Announcing a Change in Management at Mercedes-Benz Hawke's Bay

11 December, 2025

A Very Fond Farewell and an Exciting New Chapter for our Dealership.

We have some big news to share with you that brings both heartfelt goodbyes and new opportunities.

After almost 15 years of dedication and leadership, Spencer Pallesen will be stepping down from his role as General Manager.

Spencer has been an integral part of our journey, and his commitment to excellence has established Mercedes-Benz Hawke’s Bay as a highly respected and trusted destination for luxury vehicles. We’re incredibly grateful for everything he’s achieved, and for the mentorship, vision and enthusiasm he’s brought to the team.

A career built on passion and excellence.

“I am forever grateful to the Ingham family for the opportunity to be part of Mercedes-Benz Hawke’s Bay, a luxury brand I had only ever aspired to,” says Spencer. “I joined just after the showroom opened in February 2011 with only six staff. Together, we built the brand, service, parts and customer base from the ground up, growing with every car sold.

“From 2012 to 2016, the Mercedes-Benz brand went through an incredible growth phase, ultimately becoming the number one luxury marque in New Zealand. During this time, I was honoured to receive my first Sales Manager of the Year award in 2013, followed by five unforgettable PIT Tour trips to Brisbane, South Africa, Singapore, the USA and South Korea.

“The team here has been the backbone of the business. We’ve shaped Mercedes-Benz Hawke’s Bay into what it is today. We regularly rank among the top retailers for customer satisfaction, achieve one of the highest Mercedes-AMG sales percentages, and consistently punch above our weight as the smallest Mercedes-Benz location in New Zealand.

“I have met some truly incredible people — customers, colleagues, and many who have become lifelong friends. I will miss them dearly. Thank you to everyone for the memories, the experiences, and the challenges. It has been an amazing journey. I look forward to my new adventure beginning in 2026. For anyone wanting to stay in touch, my phone number will remain the same: 027 583 3677.

“Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and all the very best for 2026.”

Introducing our new General Manager.

Matt Curd will now be taking the reins at Mercedes-Benz Hawke’s Bay. A familiar face to many, this move is a natural progression for Matt and will ensure a smooth and seamless transition for the dealership.

Having worked with the Mercedes-Benz brand for over three years, he brings a wealth of automotive experience and expertise to the position. His knowledge of the brand and customer-first approach make him the perfect person to lead us forward in 2026 and beyond.

“I want to thank Spencer for the guidance and leadership he’s shared with me over the last three-plus years. His commitment to both customers and staff has set a strong foundation for the future,” he says.

“I’m thrilled to step into this role and continue delivering exceptional service and outstanding vehicles. 2026 promises to be a great year — Jack and I can’t wait to share some remarkable new models with you.”

Welcoming our new Sales Consultant.

The Pallesen legacy continues at Mercedes-Benz Hawke’s Bay as Spencer’s son, Jack, has recently joined us as Sales Consultant, completing our close-knit team.

Having grown up in the world of Mercedes-Benz, Jack brings fresh energy and a genuine passion for the brand. We’re excited to see him continue the tradition of personal service that has defined our customer-centric approach for years.

So next time you’re passing, why not pop in and say hi? We’d love for you to meet Jack in person.

Please join us in thanking Spencer for his incredible contribution to the Hawke’s Bay team and in welcoming Matt and Jack to their new roles. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing our journey of success together.