Petrol pump fails to meet standards

SAM BAKER/Manawatu Standard

EMPTY TANK: Himatangi Beach Store owner Leonie Osman pumped petrol for the last time yesterday.

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Next time you head to Himatangi Beach remember to pack your togs, towel ... and to gas up.

Himatangi Beach Store sold petrol for the last time yesterday as the old pump is no longer up to scratch.

Store owner Leonie Osman said the pump did not get a certificate of compliance, as parts of it were corroding.

"We want to keep it and I believe it is a problem for the future. With people coming out here with their boats, jet skis, etc. they need somewhere to fill up if they run out," she said.

The closest petrol stations will be at Foxton or Rongotea – 17km away.

The 4000 litre tank, which costs up to $11,000, was being filled once a month, but Mrs Osman said it still was not financially viable.

"For a second-hand pump to be put in, to get a certificate, would cost $13,000. It's ridiculous as we only make 20 cents off every litre," she said.

People would usually only fill up with enough petrol to get them to the nearest petrol station, she said. "We charge more than the big towns do so people don't see the point in spending more than they have to here when they can go elsewhere.

"Our pump gets used the most in summer time when people bring all their toys to the beach and need re-fuelling," Mrs Osman said.

Local residents do not seem bothered by the removal of the pump.

Eco Contracting owner Murray Hastie said he would not be affected by the closure. "We normally buy our petrol in bulk, for the business, but I do feel for those who do rely on it.

"Supermarkets now have their own petrol stations and everyone has to go there, so it's just as convenient, and cheaper, to do it then."

Sue Smith said it would not mean much to her. "I don't think the demand is here and it'll cost too much for the store to put it in," Ms Smith said.

The easiest solution was to get a petrol can and fill it, she said.

The removal of the pump is part of a national trend affecting small service stations.

- © Fairfax NZ News