Ford New Zealand Honours Top Dealers at 2026 President’s Awards

Ford New Zealand Honours Top Dealers at 2026 President’s Awards

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 21 April 2026

Ford New Zealand celebrated the outstanding achievements of its dealer network this week, announcing the winners of the annual President’s Awards. The ceremony took place during a gala dinner at the Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch, attended by Ford Dealer Principals, their partners and the Ford New Zealand leadership team.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 21 April 2026

Ford New Zealand celebrated the outstanding achievements of its dealer network this week, announcing the winners of the annual President’s Awards. The ceremony took place during a gala dinner at the Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch, attended by Ford Dealer Principals, their partners and the Ford New Zealand leadership team.

The recipients of the Ford President’s Awards are:

  • Stephen Hermansen - Ocean Ford, Whakatane
  • Nathan Abernethy - Regional Ford, Gore
  • Michael Tappenden - South Auckland Ford, Auckland
  • Peter Gluyas - Gluyas Ford, Ashburton
  • Hamish Sheard - Pacific Motor Group, Whangarei

“It is a privilege to recognise the exceptional dedication of this year’s winners,” said Annaliese Atina, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand. “We have made the customer ownership journey our North Star, and these five dealerships have truly led the way. Their success is built on a relentless attention to detail and a commitment to the 'small wins' that create lasting impressions for our drivers. These awards also celebrate the significant investment in training and operational excellence required to stay at the top of our industry. Well done to all.”

The President’s Award criteria place the highest value on the Ford Customer Experience, determined by rigorous customer satisfaction metrics. Elevating this experience remains a core strategic priority for Ford New Zealand, which works in close collaboration with its nationwide dealer network to refine every touchpoint—from the excitement of a first-time purchase to the long-term reliability of expert vehicle servicing.

“At Ford, we believe the real relationship with our customers begins the moment they drive off the lot,” said Greg MacDonald, Ford New Zealand Network Strategy Director. “That is why we place such a heavy emphasis on the long-term customer journey when selecting our President’s Award winners. The entire teams at these dealerships should be incredibly proud of their work. They aren't just selling vehicles; they are building trust and ensuring that every Ford owner feels supported at every turn.”

The recipients of the Ford President’s Awards are:

  • Stephen Hermansen - Ocean Ford, Whakatane
  • Nathan Abernethy - Regional Ford, Gore
  • Michael Tappenden - South Auckland Ford, Auckland
  • Peter Gluyas - Gluyas Ford, Ashburton
  • Hamish Sheard - Pacific Motor Group, Whangarei

“It is a privilege to recognise the exceptional dedication of this year’s winners,” said Annaliese Atina, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand. “We have made the customer ownership journey our North Star, and these five dealerships have truly led the way. Their success is built on a relentless attention to detail and a commitment to the 'small wins' that create lasting impressions for our drivers. These awards also celebrate the significant investment in training and operational excellence required to stay at the top of our industry. Well done to all.”

The President’s Award criteria place the highest value on the Ford Customer Experience, determined by rigorous customer satisfaction metrics. Elevating this experience remains a core strategic priority for Ford New Zealand, which works in close collaboration with its nationwide dealer network to refine every touchpoint—from the excitement of a first-time purchase to the long-term reliability of expert vehicle servicing.

“At Ford, we believe the real relationship with our customers begins the moment they drive off the lot,” said Greg MacDonald, Ford New Zealand Network Strategy Director. “That is why we place such a heavy emphasis on the long-term customer journey when selecting our President’s Award winners. The entire teams at these dealerships should be incredibly proud of their work. They aren't just selling vehicles; they are building trust and ensuring that every Ford owner feels supported at every turn.”

Disclosures

  • Disclosures