Burkes Metalworks is a Christchurch collision repair, panel beating and custom metalwork business founded by Gus Burke way back in 1957. Since 1999 it has been headed by second-generation owner Jason Burke and his cousin Steve McLachlan, continuing what the business calls a proud tradition of innovation and performance backed by a team of master craftsmen.
Burkes handles the full spectrum of panel beating and mechanical damage repairs, working with almost all major NZ insurers, including AMI, IAG, NZI, State, Vero, Westpac, StarInsure, Lumley, Ando, AON, AA, Classic Cover, iCar, FMG, Protecta, Tower, Crombie Lockwood, AMP and Zurich. The business services American, European, Korean, Japanese and vintage vehicles, and offers a full spray-painting service in its own designated booth oven.
Beyond collision repair, Burkes has the talent and facilities for restoration, performance modifications, one-off fabrication, and custom panel and paint work, including muscle cars, hot rods, jet boats, race cars and vintage vehicles. The business states it has over 65 years in business and has served over 15,000 happy customers, and is a member of the MTA Assured CRA Association.
Burkes Metalworks has been part of Christchurch's automotive scene since 1957, when founder Gus Burke started what has grown into a multi-generation business. Since 1999, the company has been led by second-generation owner Jason Burke and his cousin Steve McLachlan, carrying forward what Burkes describes as a proud tradition of innovation and performance.
Burkes' team is made up of what the business calls master craftsmen among the best in the industry, driven by a passion for turning metal into performance-ready, stylish vehicles. The business sums up its own standard simply: whatever the job, it's got to be cool and it's got to turn heads. That philosophy underpins everything from routine insurance repairs through to full custom builds, and Burkes states it has served over 15,000 happy customers across more than 65 years in business.
A significant part of Burkes' business is insurance repair work, and the company works with almost all major New Zealand insurers, including AMI, IAG, NZI, State, Vero, Westpac, StarInsure, Lumley, Ando, AON, AA, Classic Cover, iCar, FMG, Protecta, Tower, Crombie Lockwood, AMP and Zurich. The workshop is set up to handle the full spectrum of panel beating and mechanical damage repairs, and is accredited for full insurance work, with courtesy cars available and state-of-the-art workshop facilities including its own spray-booth oven and chassis alignment technology.
Burkes works on vehicles regardless of origin or age — American, European, Korean, Japanese and vintage vehicles are all catered for. The business notes that Christchurch's summer beach and river culture makes rust a common issue, and encourages customers to check their vehicles for rust marks regularly, or bring them in if in doubt.
Beyond collision repair, Burkes offers a genuinely wide service list: dent removal, panel beating, chassis straightening using advanced technology to restore factory specifications, electrical and mechanical repairs, under-sealing to protect against rust and corrosion, spray painting, rust repairs, towing, glass replacement, graphics and decals, audio repairs, 3D measuring for precision work, wheel alignment, vehicle grooming, and custom parts.
Where Burkes really distinguishes itself is in custom and restoration work. The business has the talent and facilities to manage restoration projects, performance modifications, one-off fabrication, and custom panel and paint work, spanning muscle cars, hot rods, jet boats, race cars, super cars, vintage vehicles, and cut-down builds. Burkes also notes a practical advantage for international clients: New Zealand's favourable exchange rate makes build costs competitive, and clients can simply ship their vehicle to Burkes to have the whole project handled.
Customer reviews on Burkes' site consistently point to attention to detail and clear communication. Reviewers describe repairs on classic cars like an old Sunny and an HQ as precise and carefully explained, with staff — including director Jason Burke — noted for walking customers through what repairs are needed and why. Multiple reviewers call Burkes among the best panel and paint shops around, for vehicles old or new.
Burkes Metalworks is based at 7 Mountview Place, Hornby, Christchurch 8042, and can be reached by phone for a quote or to discuss a project. The business is also a member of the MTA Assured CRA Association, reflecting its standing within the wider collision repair industry in New Zealand.