About us
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New Zealand and the South Pacific - We've got you covered.
We're a one stop shop for sports retailers suppling everything from water sports to hunting and from boxing, darts, ball sports to skateboards and scooters! Come visit our head office and 4,500 square foot show room in Petone or check out our warehouse in Wainui (one of the biggest sports distributor warehouses in NZ - A whopping 21,000 square foot building!). |
The test of time.
We've been in the sports trade since 1910. Ours is a story of achievement that celebrates family, relationships and loyalty to our customers and suppliers. A market leader. We boast the best brands and customer service in the industry. Innovation and technology is key to our success – Our stock management systems is custom made to our business and our highly used trade login service is one of the best information and order systems available. |
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We love selling sports gear. But what really gets us going is when we get to use it ourselves! |
OUR STORY
Our story dates back to 1910 with Witcome & Caldwell Ltd who had a sports shop called "The Sports Depot" in Wellington. Jack Vaughan (John's father and David's grandfather) joined their company in 1933 and purchased their shares.
The business grew and the wholesale company, was established in 1955 as an importer and distributor of Sporting, Leisure & Recreational products to retailers throughout New Zealand, and the company was renamed John Vaughan & Co Ltd.
Today we're a market leader boasting the best brands and customers service in the NZ sports industry. Because of NZ's low population and challenging logistical geography, with our extensive range of products we're a "one stop shop" for our retail customers. We employ 15 people, including a strong sales force that constantly travel the country and are based in New Zealands three main centers - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Our Head Office and showroom is located in Petone and our 21,000 square foot distribution warehouse is based in Wainuiomata, Wellington.
The business grew and the wholesale company, was established in 1955 as an importer and distributor of Sporting, Leisure & Recreational products to retailers throughout New Zealand, and the company was renamed John Vaughan & Co Ltd.
Today we're a market leader boasting the best brands and customers service in the NZ sports industry. Because of NZ's low population and challenging logistical geography, with our extensive range of products we're a "one stop shop" for our retail customers. We employ 15 people, including a strong sales force that constantly travel the country and are based in New Zealands three main centers - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Our Head Office and showroom is located in Petone and our 21,000 square foot distribution warehouse is based in Wainuiomata, Wellington.
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David Vaughan - Managing Director, son of John Vaughan and grandson of the company's founder, the late Jack Vaughan. David grew up in the business climbing the shelves in the warehouse as a kid, then while at school, working in the holidays and eventually became full time in 1987. He has a wide range of sporting interests from surf to snow and a keen shooter. He is married and has two young children. linkedin |
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Andrew Williams - Sales Manager, Grew up in the business working part-time jobs during his school holidays and joined full time in 1997. He's a keen fisherman, hunter and motorsport enthusiast. Andrew is the son of the late Pat Williams who joined our company in 1970 and managed the sales until Andrew took over. Andrew lives in Upper Hutt and is based in our head office in Petone and is responsible for the sales, marketing and purchasing for the company. |
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John Vaughan - Director, son of the late founder Jack Vaughan. Joined the company in 1958 and became the managing director in 1966. He is a director of the company but passed on the MD position to his son David in 2008 and now works part time for the company. John is a life member of the NZ Sports Goods Association. |
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Matt Hobson - Lower North Island Sales, Matt lives in the Hawkes Bay with his wife Jenny and their children, he's a keen hunter, fisherman and everything outdoors. When not on the road, Matt is based in our head office and helps with promotions and product selections. linkedin
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Maggie Lee - Customer Service, Joined us in 2007 after owning and operating Johnsonville Sportsworld. Pictured with husband Tony after winning Gold at the World Masters Badminton Championships in Italy! |
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Christi Viljoen - South Island Sales, I’m an energetic hard working guy with an absolute love for the outdoors. I’m friendly and approachable and get on with just about anyone. I hail from South Africa/Namibia and moved to New Zealand to continue a professional Cricket career that spanned 13 years. I have played cricket all over the world and use this worldly experience in my day to day business life, which I now hope to grow and continue on for many years to come. |
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Melissa McCrone - Customer Service, Admin & Marketing, Melissa looks after Customer service, administration and helps with our online marketing and email promotions. Melissa is a super keen Netball player! |
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Winson Wong - Admin & Online Marketing, Winson looks after our websites, online promotions and runs our IT department. He also helps with Customer service and administration. When not at work you'll find Winson playing badminton :-) |
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Eddy Kane - Warehouse Manager, He, with Dawn and Richard ensure deliveries are out the door on time! |
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Anna Wahl - Marketing, Anna helps with our online marketing and looks after our Facebook pages and brand websites. Anna is an active supporter of her childrens team sports and a very keen tennis player, snow and water skier.
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WE PRIDE OURSELVES
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Order delivery system
We have a delivery system that is envied in the industry. Ex-stock orders are despatched the same day and are normally in store before 3pm the following day (except parts of Sth Island). When possible indent orders are despatched from the 15th of the month prior to charge date. For example, If a dealer requires March delivery, goods are despatched 15th February but not due for payment until 20th April. Our warehouse packing system is completely computerised. All orders are barcoded and scanned for accuracy. Free Nationwide Phone and Fax We have two free nationwide Phone and Fax numbers with direct dialing to our sales department. Phone 0800-300-776 (0800-300 Sport) Fax 0800-400-776 (0800-400-Sport) |
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Customer Web site
Innovation and technology is key to our success. We were one of the sports trade's first wholesalers with a secure trade-customer online service and can boast one of the most successful websites in the industry. After logging in, our customers can view all our products, pricing and stock availability. They can also view their forward and backorders and place orders with our easy to use shopping cart system. We receive a good number of online orders placed through this service every day! To login you must have an account with our company. Catalogue We have one of the best catalogues in the New Zealand trade. All our customers are sent an updated colour catalogue each year. Customer base and Call cycle Our nationwide customer base includes:-
The majority of our customers are visited at least once a month. |
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Reputation and Awards
We are a foundation member of the NZ Sports Industry Association which is now part of the NZ Retailers Association. Over the years we have won many awards including "supplier of the year" and "runner-up supplier of the year". The Sales and Marketing team have won many "Sales Representative of the Year" and numerous runner-up awards. National buying groups We are a preferred supplier to all the major retail sporting and outdoor buying groups in New Zealand. Promotion and sponsorship We frequently organise retailer and sports oriented sponsorship, promotions and advertising programs. We Advertise our brands in a number of major New Zealand sporting, shooting and outdoors publications. We also promote our brands through a number of Facebook pages and groups. A major part of our advertising is co-op advertising with retailers. In addition to this, there are advertising arrangements in place with all the major buying groups. In house catalogue and online promotion We regularly email and print flyers and catalogues to promote our brands. We also target customers with pamphlets and promotional emails detailing products and brands that relate to their customer base and seasons. This includes posting and emailing flyers direct to over 2,000 schools in New Zealand. |
