Z Energy’s new sub-brand outlets - U-Go petrol stations

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eracode

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#319350 16-Apr-2025 14:22

Not sure this needs a whole thread but wasn’t sure where to put it.

In Mairangi Bay (Auckland N Shore) an existing Z petrol station is being refitted and rebranded as a U-Go outlet. Hadn’t heard of it - so searched and found this.

The business model is identical to Gull with whom they will be competing head to head. There are no other competing stations close nearby (nearest 1.5km) so I’m guessing this U-Go won’t be particularly cheap.

U-Go sites have been open in Australia for some time - set up by Z’s parent, Ampol. I found this news article interesting.

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#3364671 16-Apr-2025 14:52

This approach isn't quite so surprising when you consider that Ampol used to own Gull in NZ but had to sell it as part of the terms of buying Z.

Quik internet referral link

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#3364673 16-Apr-2025 14:56

"The business model is identical to Gull"

And Waitomo and NPD ( although there are a number of staffed NPDs) - Z are likely losing share to the "low costs"

As the Newsroom story mentions, expect them to gradually drop the "Caltex" branding - which will be costing real $$$ in licensing...

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#3364735 16-Apr-2025 15:47

The Newton road site in Auckland is a prime candidate for this as well.

Also lol at Z being a premium brand. Gotta sell a premium product to be that.

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#3364750 16-Apr-2025 16:52

I was wondering which company owns these U petrol stations. Cheers.

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#3366620 23-Apr-2025 01:03

richms:

The Newton road site in Auckland is a prime candidate for this as well.

Also lol at Z being a premium brand. Gotta sell a premium product to be that.

Yes the Caltex self service at Newton is routinely good bang for buck without having to go too far out of the way for me. I don't see how a full service station can compete anymore.

A new U-GO on Hillsborough Road in Lynfield has just opened and so far is the cheapest around within 10KM

xpd

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#3366633 23-Apr-2025 07:31

Ah, might explain why the Manly Z shut down. Was only a tiny store anyway.

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#3366646 23-Apr-2025 08:22

This is a former Z site that re-opened last week as U-Go on Hillsborough Rd.

U-Go Hillsborough Rd

The current pricing is on par with the Gull's / NPD's across Auckland. Premium unleaded was $2.61 this morning when I went past.

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#3366657 23-Apr-2025 08:45

I wonder if Z-Business fuel cards can be used at U-Go stations?

eracode

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#3366688 23-Apr-2025 10:37

johno1234:

I wonder if Z-Business fuel cards can be used at U-Go stations?

If it doesn’t have an embedded chip, my guess is no. The payment systems at current NZ unstaffed stations use a card reader that reads the chip in credit cards.

Unless U-Go are using a different system.

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#3366712 23-Apr-2025 11:40

eracode:

johno1234:

I wonder if Z-Business fuel cards can be used at U-Go stations?

If it doesn’t have an embedded chip, my guess is no. The payment systems at current NZ unstaffed stations use a card reader that reads the chip in credit cards.

Unless U-Go are using a different system.

No chip - just a magnetic stripe. It works at Z, Caltex and Challenge in both self-pay pumps and at the counter.

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#3366722 23-Apr-2025 12:02

eracode:

If it doesn’t have an embedded chip, my guess is no. The payment systems at current NZ unstaffed stations use a card reader that reads the chip in credit cards.

Unless U-Go are using a different system.

So no eftpos support? That is brave of them.

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#3366730 23-Apr-2025 12:31

For what it's worth I've never had a problem with using my Eftpos card at any Gull or Waitomo.

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#3366743 23-Apr-2025 13:14

Behodar:

For what it's worth I've never had a problem with using my Eftpos card at any Gull or Waitomo.

Their systems allow you to swipe and aren't chip only. Not everyone has an eftpos card with a chip. My ASB card is swipe only.

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#3366756 23-Apr-2025 13:36

Mine's also a swipe one. I forgot that chip ones existed.

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#3366757 23-Apr-2025 13:58

I always use my old swipe eftpos card in the selfpayment machines as skimmers exist and the swipe eftpos card is the easiest to replace and I dont lose out on shopping online or have to update cards with sites if it gets compromised. Sure, I lose out on the true rewards, but until they seperate the chip and mag stripe slots out so that you can use the chip without the stripe going anywhere near the machine, I will rather not risk it. ATMs need to do the same thing too since they are a prime candidate for getting skimmed.

Richard rich.ms

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