28 Oct 2025
Hard work and sweet success
Nelson, the home of sunshine, golden beaches, national parks and Dayman Motors — where three generations of the Dayman family have nurtured and built a legacy spanning nearly six decades.
The Dayman story began in 1965 when General Manager, Garry Dayman’s parents, Peter and Pixie, opened a car service business on Bridge Street. By 1971, they’d moved to a bigger site on Bridge Street, and Garry stepped into the family business.
“I was never great with my hands,” Garry admits, “so selling cars was the next best gig!” What started as a pragmatic career choice evolved into a lifelong passion for serving the people of Nelson and the wider Tasman region.
ONE DAY AT A TIME
As the business grew, so did the Dayman family’s commitment to Nelson. In 1995, they made the move to their current location, building not just a dealership but a one-stop destination for their community’s automotive needs.
For Scott Dayman, son of Garry and the third generation to join the business, the dealership is woven into his childhood memories. He recalls watching his grandfather busy in the service department while earning pocket money cleaning cars during school holidays.
While the business experienced a change in name in previous years, the pull of family legacy proved too strong. In 2021, Garry and Scott made the meaningful decision to restore the original Dayman name.
“It’s special to us,” says the family. “It pays tribute to the hard work we’ve dedicated to the Nelson community.”
MORE THAN JUST A SALE
The team at Dayman Motors take the time to understand the needs of everyone who walks through the door – whether they’re looking for a brand-new Suzuki or a quality used vehicle.
Their commitment extends well beyond the sale with a full parts and service department, locally staffed by helpful and knowledgeable technicians.
Customer testimonials praise the team’s honest approach and efficient service, with many coming through their door time and time again for a new set of wheels.
A FAMILY TRADITION
From Peter and Pixie’s original service business to Scott and Garry’s thriving enterprise of today, the Dayman family remains committed to what they’ve always done best – treating customers like family of their own and keeping Nelson moving.