Masterton’s Krystal Meyrick was the first to use Waitomo’s new Masterton petrol station. PHOTOS/JOHN LAZO-RON
Waitomo Group is the latest petrol company to hit the Wairarapa market with the low-cost fuel provider opening its first self-service station in Masterton on Tuesday morning.
While there weren’t queues lining up as some expected, Waitomo Masterton had a steady opening day, with vehicles consistently flowing in to get their tanks filled.
Their opening day prices for diesel was at $1.49, while it was $2.33 for 91, and 95 was going at $2.48.
Waitomo had attendants on board to guide new customers through using the self-service paying stations and their app.
Customers at the opening said they were ‘filling’ pretty good about the new fuel provider in town, mainly due to the simplicity of using an app on their phones, the app’s benefits, and lower fuel prices.
Masterton resident Krystal Meyrick got the privilege of being Waitomo Masterton’s first customer. She said she circled about the station a few times in the morning before being led first through the gates.
“I’m quite shocked that I’m the first. I drove past around 9am trying to figure out what time it opened. Then I got on the app, got that sorted, figured the time and just waited,” she said.
“I think it’s exciting for locals because it’s a service that’s easy to use, the prices are cheaper, and I can just come in at any time and get my gas without any fuss.”
Waitomo Group managing director Jimmy Ornsby said there was a gap in their network in Masterton, so saw this as an opportunity to enter the town’s market.
Ornsby said there were many reasons why Waitomo would appeal to consumers.
“We’re Kiwi-owned and operated so all our profits stay in New Zealand,” he said.
“If you’re using our sites, you can spin to win extra moolah, up to $20 bucks, off your next fill on the Waitomo app. The app also makes payment touch-free, so you don’t have to go to the kiosk and use your card.”
It’s no secret that petrol prices have been going up around the country, which Ornsby said came down to the increased global pricing of fossil fuels.
He also said with fewer people travelling around, volumes aren’t what they were.
“It’s tough because our operating costs are higher because we’ve still got the same outgoings, but we’re not selling as much fuel because there aren’t as many people on the road as there used to be.”
