Mike Johnson knows Wellington Street better than most, like the back of his tyre-handling hands.
He’s lived there, was born nearby and has operated a well-known business there for the best part of 40 years.
Affectionately known as Mad Mike, because of his friendly style and sense of humour, he and his wife Carol’s business is the epitome of the philosophy of “shopping local, supporting local” and putting back into the community.
Howick Tyres, he says, has been a long-time supporter of food-supplying charity Bellyful “since day one”, while also contributing money each month to a local school for students who come from “families struggling to pay bills”.
“That’s what we’ve always tried to do. We’ve also been a sponsor of the Howick Hornets Rugby League Club for the past six years.”
Mike has not been seen in recent years as much as in the past.
“I want to let people know that I’m still here,” he says, further explaining that health issues have restricted his activities.
“We’re still here and are still the same business. We love Howick. One of our mottos is, ‘if we haven’t got it, we’ll get it in for you’.”
The selection of high-quality motor vehicle tyres is evident at the Howick Tyres workshop – Continental, Maxxis, and Vitora.
“We can do everything. Supplying and fitting new tyres, wheel alignments, balancing rotation, and nitrogen fills for tanks,” Mike says.
“We provide great service and operate in a very clean shop.”
Mike started his working life serving an apprenticeship as a mechanic at Spooners at Bucklands Beach.
He quickly found he had an interest in wheel treads because “I used to spend more time in the tyre bay”.
His and Carol’s dog Buster has also been a big part of the Howick Tyres family.
Even though the popular pet “doesn’t come to the business anymore”, Mike says people still ask about how he’s doing.
“I’m Howick through and through. I was born in Howick, lived in Wellington Street.
“We moved to Pakuranga once for about six months but moved back because it’s too far away from Howick.”
