Meet the team

Matthew Downing

CEO

Matthew joined the Cooke Howlison Toyota team in October 2022. “I love people, I love Toyota and working in high performing team to achieve exceptional customer results. I am fortunate for a 20+ year career with Toyota and the #1 mobility brand in NZ. Our Dunedin team boasts some of the brightest talent in New Zealand, setting standards for the brand and demonstrating excellent skills to provide a memorable experience".

New Cars

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Renee Freeman

New Vehicle Manager

Renee has been in the motor industry since September 2014, and joined the Cooke Howlison Toyota team in July 2022 after moving back home to Dunedin with her family. Renee wanted to stay with the Toyota family as she has a passion for Toyotas and helping her customers find the right vehicle to suit their needs. It’s important to Renee that her customers receive an exceptional experience as she is customer focused, knowledgeable and accredited by Toyota in fleet management. In her spare time Renee enjoys spending time with family and friends, water skiing and fishing.

Julie Clarke

Business Development Manager

Julie Clarke joined the team in October 2015. She comes to us with 14 years Banking experience and 7 years running her own business. When Julie is not at work she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Dylan Thornley

New Vehicle Consultant

Dylan’s passion for Toyota started at a young age, watching the rally class compete. He purchased his favourite Toyota in 2017; a Celica GT4, which he describes as the rebel in the rally scene and one of the most underrated JDM cars of its era. Dylan joined the team early 2022, in his spare time he likes to get out of his comfort zone and explore new places and adrenaline experiences!

Jackson Free

New Vehicle Consultant

Born and bred in Dunedin, Jackson’s entire career has been sales driven. Having joined the Toyota team early 2022, he is enjoying combining his sales experience with his passion for the motor industry. Jackson enjoys spending weekends up the ski slopes in Central Otago, or exploring local tracks and beaches with his dogs.