Praise for the strategic vision - of a proposal to merge fuel companies NPD and Gull

Under the not-yet approved deal - the companies would fuse sites, teams and supply chains, but continue to operate under their respective brands.

It would give them a combined near-240 sites from Invercargill to Kaitaia, and create the country's largest independent fuel network.

AA Fuel Spokesperson Terry Collins says this isn't a case of one company taking over the other.

He says he sees it like an investment company handing over its business to a safe pair of hands, which is great for both companies' long-term growth.