PJ TAYLOR talks with John Russell, the well-recognised and energetic man about town for four decades, not only as an enthusiastic businessman but for contributing back to his Howick community.
Where were you born and raised?
In Christchurch. Educated and spent the first 30 years of my life there. I liked its easy access to the outdoors. You could be on a ski field in an hour, at the beach in 10 minutes or a bike track in no time. Since we’ve been living in Howick, we’ve been back to the South Island many times and biked just about all the main trails.
What was your early family and school life like?
Family life was great and still is. I was the eldest of five; four boys and a sister. Very competitive but great fun. My Mum and Dad at 95 and 99 respectively are still with us and now live in Howick. I loved school and enjoyed it. I attended Cashmere High. Our principal, Sir Terry McCombs, was very much an old school man and formidable. He was at one time a Minister of Education and later High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. With four boys in the family, we played plenty of games with two-on-two and were fiercely competitive. Our sister was the youngest and managed to stay out of harm’s way.
How did you become a businessman in Howick?
My wife’s parents knew the previous owner, David Honeybun. When he wanted to retire and sell the shop, he gave our family the first opportunity to purchase. We were very lucky to have this chance and grabbed it with both hands. We had to sell our house in Christchurch to buy the business and relocate to Auckland, one of the best decisions I’ve made. Although I still shout for the Crusaders. It was great owning a business in Howick. A lot of other owners were a similar age, and we had many great times together. In Moore Street, Jeff Honeybun owned the jewellers, Graham the mower shop, and Rex the drycleaners. We became great mates and are to this day. We dubbed ourselves the Moore St Mafia. We all worked six days a week for years but had a lot of fun as well.
I’ve been so grateful to have lived in and worked in Howick. It has been a privilege to be able to have a business that enabled me to interact with so many people. I loved every minute of it. Sue and I were so pleased and excited when it came time to retire that our daughter and son-in-law Nikki and Nick wished to purchase the business. It was so good that after working hard for nearly 40 years we were able to pass the mantle on to one of our family. We’ve been delighted with the job they’re doing and how well they too have been greeted in the community, although Nikki was born and raised in Howick. Continuing the legacy of a family business.
What are your words of advice for young entrepreneurs?
Work hard and go after business. Don’t be afraid of people saying no. Put in the hours. Take a chance and grasp every opportunity. There’s no substitute for hard work. We had a touch rugby team called John Russell Menswear and played for many years at Paparoa and Lloyd Elsmore Parks. The next mornings were sometimes a bit rugged.
You’ve also contributed to non-profit community organisations.
I joined school committees and PTAs when our children were young and students. Later, I was chairman of the Stevenson’s Village Trust Board (SVTB) for many years. I’ve recently been on the Howick 175th committee and a trustee of the Howick Children’s Charitable Trust, which runs the Howick Santa Parade. I’ve also organised and sponsored many sports teams over the years. The SVTB owned and ran the Stevenson Village in Botany Road. It provided low-cost housing for those with few assets and low income. I loved the interaction with residents and being able to provide some tangible help.
Have you always had the willingness to assist and contribute?
I’ve always enjoyed being involved and able to help. It’s always good to be able to give something back.
Did you have influential mentors?
I worked for David Honeybun for six months before I took over. He taught me a lot. Arriving in Howick in the mid-1980s, we still had the Howick Borough Council. Morrin Cooper and the council staff were a great help to me in developing connections and friendships. There was and still is a very healthy business association. We were able to bounce ideas off each other and find better ways to do business.
What are your favourite things about east Auckland?
East Auckland is its own community, a fabulous place to live, bring up children and have a small business. We’ve made many friends and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. My parents also shifted up from Christchurch 20 years ago to live in Howick after I told them how great the place is. The food scene is brilliant. We hardly ever leave Howick for a meal.
You’re a music fan. Are there favourite artists or concerts that stand out?
Music is a great interest. I’ve been a member of a brass band which I loved. My main instrument is the piano, which I’ve played since a young age and still play every day. I’ve been fortunate to go to many great concerts. One of the best was Celine Dion at Caesar’s Palace [Las Vegas].
If there was anything you’d like changed in New Zealand society, what would it be?
We’re so lucky to have so many diverse cultures in this country. I’d love it if we could all live as one while still respecting and embracing each other’s cultures. Education must also be valued as an absolute priority for our young children.
