Yamaha service at Mārahau Marine Services is so good they have customers from the opposite corners of the South Island trundling up for it.
There could be more queueing at a rate of knots now the primarily Yamaha repair and service centre for private and commercial customers has another national award to propel them forward.
Christine and Ross Dixon have had a firm hand on the tiller since 2016 and say winning Yamaha Service Dealer of the Year ahead of more than 40 other Yamaha marine dealers nationwide is a significant achievement.
They say, it recognises the team’s breadth of work and the customer service.
“When [customers] buy an engine from us or from any Yamaha dealer, they get sent a survey sheet… and if you're doing your job right, you get high grades, and obviously, we have been doing that job right,” Ross says.
Primarily a Yamaha repair and service centre, Marahau Marine Services caters to both commercial and private customers, with its work ranging from routine servicing and repowers to specialist fabrication, electrical and survey work.
“We're over the hill, but customer service has to be number one because that is how we keep our customers happy.
“We play the long game, not the short game.”
Ross particularly acknowledged head technician Michael Stevens, whose extensive Yamaha qualifications and experience had played an important role in the company's award-winning service.
Mārahau Marine Services also won Yamaha Repower Dealer of the Year in 2024.
Christine says that before a Yamaha Marine New Zealand dealer conference in 2023, where the awards are presented, Mārahau was obscure to many.
“So now everyone knows where Mārahau is, to have two awards in as many years is pretty amazing,” Christine says.
“We are very small, but we pride ourselves on our service and we wear that badge with honour.
“We’re pretty proud to have achieved this award.”
