05/10/2026
๐ผCelebrating & recognising our awesome team๐ผ
Whanganuiโs Driving Miss Daisy wins New Franchisee of the Year Award 2026
Ray Jaggard and Maryann Roberts, owners of Whanganuiโs Driving Miss Daisy franchise, attended the recent Driving Miss Daisy Conference in Christchurch to connect with other franchisees, the head office team, and business support. They came away with more than face-to-face connections, receiving the New Franchisee of the Year Award 2026.
It was a humbling moment for the couple whose core focus is providing the best service they can for their clients. Taking over the service about 15 months ago, their top priority has been โtreating people right, respecting people, and just looking after themโ โ a team that delivers.
Ray says, โWe never thought it was going to be us. We were just there to enjoy the weekend. To connect with all the other people and throw ideas around.
โI messaged all the team that night with a photo of us holding the award, and said, โCongratulations, guys. This is not just me and Maryann, itโs all of you.โโ
What made Driving Miss Daisy Whanganui the winner ahead of the 10 other new franchisees?
The teamโs high standard of professionalism, respectfulness and caring, and the great feedback clients and businesses gave to Driving Miss Daisy Head Office, including feedback from rest homes. For Ray, Maryann and the team, this reason alone is a massive source of pride.
But there is more: Ray and Maryann have doubled their fleet from two to four, with a fifth on the way; four of the vehicles are designed to carry wheelchairs. The team of companion drivers has grown from three to eight, and a strict training process has kept everyone on the same page, delivering consistent service.
โWeโre one of the first franchises in the country to actually have every single team member complete all the training before they even start work,โ says Ray.
The top-notch training, like all aspects of the business, is about people: keeping them safe and connected to the community.
Itโs real contact, including over the phone. Ray says, โI think one of the biggest things is when a client rings, they talk to a person. That makes a massive difference. They feel comfortable because they know weโve got the message: โYes, weโve got your booking, and we will be there.โ And itโs that reliability that takes all the anxiety away.โ
From grocery shopping and important appointments to outings, Ray says, โWe are family when family canโt be there.โ Driving Miss Daisy is there for you 24/7, 365 days a year, with door-to-door service. Ray has even started taking bookings for Christmas Day!
Speaking of Christmas, Ray and Maryann will be throwing an extra special Christmas celebration for the team, but as for details, his lips are sealed.
Maryann, who is the principal at Aranui School, will no doubt be at the top of Santaโs Nice list this year, too. Because, as Ray says, โAt the weekends, when I need a break or if Iโm out driving, sheโll answer the phones and assist clients. Sheโs wonderful.โ
For more about the team, follow the page: Driving Miss Daisy Whanganui.
Pictured: The team at Driving Miss Daisy Whanganui.
