by David Haxton on the NZ Herald

Not long ago, Martin Bohanna considered closing his petrol service station. A ram raid [see this post], various rising costs and other stuff were almost too hard to bear. But he mustered the courage to persevere, especially because of his loyal staff, the business had been part of his family for so long, and it was well respected and patronised by the community. The service station was soon back on its steady feet and now there’s absolute proof of how good things are.

Bohanna Motors, in Waikanae has been declared the Mobil Dealer Service Station of the Year. The accolade is an impressive achievement, especially considering there are over 300 Mobil service stations throughout New Zealand. “It was a bit out of the blue and we didn’t expect it at all,” Martin said. The award was sealed in Auckland at a two-day Mobil roadshow conference, which he couldn’t attend because of work commitments.

“My Mobil representative rang me and said that we’d won the award and turned up at the service station with it.

Martin Bohanna with the Mobil Dealer Service Station of the Year award. Photo / David Haxton
Martin Bohanna with the Mobil Dealer Service Station of the Year award. Photo / David Haxton

“Staff were rapt and I’m rapt for them. Mobil shouted us a nice morning tea.” The morning tea was very well deserved.

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