Blackwells Mazda claims title

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Celebrating Blackwells Mazda being named Dealer of the Year are, from left, Seth Ovens, dealer principal, Wayne McLellan, parts manager, George Wallis, sales manager, David Hodge, managing director Mazda NZ, and Jeff Bunz, service manager  

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Overall dealer performance winners, back row, from left: Rob Ryan, PalmFeild Mazda, Blair Cording, John Andrew Mazda, Seth Ovens, Blackwells Mazda, Brad McKenzie, Nicholson Mazda, Mike Tappenden, South Auckland Mazda. Front row: David Hodge, Mazda NZ 

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Excellence in new vehicle sales winners: Rob Ryan, PalmFeild Mazda, Tracey Kensington, PalmFeild Mazda, David Hodge, Mazda NZ, Brad McKenzie, Nicholson Mazda, Seth Ovens, Blackwells Mazda, George Wallis, Blackwells Mazda  

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Excellence in aftersales – service winners, from left: Rob Ryan, PalmFeild Mazda, Matt Carman, Capital City Mazda, David Hodge, Mazda NZ, Seth Ovens, Blackwells Mazda, Jeff Bunz, Blackwells Mazda  

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Excellence in aftersales – parts winners, from left: Rob Ryan, PalmFeild Mazda, Brad McKenzie, Nicholson Mazda, David Hodge, Mazda NZ, Mike Tappenden, South Auckland Mazda, Dion Worthington, South Auckland Mazda  

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 Mike Tappenden, left, dealer principal South Auckland Mazda, with the Mazda Foundation Community Excellence Award and David Hodge  

Blackwells Mazda in Christchurch was the big winner at the marque’s dealership awards, which recognised “outstanding achievements” in 2022.

The prestigious dealer of the year award went to Blackwells for the fourth consecutive year. The business also came top for marketing, finance, after-sales service and new-vehicle sales.

Dealer principal Seth Ovens says he’s extremely proud of his “dedicated” team. “The hard work, commitment, and consistency across every aspect of what we do as a team has resulted in us winning these awards.”

Other Mazda franchises recognised for their overall performances were John Andrew Mazda in Auckland, Nicholson Mazda in Whakatane, PalmFeild Mazda in Palmerston North, South Auckland Mazda and Ultimate Mazda on Mount Maunganui. 

Additionally, Nicholson Mazda won the award for excellence in after-sales – parts, while North Harbour Mazda came first for lead management.

South Auckland Mazda won the Mazda Foundation Community Excellence Award for its ongoing support of Totara Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care services to one of New Zealand’s largest and most culturally diverse areas.

Mazda NZ’s managing director, David Hodge, says: “The mix of first-time and returning winners demonstrates the strength and depth of our dealer network, and commitment to achieving excellence in every part of their businesses. They continue to go above and beyond for every customer that walks through the door. 

“Winning dealer of the year four times is an incredible achievement that highlights the high standards of Blackwells Mazda. Every member of the team has worked extremely hard to be the very best at what they do and provide an excellent service for their customers.

“The work the South Auckland Mazda team is doing in the community is fantastic. It reflects the Mazda Foundation’s passion for supporting organisations and individuals in need around the country.

“Mazda’s success in New Zealand comes from the hard work and commitment from our dealer network. Each year our dealerships find new ways to work better and deliver excellence. We’re fortunate to have dealers who set such high standards and ensure our customers get a fantastic experience.”