Being in the motor industry since he was 20 years old and previously working with Gary and brother, Rick, for 15 years here at Southland Vehicle Sales when they started out with the Kia brand many years ago, Bobby has built a passion for the Kia product.
I have watched it grow from its beginnings here in Southland and have watched it grow into one of NZ’s finest sought after brands. I left SVS 10 years ago and went to another Franchise but when a Job came available, I jumped at the chance to get back into the brand I was so passionate about, and very excited to add some more experience to a great team of people.
Born and bred Southlander, a family farm in Waikawa, 80 games for Southland Rugby team, Bobby is passionate about Southland and its people.
A very proud father of Sammy, William and Josh, Bobby’s energetic approach also extends to a raft of pleasure pursuits, rugby, farming, music, hunting, and the occasional tinkering of the family’s old Cat D4D.
"Always deliver on your word." Is a philosophy that's held Terry Small in good stead since he joined the SVS team in 2000.
"What you say, you back up - it’s as simple as that."
Straight-up, honest, reliable, hard working - there's not enough words to describe Terry. But he's not really into all that fluffy nonsense.
Terry has extensive sales experience under his belt and believes success is all about adopting the right attitude every day.
He's renowned for his integrity and going the extra mile - even braving the pouring rain to hand prospective buyers an umbrella. It's no wonder he gets repeat business.
On those rare occasions when he's not on the SVS lot, Terry likes to spend time in his vegetable garden, where in proof of the adage "gardeners are givers" half his crop is given away.
Married to Linda, the couple have four children and nine grandchildren spread on both sides of the Tasman.
Matt has recently returned home to Southland from a busy dealership in Auckland, where he looks forward to reasonable house prices and less than hour long commutes.
Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of his approach to sales, striving to ensure every customer gets the VIP treatment and feels like they are part of the SVS family. "There is nothing better than seeing that smile you get from a customer on delivery day, when they are delighted both with their purchase and with the service they have received." He believes the sales process should be easy, transparent and most of all fun!
When he is not in the dealership Matt can be found enjoying the great outdoors, fishing, whitebaiting, snowboarding or trail riding. He also loves getting out on tramps and camps with the boys brigade helping young guys learn the skills his father taught him.
Garry Tippett has over 30 years experience in the automotive industry, in all facets from spinning spanners to vehicle sales.
In his role as Southland Vehicle Sales service manager at Garry offers a wealth of knowledge for customers to tap into.
A mechanic by trade, Garry joined forces with Richard Murrell in 1993 to from the 21 North Road car dealership.
"I got the urge to do something that I felt would be more rewarding."
It was a risk that paid off. The business evolved into SVS and moved to its present site in 2000. Further expansion and the purchase of BP North Road, followed just three years later.
To accommodate the Kia franchise, SVS developed a dedicated service centre in 2004. Any make or model is ably repaired by the experienced SVS team.
"Customers can expect a damn good job at a fair rate - with personal service a key focus." As SVS has evolved, so too has the motor industry.
Garry ensures his team stays at the forefront of technology through regular training and by employing the latest in diagnostic equipment. "Everyone here has their own strengths and when they put their heads together to nut out a solution, it works out well."
Away from the workshop, Garry makes the most of the Southern "playground", with rugby, whitebaiting and fishing his favoured pursuits
From spark plugs and brake pads to the obscurest of bolts - you’d be hard pressed to find a car part Graham Thomas hasn’t dealt in.
We didn’t specifically import the parts guru from the UK (he was lured to greener pastures by his New Zealand born wife Joan) but since 2008, he’s fit with our team like bangers and mash.
After completing his mechanical apprenticeship, Graham was snapped up by the BMW franchise where he spent 20 years with the iconic manufacturer’s parts department.
"Born in London, but grew up in a village in Buckinghamshire, Graham has always been interested in cars. Currently he is helping out on “The Kiwi Coupe” land speed car.
Sixteen years ago, Graham jumped on a plane from London and, together with Joan and their young son, moved to Southland to be near their two adult sons and families.
A pivotal link at SVS sourcing parts and accessories, Graham prides himself on aligning with both sales and service to achieve the ultimate aim - customer satisfaction.
"Indulging their passion for music, Graham and Joan can often be found play Ukuleles around Southland in their spare time.
John Sole might be the new(ish) kid on the SVS block, but he’s no stranger to the tools, parts, and people that keep the automotive world ticking.
Originally from Christchurch, John’s been part of the auto industry since he left school in 2006—apart from a memorable two-year stint living and working on Stewart Island. “It was a bit different to the city life, that’s for sure—but an epic experience,” he says. He moved to Southland in 2017 and has proudly called it home ever since, joining the SVS team in 2024.
At work, John’s all about keeping things light-hearted and having a laugh—but when it comes to getting the job done right, he doesn’t muck around. He’s the kind of guy who brings energy to the team, knows his stuff, and always makes sure customers are looked after.
Outside the workshop, you’ll likely find him off-road adventuring in his trusty truck alongside his fiancée, catching up with mates over a cold one, or getting competitive over a card or tabletop game (just don’t ask him to go easy on you).
With a warm smile and a sharp eye for detail, Julie joined the SVS team in mid-2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a refreshingly global perspective.
Originally from Malaysia, Julie is a proud Malaysia-born Chinese who grew up in a multicultural environment. She speaks, reads, and writes in three languages—and more than three dialects—making her a natural communicator and a valuable bridge in today’s diverse world.
After relocating from Auckland to Invercargill in 2024, she quickly made herself at home in the South—and in the SVS office. Julie takes care of reception, accounts, and general admin tasks, helping keep the whole operation humming along behind the scenes. Her previous experience as an Assistant Accountant at a busy Auckland dealership means she knows her way around both numbers and people.
Known for her calm approach and cheerful presence, Julie is enjoying getting to know the Invercargill community and already feels right at home with the SVS crew.
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