Parting from the pump

Siphoning off a long-lasting relationship with fuel.

Garry Dayman was presented an award prior to Christmas on behalf of the Dayman family for recognition of the company’s more than 50-year service with Mobil.

The Collingwood St forecourt was taken over by fuel company Waitomo in November 2024 after taking the reins of the Mobil stations in Stoke and Tāhunanui.

Garry says the fuel for Dayman Motors Mobil station was transported from Christchurch, and therefore it was no longer viable for it to continue trading as the remaining Mobil station in the city when Waitomo entered the Nelson market.

They made an amicable arrangement with Waitomo to provide fuel at the Collingwood St site.

Garry’s parents Peter and Pixie Dayman started up Dayman Motors at 172 Bridge St in 1965 and provided fuel for customers who drove in to get their vehicles serviced.

In 1971, when the company pulled up to 201 Bridge St it was upgraded to a fully-fledged service station with a parts and service department at the rear.

Garry can recall manning the pumps as a teenager prior to joining Dayman Motors in 1977 when one litre of petrol could be purchased for less than $1.

“I think we were well respected in the community. Right back in the early days we had restricted trading hours, carless days, then we had price controls on what you charge for the retail fuel, and the most significant change in the fuel industry was deregulation,” he says.

“Another significant change is when they were called service stations customers came in and they actually were served, and their water and oils were checked, and the fuel was pumped for them.

“Now you see the market has gone from being a fully-fledged service station to help yourself, pay at the pump, or no staff.”

Garry says Dayman Motors will continue operating the convenience store and car wash at the now Waitomo-owned forecourt and its dealership and parts and service departments will also keep on driving.