To the community go the spoils

From the community's point of view the most significant aspect of the rebranding exercise that saw the Taipa service station become one of just a handful of privately-owned Z gas stations in New Zealand was the undertaking to give $5000 to the community.

Customers were invited to deposit tokens in the container of the cause they wished to support, and now the money has been disbursed by service station owner Rex Roberts.

The largest share went to St John Doubtless Bay, team leader Mike Burrows saying the $3,085 would go towards the current building project, which will see the station at Cooper's Beach extended to provide overnight accommodation for ambulance crews.

The Mangonui Volunteer Fire Brigade received $835, Taipa Area School $580 and Plunket $500.

Plunket's Julie Ashton said her organisation's share would probably not go to anything special but would be well used on behalf of the community and its tamariki.

Meanwhile, Mr Roberts said the invitation to help make a contribution to worthy local causes had attracted a good response from customers.

"People were keen to put their tokens in the containers," he said, "but some of them had a real dilemma. It wasn't always easy for them to choose who should get their support."

For his part Mr Burrows thanked Mr Roberts and Z for the support they gave the community, support that was very much appreciated.

"You're welcome," Mr Roberts replied.

"Support goes both ways."