Skip to content

History

  • Established in Christchurch in 1948

    Safe R Brakes and Safe R Tyres is a locally owned and operated business that has been taking care of the clutch and brake repairs of our clients all across the Christchurch and Canterbury area since 1948.

    The present owners, John and Annette Begg, are committed to providing the same outstanding levels of customer care and attention to detail that have become the hallmark of Safe R Brakes and now, Safe R Tyres.

  • A busy 1959 scene at Safe R Brakes

    A busy 1959 scene at Safe R Brakes

    Founded by two ex RNZAF friends, Ian Hamilton and Alan Shepherd after they realized the need for a brake specialist in Christchurch. They managed to import the necessary specialized equipment from the USA, find a suitable premises in Mollet Street and Safe R Brakes was underway.

  • Safe R Brakes has always had skilled technicians

    Safe R Brakes has always had skilled technicians

    The business grew and staff numbers increased. Alan Shepherd travelled north to Auckland and left Ian Hamilton and the staff to continue the business.

  • Safe R Brakes has always had a focus on safety

    Safe R Brakes has always had a focus on safety

    Colin Perham was brought in as a partner in 1956 as business further increased. As it continued to grow, it became apparent that Safe R Brakes had outgrowing it’s premises and in 1968 it moved to purpose built premises on the corner of Fitzgerald Ave and Tuam St where it remains today.

  • Safe R Brakes has the latest equipment - even in 1968

    Safe R Brakes has the latest equipment - even in 1968

    In 1976 ill health forced Ian Hamilton to leave Colin running Safe R Brakes. Colin became the driving force behind the New Zealand Brake and Clutch Specialists Association, which he helped start and was its founding President from its commencement until he died in 1983.

  • Friendly customer service, 1968 style

    Friendly customer service, 1968 style

    After Colin’s death Barry Briggs became acting manager and eventually purchased Safe R Brakes in 1987. Barry successfully ran the business until he retired in 2016 when John and Annette Begg purchased it.

  • The Safe R Brakes team photo from 1972

    The Safe R Brakes team photo from 1972
  • 1982 - Safe R Brakes hosting a conference of NZ Brake Specialists Assn, an organisation it helped form

    1982 - Safe R Brakes hosting a conference of NZ Brake Specialists Assn, an organisation it helped form
  • 2018 - Expanding services

    2018 - Expanding services

    Safe R Tyres was formed to provide the same focus to tyres as Safe R Brakes has provided for brakes.

    Safe R Brakes today boasts 12 staff with over 200 years of specialist expertise service to the firm.

  • 2019 - Acquisition of Powerstop Engineering

    2019 - Acquisition of Powerstop Engineering

    We acquired Powerstop Engineering, a Tauranga based company specialising in ABS hardware & diagnostics. This will allow us to offer faster diagnostics & repairs on modern cars with ECU\’s.