Dealer principal dies on boat trip

A dealer principal, who was previously president of the Motor Trade Association (MTA), has died while on a fishing trip in Fiordland National Park.

Rick Murrell, pictured, ran Southland Kia in Invercargill and was found dead by a search team after he and another man had gone out on a boat on Lake Manapouri.

Police say they were advised at about 7.20pm on Sunday, July 20, that the two experienced fishers had failed to return from the lake and had failed to check in by radio.

Inspector Mike Bowman, Southland police area commander, adds: “Marine radios were utilised and area inquiries were made, and a local helicopter was utilised to search for the boat.

“The helicopter located the boat around 12.30am [Monday] in Safe Cove and the two men were on board.

“One was deceased and the other was in serious condition and treated at hospital where he is recovering well.”

Police are investigating the series of events before the pair was discovered and will be making inquiries on behalf of the coroner.

‘Unwavering positivity’

Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia New Zealand, says Murrell was much-loved and “our hearts go out to not only his immediate family but also the wider dealership team”.

“Rick was always energetic and had an unwavering positivity about him. He was an absolute icon, both within the automotive industry and also in the region,” adds McDonald.

“He was renowned for his generosity, his hospitable nature and love of the outdoors. He was also a massive supporter of sport, his actions touched and enhanced the lives of so many people.

“From a Kia perspective, we remember Rick fondly and are devastated at his passing.”

Commitment to community

Murrell had been in the automotive industry for more than three decades and ran Southland Vehicle Sales (SVS) in Invercargill, which traded as Southland Kia and also represented the Isuzu brand.

He went into business with Garry Tippett as a car salesman in 1993 despite initially planning to work in the dairy industry after gaining a diploma in dairy technology from Massey University. 

A biography on the SVS website also humorously notes that customer satisfaction was always foremost in Murrell’s mind, even when he unwittingly sent an escaped prisoner off for a test drive. “I checked it had a full tank of gas – unfortunately, he never brought it back,” said Murrell.

The company grew from having just 18 vehicles on the yard when it began and Murrell went on to serve as MTA president from November 2010 to November 2012.

The Southland Business Chamber also says the father of three was well-known in the community for his business and volunteer roles, which included being a member of Bluff Coastguard.

Sheree Carey, chief executive, told Stuff that Murrell was a respected business leader with more than 30 years of dedication to the region’s commercial life.

“He will be remembered for his commitment to our community, his warm leadership, and his unwavering support for Southland’s businesses,” she says.