The chain is made up of 78 petrol stations, including five in Auckland. Most of the petrol stations are based in small towns and stock petrol and diesel; many have amenities and small convenience stores.[2]
History
The first Challenge petrol station was opened by Fletcher Challenge in April 1998.[2][3] The lower prices of Challenge and Gull New Zealand contributed to a price war in the New Zealand fuel retailing industry.[4]
The Challenge brand was purchased by Caltex New Zealand from Rubicon in 2001. It became part of the Rubicon business during the split of Fletcher Challenge in 2001, and was sold to Caltex New Zealand later that year.[5]
Z Energy purchased Caltex New Zealand in 2016, bringing the Challenge service station brand ownership into Z.[6] While the Challenge brand is owned by Z Energy, Challenge stores are all independently owned and operated. Store owners are all Shareholders of Dealer Co (NZ) Ltd, and the stores trade under the Challenge brand.[7]
