27/07/2023
Big day for Brightwater Motors... we're pulling down the roller doors for the last time this afternoon.
Of course, the experience is bitter sweet. We're sad to leave the ol' gal and the friends we've made through our work, but super proud of what we have achieved, and excited for our next adventure.
When we took on Brightwater Motors in July 2020 Dave had just been made redundant from Air New Zealand and the country was in the middle of its first COVID lockdown. What might have seemed like a crazy move has been rewarded ten-fold.
From the very start we felt the support of the Brightwater community, and this has continued right through, with many of you emailing, calling and popping by to wish us luck since hearing of our news. We want to thank you so much for that, and encourage you to continue to support the future generations of Brightwater Motors owners.
We've had such fun over the years - you can see photos of some of the highlights here - and connected with so many wonderful people.
I want to make special mention of Aroll Hall (Skylarc Asset Realisation) who has given endless support to our mahi, and our NPD Fuel neighbours Jacqui, Vicky, Patrick and Katherine who have kept us fed, entertained and in check (!) over the years.
A massive, massive thank you to Andy and Marie from Ellis St Auto Repairs Ltd, the team from the NPD Fuel Head Office - Ian, Rhys and Josie – and Jo Kent from Waimea Weekly for their support and commitment to our success, as well as members of the wider local business community – particularly Steve at Footprint Signs and the teams at HQ Cafe & Bar Brightwater and Four Square Brightwater.
A shout out to all of those attendees to our various mechanics workshop – particularly Andrea, Kimble, Meneka and Mack, who attended almost every session and, at times, took the lead – and to co-tutors Mick Preston and Damian Ison, and Valley Neale of Brightwater Vineyards for sponsoring those sessions. We’re still in awe of Karen Walsh and Rebecca McKenzie-Turner who madly agreed to join us in the spotlight on TVNZ 1's Breakfast show, with appreciation to Abbey Wakefield from TVNZ for enlivening .
Remembering , we want to acknowledge Vita Escobedo (Sky Automotive) and Chevve Farrington-Fry (Spectrum Panel and Paint) for their partnership-in-crime and Grant Wilkins (and all competition applicants) for getting behind it all. Much appreciation to Repco New Zealand's Lloyd Harwood, Blairs Tyres and More FM Nelson 92.8 / MediaWorks New Zealand's Max Goodman and Claire Scott for their outstanding support of this exercise.
Our friends have brought so much to the party, thank you to Andy Kitcher, Si Richmond and Jake Leahy, Lainee Hermsen and Sara Fey, Dylan Phillips, AJ and, of course, Tim Creed.
There are more, and no doubt names will come to mind after we've caught our breath next week – so please know that you are all wholeheartedly appreciated.
Most importantly, however, we want to thank our incredible receptionist Rachel Ellis – who has fitted into the team like a glove, and our uber-talented "Top Employee for 2020-2023" Ben Close, who has been with us from the start… we seriously couldn’t have done it without you mate. You will both be missed and remembered for the time we shared together.
Brightwater Motors only recently went on sale, so while we can't (yet) pass on the baton, we do want to, again, encourage your support of this nearly 60-year-old local establishment and it's future guardians.
Thank you for all that you have given over the years, all the best and farewell!
Dave and Natalie
