Te Puna woman Lorena Stead was the first to fill up at the pumps when Bethlehem's new petrol station opened yesterday.
"I have been waiting [for it to open]," she said. "I thought I'd get the petrol on my way into town."
Ms Stead said the new Shell station filled a need
in the area and residents had been "hanging out".
And she wasn't the only one keen to try the new facility - within four minutes of opening, all pump stations were filled with vehicles.
There had been no petrol station in Bethlehem for more than five years, with the nearest in Te Puna or the city.
The announcement of the development in May was welcomed by members of the local business community.
Greenstone general manager of retail, Mark Forsyth, said the $3 million petrol station was an investment in the local community and economy.
"Bethlehem is one of the fastest growing population centres in the country."
In its first month of operation, the petrol station will donate one cent per litre of fuel sold to five local charities.
Consumers can choose from: Waipuna Hospice, Bethlehem Foundation, Lions of Bethlehem/Te Puna, Homes of Hope Tauranga and Volunteer Fire Service Omokoroa.
The amount donated to each charity will be based on the number of votes received for each charity and the amount of fuel sold.
Dave Gillies, who operates the business with with his wife Lynette, estimated about $5000 would be given to charity.
The couple already operate 11 Shell stations in the Bay.
The facility will operate 24 hours a day and will provide 12 fulltime jobs.
