Long journey at Mountain Motors
Employee and former owner Peter retires
After 22 years working at Mountain Motors a long-time employee, and exowner, is hanging up the tools. Former part-owner and service manager Peter Robertson retired on Friday.
“I had a lot of enjoyable moments here, but it’s time for me to retire and spend some time with my family.”
Peter started working for the business as an apprentice. After he completed his eightyear apprenticeship in the 1980s, he went to work for another company.
“The previous boss of this business, Barry Holland, employed me again 20 years later. Sadly, he passed away, and Colleen Moore, Maurice Pretty and I became owners of the business. We were already all working in the business and wanted to see it continue on.”
Peter, Colleen, and Maurice owned the business for 12 years. In April, 2021, Jack Hywood and Sarah Williams took ownership of Mountain Motors, and while Colleen and Maurice retired, Peter stayed on as the service manager.
“I wanted to stay on and help Jack and Sarah get into the routine. The business is in capable hands with them, so it feels right to retire now.”
He says he has fond memories of working at the Ford service centre, but some of the best happened while he was an apprentice.
“I would pick up new cars from Wellington, such as Mustangs, Falcons, Cortinas and Escorts, and deliver them to their new owners. I’d also do all the pre-delivery cleaning. At the time, the cars were just
new cars, but now they’re icons.”
The friendships he’s created over the years are also something to treasure, he says.
“I’ve met a lot of great people while I’ve been working here.”
Mountain Motors owners Jack and Sarah say they wish Peter the best in his retirement. Jack says Peter is an icon around the town and is wellknown throughout the district.
“We wish him well with his retirement and all the best for his future endeavours.”