Whitianga AUTOWORX may be an all-new mechanical repair shop in town, but owners/operators Dan and Vivien Mizen are far from new kids on the block when it comes to experience in the automotive trade. In fact, Dan has had his head under the bonnet and around motor vehicles practically all his working life. “Being owner/operators is nothing new for us either as we ran our own workshop on Auckland’s North Shore for 16 years before we made the decision to make Whitianga home some 3 years ago. I initially started out on the tools in a local garage in town after our move here, and while it was enjoyable, I really had the urge to run my own workshop once again”.
In some ways Dan has only been on extended leave from Whitianga as it’s where he grew up and where he did all his primary and secondary school education. “I actually attended the original school in town for a short time before the new Mercury Bay Area School (MBAS) was open. I have never lost my passion and love of the place plus Vivien and I have spent many holidays with our two teenage kids in the wider Coromandel, so it was only a matter of when, not if, that we would eventually call Whitianga home. Away from work, we are very passionate outdoors people with walking, fishing and mountain biking taking up most of our spare time.”
Dan has the experience, diagnostic tools and knowledge to take on or advise on pretty much all makes and models of vehicles including hybrids, 4×4’s and trailer repairs. The business is also authorised to carry out Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspections plus has a waiting room for those happy to wait for a job that has a quick turnaround.
“We would love the opportunity to have a general chat, showcase the workshop and discuss any technical issues owners may have with their vehicles. I’m sure our clients will quickly find that both Vivien and I pride ourselves on our communication skills with the aim of building long term business relationships.”
While working part time at the MBAS as a Teacher Aide, Vivien will be mainly behind the scenes doing the book work etc and working on marketing plans to get the business name out to the community. “We have a mail drop in the planning which will highlight what we are all about plus a few specials that hopefully will appeal.”
The road frontage sign at 6/43 Moewai Road is very hard to miss. “Yellow has always been our business colours so we have stuck with it for WHITIANGA AUTOWORX. We are down a lane beside and behind Paradise Pets,” adds Dan.
Contact numbers: 07 211 9531 or 020 417 27855
