Ebbett Prestige Tauranga has this month taken home three major awards at the 2025 Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand Retailer of the Year Awards.

The dealership’s representatives attended the award ceremony on May 3 and won Land Rover Retailer of the Year, the New Car Sales Team Award and the Events & Partnerships Award.

“It makes me feel immensely proud of my team and to know all the hard work and effort they put in every day is recognised at a national level,” said dealer principal Lee Small.

Ebbett Prestige Tauranga brand manager, Des Martin, said every member of the team – from sales and service to marketing and events – had contributed to this result.

“It’s a testament to the passion and professionalism that drives us every day.

“It’s been a very volatile year across most industries, so to perform in these conditions speaks volumes of not only our Jaguar Land Rover products and our team but also the strength of the Bay of Plenty.”

Martin said it had been tricky to navigate exactly where consumer demand was due to many variables changing externally, such as emissions taxes, fuel prices, stock supply and hybrid electric.

“The list goes on.”

The Land Rover Retailer of the Year title is awarded to the dealership with consistent excellence in customer service, product knowledge and after-sales care.

Ebbett Prestige operations manager Hannah Burr said their team’s commitment to delivering a premium experience across the full Land Rover line-up – from the Defender to the Range Rover Sport – stood out across the national network.

“The New Car Sales Team Award acknowledges a standout year for the sales department, which achieved strong results in a competitive market, driven by a passionate team that goes above and beyond to match customers with their ideal vehicle.”

The Events & Partnerships Award recognises a dealership’s leadership in creating immersive experiences that connect the Land Rover and Jaguar brands with the lifestyle of their customers.

“From curated off-road adventures to elegant brand collaborations with fashion, art, and equestrian events, the dealership’s strategic activations have made a meaningful impact both regionally and nationally,” Burr said.

“The goal was to move beyond traditional dealership events and instead create experiences that feel genuine, aspirational, and aligned with our brands. Much of the inspiration came from listening to our clients.”

Burr said the Range Rover Thoroughbred Evening was an event of theirs that stood out.

“It was a strong example of collaboration – bringing together The Red Barn, Waikato Stud, EuroVintage, and a mix of industry leaders and loyal clients.

“The event felt elevated but still personal, and it gave us the chance to connect with our audience in a meaningful way, in a setting that reflected the brand perfectly.”

Small said Ebbett Prestige is a small team in the Mount that focuses on having a high-performing and caring culture.

“To compete and outperform to the level we do is real testament to us and shows me the engagement and passion my staff have – but more importantly it shows the focus on ensuring our customer experience is the best it can be.”

Small said his dealership was set apart from the rest by their genuine passion for the industry and their customers.

“We like what we do and love to go above and beyond, it’s not just something we say.”

Small said the past 24 months had been the hardest in his 30-plus years in the industry. Navigating that was “like a good All Blacks game”, he said, suggesting sticking to the basics and doing them well.

Small said he believes these awards show the public that they are a company they can trust and feel comfortable dealing with.

“We’re very lucky to be where we are in the Bay of Plenty.

“The area has always had a ‘go forward positive feel’ about it, mixed with a really cool family lifestyle.

“Something I think is hard to replicate.

“We feel we’re in the right place and have the right people with the right brands to move forward and we do have some solid future plans for the dealership, Hopefully I’ll be able to share them soon.”