Michelle McCree from the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce picking up the keys to the new Honda Insight from Honda Sales Manager Nick D'Evereux.

Last week we had the pleasure of handing the keys over to a brand new Honda Insight hybrid. The lucky recipients were none other than the lovely folks at the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce no less.

Part of Bowater Honda's support of community causes and projects also extends to the likes of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce. This group works hard to ensure that the economy of the top of the south remains firmly on the positive side of the ledger.

We firmly believe in their core philosophy of wanting to make Nelson Tasman the best place to live and the best place to do business.

The Chamber makes it easier to do business.  They’re experts at creating connections, leveraging off everyone's natural business advantages and regional strengths, and bringing national and regional expertise into the ‘room’ so local business people benefit. Aside from the vital services they provide they also facilitate a series of evening meetings to allow businesses to get together in a casual yet structured environment.

Bowater Honda Sales manager Nick D'evereux with Stoke Bowling President Alan Johnson.

Bowater Honda is proud of it's long attachment to the Stoke Bowling Club. We have been a supporter of the club since opening way back in 2005.

These days we value the local bowling community and take every opportunity to give back to it. A few weeks ago we sponsored the Classic Fours Competition at the club and came along to present the prizes to the winners and generally entertain everybody with the children that came along with us to have a go.

Someone there obviously took a shine to us, and came down to Bowater Honda a short while later and bought a car. When someone affiliated with the Stoke Bowling Club does this, and lets us know by way of presenting the vouchers we give out at events such as the Classic Fours, we donate $300 back to the club as a "thankyou".  The least we can do.

Keep up the good work Alan, and keep letting your club members know that Bowater Honda is backing them!

Latest version of old favourite really does the business

The Accord V6NT is full of new styling and features such as adaptive cruise control, but is still unmistakably Honda.

Car technology never ceases to amaze. Even when a certain model has been around for a number of years, the design and function is constantly updated to the point where driver involvement is slowly depleting. This could be said about the all-new Honda Accord, but I am happy to report the driver still very much plays a part.

Prices start at $45,900 for the entry-level S spec and top out with the mighty V6NT (Navigation and Technology) featured here, yours for $60,000.

After the well-received Accord Euro, the new Accord sports a new design and sits on a new platform. With a wheel base of 2775mm, the new car is 70mm longer than the Accord Euro and 10mm wider.

With a less chunky stance and cleaner lines, the Accord is a sweet-looking thing, plus in V6NT spec the twin exhausts and 18-inch pewter grey alloy wheels look the business.