The Fenwick Family – 30 Years in Business and Going Strong

Eva and Colin Fenwick are not the sort of people to parade their success, but are quietly proud of achieving 30 years in business. Martinborough Automotive operates today in the same Kitchener Street premises that it has occupied since the Fenwick’s bought the business from Bruce Palenski in late 1984. Initially they were in a partnership, but later the Fenwicks took the business over completely, also buying the previously leased land and buildings. They decided at that point to open all weekend, the only service station in town to do so. The workshop also operated at weekends, and all those extra hours helped the business prosper.

Eva and Colin have seen many changes in their years on the pumps. Initially they sold products from all the oil companies but when the government deregulated the industry, oil companies became able to retail petrol as well as sell it wholesale. The oil companies bought up many larger sites and developed them exclusively with their own products and brand. Many independent owners went out of business while others, like the Fenwicks and BP, became affiliated with a brand.

Back in the 1980s petrol prices were government regulated and on Budget night prices would frequently rise. Anticipating this, people would come in the day before and fill up so it was always a particularly busy day. GST was introduced in 1986 with all the adjustments involved, and the Fenwicks have the honour of being the first to introduce an Eftpos machine to Martinborough. Cash and cheques have almost become a thing of the past, with most business now being done on plastic, and goods for sale have expanded well beyond automotive needs. In the late 1990s a 90-square metre shop was fitted out and became a convenience store, a large drinks chiller was incorporated and a coffee machine purchased to accommodate customer needs.

In the early days of their business Eva says that Martinborough “had a character all of its own”. It was close knit, most customers had accounts, and the Fenwick’s knew them personally. Today, although Martinborough has become “more cosmopolitan and there are more people from Wellington” Eva feels that it is still a close knit community and people like it that way. The Fenwicks have sponsored and supported many local clubs and organisations over the years, and continue to do so. Sports clubs and local schools have benefitted from the Fenwicks’ wish to keep that close knit community alive.

Colin still works fulltime and, when asked about retirement the answer is a very definite “No”! Eva still works weekends, but is happy to be less involved these days. As Eva and Colin begin to step back the next generation is coming on board, with sons Nathan and Matt now both involved in the business. Nathan manages the day to day operation of the forecourt and shop, while Matt is in the workshop.

Nathan says that locals can expect to see changes in the next few months, with developments on the forecourt and in the workshop as Martinborough Automotive moves up another level. “Customers, staff and suppliers are the cornerstones of our business,” Eva says, and she and Colin are grateful to everyone who has supported them for 30 years.