2 December 2019
Announcing the Grand Opening of Challenge Fuel’s Newest Station on Waiheke Island
By Media PA
Written by Ciaran Warner
The team at independently owned and operated Kiwi fuel company Challenge Fuel are delighted to announce the Grand Opening of their newest store, located on the idyllic Waiheke Island.
Previously owned and operated by Z, the owners of the Waiheke Island fuel station have partnered with Challenge Fuel, inspired by Challenge’s focus on community and customer service.
Now flying the Challenge flag, the store opened its doors as a Challenge station on November 1st, and to celebrate, an opening day for the store will be held on December 5th, and are encouraging local community members to visit the store, meet the staff, and take advantage of more than a few promotional activities between 6.30amam and 4pm.
A $300 gift voucher to enjoy a dining experience at Cable Bay Vineyard is up for grabs for those who spend $20 or more on fuel on the day, with owner of the new store drawing the prize-winner at the 4pm presentation. Product giveaways of Challenge branded items will also be offered for those who make in-store purchases.
Challenge Waiheke will also be offering a 10 cent per litre fuel discount all day on Thursday 5th December, to all new and existing My Challenge members who purchase fuel from the store.
Challenge Fuel Chairman Simon Bratton, who will also be attending, says he can’t wait to celebrate this latest opportunity for Challenge to help local communities across New Zealand.
“We want to create a feeling of buzz and excitement for the local community to take part in this with them – we’ll have a ribbon cutting, sausage sizzle, prizes, you name it,” says Simon.
“The Challenge Waiheke team have spent weeks redeveloping the site, and everything is brand new and sparkling. We will have more cafe style food options, and with our barista onsite, will serve you a delicious coffee.”
With stores located throughout New Zealand, the opening of the Waiheke store is another step for Challenge Fuel towards supporting and enriching Kiwi communities with employment opportunities, friendly service, and charitable contributions through their hugely successful “My Challenge” programme, in addition to the discounts and benefits provided to customers through their partnership with Farmlands.
16 October 2019
Rotorua Branch of Kiwi Fuel Company Challenge Fuel Proud Winners of The Hit’s Best Petrol Station Award
By Media PA
Written by Ciaran Warner
Challenge Rotorua owner Harpreet Singh - Photo by Stephen Parker
The exceptional standards of personalised customer service with a smile continue to bring in the accolades for the independently owned and operated New Zealand fuel company Challenge Fuel.
The most recent example of quality service from Challenge Fuel comes from Challenge Rotorua on Malfroy Street, where owner Harpreet Singh recently accepted The Hits radio station’s Best Petrol Station award.
The Rotorua station, which Harpreet has owned for five years now, is known for going the extra mile to meet the needs of its customers, with extensive forecourt service and professional, friendly staff.
“We have all worked hard for the last five years – everyone, staff and customers, enjoy the service we provide,” Harpreet says.
Having worked as a mechanic before taking over the Challenge Rotorua, Harpreet says he had feedback that some people thought him too young to run the store independently, but his dedication and commitment soon proved otherwise.
He believes the independent nature of Challenge Fuel has been nothing but a benefit for both its staff and customers.
“When you’re independent, you get more to do, it’s much more hands on with franchises,” Harpreet explains.
“The forecourt service has made all the difference I think – and after taking over the store, we made sure we asked customers what they did and didn’t like and changed things accordingly.”
Having spent the first six months on the job working the forecourt, Harpreet gained a keen sense of the importance of face-to-face interaction with customers and personalised service, and says he is proud to run a business under the Challenge brand.
“I’m enjoying it, enjoying myself hugely. I’m looking forward to bigger opportunities, for our company, and being locally owned and operated as a brand makes a huge difference.”
3 October 2019
Independent New Zealand Fuel Company Challenge Fuel Announces an Exciting and Rewarding Nationwide Community Donation Campaign for My Challenge Programme
By Media PA
Written by Ciaran Warner
Following on from the success of their rewarding “My Challenge” programme, nationwide independent Kiwi fuelling company Challenge Fuel have announced an exciting new update for the programme – the My Challenge October Community Donation Campaign.
The My Challenge programme allows customers to save money on fuel while earning rewards points, and also providing the additional option of donating their fuel discount or reward points to local community groups.
The programme has been hugely successful so far, with over $14,500 donated throughout the year. However, Challenge Fuel is looking to up the ante for the month of October.
“We’re encouraging our Community Partners to get their members and supporters involved by donating their fuel discount or their reward points to their cause,” says Challenge Marketing Manager Cathy Cottle.
“At the end of the month, the five community partners that have driven the biggest increase in donated funds in October compared to the month prior (September) will receive a $500 boost to their fund-raising from Challenge!”
The promotion is an excellent opportunity for members and partners of the My Challenge programme alike to support their local community groups and causes through generosity and loyalty to an independent Kiwi company, dedicated to supporting their community.
Challenge Fuel customers can donate their My Challenge points by redeeming 1000 points at their local store, which is then converted to a $5 donation to the local group that their local Challenge Fuel store supports.
“The thing that makes My Challenge different from other fuel discount schemes is that it allows our customers to choose to share their discounts or reward points with community groups. So throughout October we’re going to encourage plenty of sharing!” says Cathy.
19 September 2019
Save Money and Earn Rewards Through Kiwi Co-Operative Farmlands’ Partnership With Independent New Zealand Fuel Company Challenge Fuel
By Media PA
Written by Ciaran Warner
There are a multitude of benefits at Challenge Fuel stations across the country for holders of Farmlands cards, the largest farmer-owned rural supplies co-operative in New Zealand.
Farmlands Card holders enjoy a 12-cents-per-litre discount when using their card at a Challenge Fuel petrol station, truck stop or diesel stop.
Challenge Fuel Chairman Simon Bratton describes Challenge Fuel’s partnership with Farmlands Fuel as one of the company’s most successful business accomplishments.
“In 2010, Challenge signed an agreement with Farmlands to become the sole supplier of fuel to our network,” says Simon.
“Farmlands Cooperative has a membership of more than 64,000 shareholders who are farmers and can purchase fuel from Challenge using their Card.”
The partnership with Farmlands was based on Challenge Fuel’s goal of supporting the local community of each store, keeping Kiwis on the road with quality, personalised service and ensuring the busy lives of rural New Zealanders is made that much easier with convenient discounts and rewards.
The services available at Challenge Fuel stations throughout the country include tyre services, LPG gas bottle filling or swapping, trailer hire, car washing and more.
In January 2019 Challenge received Farmlands Supply Partner of the Year Award at their annual Supplier Awards evening held in Lincoln.
“From Ruawai in Northland to Bluff in Southland and everywhere in between, we’ve got you sorted,” says Simon.
28 August 2019
Challenge Fuel Stations Continue To Support Their Communities With Donations Made Through the Successful “My Challenge” Programme
By Media PA
Written by Ciaran Warner
Exciting things are afoot for Challenge Fuel stations throughout the country, as generous donations made through their rewarding “My Challenge” programme allow members to donate to local groups and make a difference within their community.
Independently owned and operated and conveniently located throughout New Zealand, Challenge Fuel is proud to offer a wide variety of services at its fully staffed stations, and the My Challenge programme allows both the company and its customers to support Challenge Fuel’s philosophy of giving back to the community.
The programme allows discounts and points saved by members of the My Challenge programme to be donated to local community groups, with over $14,500 worth of donations made and paid out so far.
“The donations we receive help us do more for all of our customers,” says Challenge Fuel Chairman Simon Bratton.
“Sharing your fuel discount is an easy way to contribute, and those few cents can really add up. Those who aren't familiar with the programme can go to our website to find out how easy it is to join.”
More community group payments will be made in October, with the team at Challenge Fuel hoping it will make a significant contribution to community causes.
My Challenge members can now also convert their My Challenge points to a
$5 donation, allowing them to keep their fuel discount but still donate their points.
Challenge Fuel’s Gulf Oil promotion is also still running, giving customers who buy a Gulf Oil 1 litre or 5 litre top up pack from Challenge and fill in the form on their website any time during August to go in the draw to win one of six double passes to a five star adrenaline experience, including Gulf Oil’s own iconic Ford GT40 at Highlands Motorsport Park. Other prizes include Gulf jackets, hoodies, limited edition caps and one of ten $100 Challenge Fuel gift cards.
7 August, 2019
Personalised Service, Friendly Staff and Value for Money are the Goals of Independently Owned and Operated Kiwi Petrol Company Challenge Fuel
By Media PA
Written by Ciaran Warner
In an age and industry where service stations are becoming increasingly automated, removing staff and depersonalising refuelling, Challenge Fuel stations around New Zealand continue to provide their key services while retaining the human interaction when fuelling up for your next journey.
Independently owned and operated, each Challenge Fuel station is a little different, with services now including mechanics, tyre services, trailer hire, car wash, LPG fill or swap and barista coffee – all served with a smile rather than dispensed from a machine.
“We want to keep things friendly and helpful – unlike so many stations that have gone automated, we continue to offer full forecourt service at most of our stores, providing pump service, oil checks, window cleaning and rest room facilities” says Challenge Fuel Chairman Simon Bratton.
Challenge Fuel has also recently created the “My Challenge” programme, which rewards customers with a fuel discount and one point for every dollar spent. The programme is designed to encourage members to “Use, Save, Give” allowing them to either spend their fuel discount or donate it to a local community group. The programme has so far been hugely successful, with over $14,500 paid out in community donations in April, and more on the way in October.
Winners of the Canstar Blue Award for Overall Customer Satisfaction four times, Challenge Fuel also prides itself on providing employment opportunities for those living in the local community of each store. The Challenge store in Darfield, Christchurch has been providing service to the Darfield community since Challenge was formed in 1998, with 23 full and part-time staff. The Darfield store has recently begun a fundraiser to aid the local primary school in upgrading its digital resources to provide a higher level of education to its students, and has for years been supporting the Malvern Lions by providing LPG gas for their fundraiser stalls.
“At Challenge Darfield you'll meet a team of people who take real pride in being able to deliver the services and products that the local community need,” says Simon.
Challenge Fuel also offers Farmlands Card holder discounts, providing a 12 cents-per-litre discount, and one Choice Rewards point for every fifty dollars spent on fuel.
With stations conveniently located throughout the country, including Auckland, Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Wellington, Canterbury, Southland and Otago, Challenge Fuel is never far away when you need them.
26 June, 2018
Challenge service station bucks automation trend to set award record
The Challenge network has won the criteria. Canstar Blue Award for Overall Customer Service Satisfaction for service stations for the fourth time in five years.
Challenge Dealer Network Chairman, Simon Bratton, says the award recognizes the company’s continued focus on friendly and personal service even as other service stations move toward increased automation of customer interaction.
“We work hard at the lost art of old fashioned service,’ he said. “It’s a true honour for the Challenge group to receive such a prestigious award ahead of much larger, multi-national competition.”
“We still have people on the forecourt who will pump your gas and check the oil, and our customers are telling us that those are the things that really do make a difference,” he explained.
He said the small footprint of the brand against its competitors made the win even more significant.
“It’s fantastic to know our customers feel and value that service difference. I am extremely thankful to our loyal customers and the hard-work of our dealer group,” said Mr Bratton.
Challenge was the only service station network to receive five stars for overall satisfaction and received 27 out of a possible 30 stars across all criteria.
The Challenge Dealer Network will receive their award from Canstar Blue on Thursday 27th June at the Magic netball game in Hamilton.
20 July, 2017
Challenge once again supreme for customer satisfaction
For the third time in four years, the Challenge network has won the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customer award for service stations.
The service station award is one of a series of awards handed out by Canstar Blue customer research. Service stations are rated on their appearance, service, the price of petrol, facilities and the range of other items available on-site.
Challenge was the only service station network to receive five stars for overall satisfaction and received 28 out of a possible 30 stars across all criteria.
Challenge Dealer Network Chairman, Simon Bratton says the award is recognition of the 100 percent New Zealand owned network’s commitment to provide all customers a genuine Kiwi experience when they visit their local Challenge site.
“Challenge service stations pride themselves on taking really great care of their customers,” Simon says. “Every Challenge service station and especially their local teams have contributed to this award and I really appreciate all their efforts. Also a really big thank you to our wonderful customers that took the time to vote for Challenge! If there was an award for the best customers it would certainly go to Challenge customers.”
The award also justifies Challenge’s ongoing upgrade programme, creating more modern service stations and convenience stores for the growing customer base.
“We are a New Zealand owned alternative for people that like friendly, personal service,” Simon says. “Our facilities now match our service and winning this award three times in the last four years shows that we are on the right track.”
The Challenge Dealer Network will be officially presented with their award this month.
12 May, 2016
Simon Bratton talks with NewsTalk ZB
Listen to Dealer Co Chairman Simon Bratton as he speaks with NewsTalk ZB about the recent Commerce Commission announcement.
29 April 2016
Announcement and clarification from Challenge service station network.
Dealer Co, the group of independent service station owners that operates the Challenge service station network, acknowledges the decision by the Commerce Commission to allow Z Energy to purchase Chevron’s non-exploration assets in New Zealand.
However, media reports following the announcement have generated confusion as to Challenge’s relationship with Chevron, which requires clarification.
Dealer Co Chairman, Simon Bratton says all Challenge sites are independently owned and operated by hard working New Zealanders. Despite what some media have reported today, Z Energy has not bought Challenge.
Challenge was formed in 1998 in an initiative by Fletchers, who saw an opportunity in the New Zealand fuel supply industry to create an independent retailer network. Chevron has never owned the Challenge service station network, a statement incorrectly reported today.
“Our network has always been local and loyal and built on traditional Kiwi values. We are proud to offer customers an independent Kiwi brand, delivering value for money along with personal, friendly service that our customers can enjoy,” Simon says.
“There will be no change to the Challenge brand and offer with the Z energy purchase of Chevron – it is business as usual for all Challenge sites.”
Chevron’s direct supplier/customer partnership with Challenge ceased in 2010, when the Challenge brand was licensed to Farmlands Fuel Limited.
Farmlands Fuel Limited is Chevron’s largest customer in the Asia Pacific region, reflecting a significant portion of Chevron New Zealand’s total fuel volume. Farmlands Fuel Limited received early assurances from Z Energy that they would remain a priority customer, should the Commerce Commission vote in Z’s favour.
Regardless, Challenge will continue to be the independent, 100% Kiwi-owned alternative – proud to bring local values and service to its customers nationwide.