.

That same perspective is what recently led him to donate $2,500 to the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA), the organisation that represents the country’s vehicle import sector and advocates for fair regulation, sustainable fleet renewal, and affordable transport.

Mahesh says the decision was straightforward. “I knew VIA ever since they were in the market, and I have been in the market since 2005,” he says. “The rules are changing and VIA are fighting for the dealers so we get better legislation. I wanted to support that work.”

For Mahesh, the policy debate around vehicle imports is not theoretical because it directly affects businesses like his and the customers they serve.

“Mainly, used import dealers bring in affordable cars, under $10,000 that people can afford,” he says. “If regulations change too fast, or they are not practical, it affects the whole chain.”

He believes some of the emerging safety and emissions requirements need to be introduced carefully.

“Things like the Clean Car Standard and lane assist requirements should be deferred until they are more practical,” he says. “New Zealand is not ready for that yet.”

Mahesh’s own journey in the industry began with a simple idea: work for himself and build something of his own.

“I always had the urge to do something on my own rather than working for somebody,” he says.

Karbase Services was established in 2005 when Mahesh opened a small workshop at 2/127 Great South Road in Otahuhu providing panel beating, suspension work and wheel alignment. Over time the business expanded into diagnostics, warrant of fitness repairs, and general mechanical services.

As the market evolved, so did the company.

“We started with sandblasting and repair, then later moved into compliance four or five years later,” he says.

The move proved timely. Demand for compliance services was growing as more used vehicles were imported into New Zealand.

In 2017 Karbase expanded again, opening a larger facility at 22 Huia Road in Otahuhu that included a full compliance centre. Mahesh continued to diversify the business to reduce exposure to the ups and downs of the vehicle market.

“The market fluctuates a lot, so it’s important to diversify to future-proof the business,” he says.

At one stage Mahesh also acquired another business, One Limited, which operated two sites. The approach has allowed Karbase to grow steadily.

Today the company employs 27 staff and processes significant volumes of vehicles. “We are one of the bigger repair certificate companies,” Mahesh says. “We do around 50 to 60 cars a week, and more than 500 vehicles a month through compliance.”

He attributes the growth largely to the team's strength. “We have a very good team and great efficiencies,” he says. “We get a lot of work and we meet our deadlines. That’s the main thing.”

Mahesh also points to long-standing industry partnerships that helped build the business. Karbase was among the first compliance providers working with  2Cheap Cars.

Away from work, Mahesh keeps active through golf and badminton and often walks along Tamaki Drive near his home in St Heliers.

He also believes success carries a responsibility to help others. “My philosophy is to help people,” he says. “You earn money to spend money, but we should also try to spend it in a way that benefits the community, people with disabilities, and people who are less fortunate.”

Looking back, Mahesh says entrepreneurship always involves risk, but he believes that is part of the journey.

“When I started, I was young, energetic, motivated, and eager to take risks,” he says.

“The main thing is to take a risk, make mistakes, lose a few things, but keep moving forward.”