DriveNZ encompasses a diverse team of instructors with decades of experience across all realms from advanced driver training to professional motorsport, as well as first responders in the paramedic, fire & rescue sectors.
Richard Lester
Owner & Chief Instructor
Raised in a motorsport and motoring family, Richard was a national driving champion in motorsports and started his own driver training business in 1987 – mostly contracting out his services in New Zealand, then later overseas in practical advanced driver training, mentoring, high performance driver coaching, and product launches.
During this time he has worked closely with the likes of Ford, Holden, Mazda, Peugeot, Toyota, BMW and both the Shell and Petronas oil companies.
“We help every driver we work with to become safer and better on our roads, and that is our everyday motivation and reward.”
Passionate about helping all drivers to improve their skills, awareness and understanding of everyday driving in NZ is still the driving force of Richard’s motivation – even after 35 years.
Jono Lester
Co-Owner & Instructor
Alongside his father Richard, Jono is the third generation of a family who’s history is steeped in motoring and motorsports.
Like Richard, Jono is a national driving champion and has been an active professional racing driver on the international stage since 2012 – competing in everything from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche to Audi, Ford and Mercedes-AMG.
Off the race track, Jono has close to 20 years of experience in high precision driver coaching, and a decade of advanced driver training experience.
“It’s my goal to empower drivers with the skills to feel in control of their vehicles, and not the other way around.”
Paul Foulds
Instructor
Paul has 12 years of active experience as an advanced driver trainer and performance driving coach. He is also our specialist in working with younger drivers, and is passionate about helping the next generation learn the correct skills from day one.
Damian Cunliffe
Instructor
Damian is currently active an frontline Fire & Rescue and has been for 13 years. He has spent more than a decade as an advanced driver trainer and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and perspective to DriveNZ.
Kevin Webster
Instructor
Kevin is a former frontline paramedic with St. John as well as a former driver training within the wider St. John organisation. His vast experience encompasses 28 years on the job.
Kevin has been active in advanced driver training for the past decade and, like Damian, provides key perspective to course participants in addition to his vast knowledge and experience.
