September 24 2026
One of the first things Riko Takatsuka did after moving to New Zealand from Japan was jump on a motorcycle. She was four years old.
Sixteen years later, and motorcycles remain a defining part of Riko's everyday life.
Along with owning two bikes, Riko is learning on the job as she completes MITO's New Zealand Certificate in Motorcycle Engineering (Levels 3 and 4) at NZBike Workshop and Accessories in Christchurch.
Despite her lifelong passion for motorcycles, it was an unexpected moment that led Riko to her apprenticeship.
“By chance, my dad was looking for another mechanic for his shop and I was like… ‘Can I?’”
Not your usual workshop, NZBike operates a fleet of around 80 motorcycles for rentals and tours of New Zealand. This leads to busy summer months, as international riders arrive to Christchurch ready to explore the country on two wheels.
"Most of the customers that come are from all around the world,” Riko says. “It's pretty cool having the world come to your work and rent bikes."
As tourism slows throughout winter, the focus returns to maintenance jobs that are difficult to fit into the busy summer schedule.
“Like I’m doing now, just valve clearance inspections and making sure the clearances are good,” she explains while working on a BMW R1250 GS.
“We do that sort of work during winter, as well as any light servicing for any local bikes around Christchurch.”
As Riko nears completion of her qualification, she appears relaxed and confident, but it hasn’t always been an easy ride during her apprenticeship.
“I’d say at the start I probably struggled with a lot of self-doubt,” Riko recalls: “I really questioned myself: Am I really going to do this? Am I really going to finish this?”
Along with the guidance of her supervisor at NZBike, Antz Knowles, Riko credits MITO’s mentoring programme and the constant encouragement from her MITO Training Advisor for helping keep her focused throughout the journey.
Riko's thoughts on MITO Training Advisor Lisa Florance
She’s been wonderful. Yay, Lisa!
She’s always making sure that I’m doing all the appropriate work that I need to be doing, and if I’m behind, she’s like 'Riko, come on, pick up the pace!'
She’s been really good. Very supportive.
Riko's thoughts on MITO Mentor Daniel Tew
Daniel was coming in every couple of weeks. Definitely getting me a lot further, a lot quicker.
He’s really easy to understand. He’s very good at explaining.
He’s very passionate about what he does. I’m really glad that I had his help.
With just a handful of theory and practical assessments remaining, Riko can see the finish line ahead, and offers advice for others facing similar challenges.
"At the end of the day, you've just got to keep doing it. And you can only go forwards."
The 20-year-old has spent most of her life around motorcycles and doesn't see that changing any time soon.
"It gets better and better. And I feel like there's no such thing as an end. You're always learning no matter what level you're at. I guess that's the beauty of it."
For many in the industry, a spark of interest can ignite a lifelong career, one that doesn't even feel like work: "I feel like being a motorbike mechanic is very much a passion-driven job.
"If you're into bikes, you love bikes, and you're a bike fanatic, then 100%, yeah. If you love hands-on work and getting your hands a bit grubby, then working on bikes is definitely a path to lean towards."
The apprenticeship has also given Riko the skills to maintain and repair her own bikes.
“I guess the main perk is you don’t have to pay anyone else to do your labour.”
Owning two bikes already, with hopes for more in the future, Riko's passion for motorcycles shows no sign of slowing down. As for what's next, she’s not overthinking it.
"No super-set plan, just going with the flow."
