Dealership’s swift rise to top

North Shore business big winner at Audi NZ awards despite only opening in 2024. PLUS - gallery

Posted on 27 February, 2026

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Paul Staples, left, dealer principal at Giltrap Audi North Shore, and Greg Leet, Audi NZ’s general manager

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From left: Giltrap Audi North Shore staff OJ van Jaarsveld, Heather Larnder, Chris Wilkins, Paul Staples, Portia Ross, Des Oliver and Clint Gauld celebrate a successful night

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Clint Gauld, left, sales manager at Giltrap Audi North Shore, picks up the new car sales team award from Audi NZ’s Ben Dallas

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Jason Young, Ebbett Audi’s sales manager, poses with Audi NZ’s Ina Economopoulos after collecting the used car sales team trophy

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Katie Alderson, senior marketing executive at Continental Cars Audi, with Audi NZ’s Andrew Stephenson and the marketing team of the year award

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Richard Wren, left, service manager at Ebbett Audi, with Audi NZ’s Phil Davis

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Hamish Young, left, parts manager at Archibalds Audi, receives congratulations from James Yates, head of parts at European Motor Distributors

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Savannah Mountney-Needham, F&I manager at Ebbett Audi, shows off the finance and insurance team prize with Duane Jarrett, from European Motor Distributors

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Wendy Petrie, journalist and TV presenter, was MC for the 2025 Audi Excellence Awards

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Audi New Zealand held its 2025 prizegiving at Prince’s Wharf, Auckland, on February 25

Giltrap Audi North Shore has come away with two trophies from the 2025 Audi Excellence Awards, including one for being crowned the marque’s dealer of the year.

Audi New Zealand held a ceremony at Prince’s Wharf, Auckland, to announce the winners of its annual prizegiving on February 25.

Besides winning the top prize, Giltrap Audi North Shore and its staff also took out the new car sales category and were runners-up in the finance and insurance, and service department sections.

Paul Staples, dealer principal, says being named Audi Dealer of the Year is an incredible honour for the business.

“It’s a testament to our team’s dedication, expertise and genuine passion for the Audi brand,” he adds.

“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and the culture we’ve built since opening in 2024.

“This award reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional Audi experience, and we sincerely thank our customers for the trust and support they continue to place in us.”

Ebbett Audi in Hamilton scooped three awards after winning the used car sales team, service team, and finance and insurance team prizes. It was also runner-up for dealer of the year.

The marketing team gong went to Continental Cars Audi, which is based in Auckland, and Archibalds Audi in Christchurch was named parts team of the year.

Greg Leet, Audi NZ’s general manager, says the company’s annual awards recognise the dealerships that consistently deliver excellence across every aspect of the business.

“The Audi Excellence Awards honour those who go above and beyond. Delivering exceptional results across customer service, finance, marketing, and, of course, sales,” he adds. “It’s a testament to the passion and commitment that drive our success.”

Leet acknowledged the overall winners, Giltrap Audi North Shore, noting the Auckland dealership’s success comes despite only opening in 2024.

“Their ability to set high standards across every area of the business, including their own team culture, so early in their journey has been remarkable,” he says.

“This award reflects their focus, capability and commitment to delivering a premium Audi experience.”

Steve Kenchington, Giltrap Group chief executive officer, shared his congratulations, describing the result as “outstanding, considering the short period of time this dealership has been in operation”.

“Their dedication and commitment to customer service is truly impressive and I couldn’t be prouder of the team,” he says.