My Account
Hal and Gail Meier were looking for a new challenge and when they bought Peninsula Mowers & Heating in Whangaparaoa three months ago, they got even more than they had hoped for.
The business has been on the Coast for around 30 years, with the previous owner in charge for a decade. Buying into such a well-established business meant that Hal has barely had time for a tea break since he and Gail took over.
Peninsula Mowers & Heating sells and services a wide range of mowers – mainly Husqvarna but also other well-known brands. They also sell and service other garden power equipment such as weedeaters and chainsaws, which, as Hal knows from experience, can be temperamental.
Hal was previously a lawn mowing contractor and a customer at Peninsula Mowers & Heating, buying spare parts to repair his equipment.
His expertise in repairs sees him help out Barry Schultz in the workshop whenever he can.
Gail will soon be joining the business full time to take care of the administration and reception duties. The couple, who live in Stanmore Bay, will combine running the business with care of their two preschoolers.
The other side of the business is selling fires – Hal says the link that often occurs between mowing and heating businesses arose because Masport made both mowers and heaters – of course it also keeps the business going through all four seasons.
Peninsula Mowers & Heating provides a full service from obtaining the required Council permits to arranging installation of the fire by a registered installer. Using a Council accredited installer means that no inspection is required after the fire has been fitted in the home.
“All you have to do is choose a fire and we can do the rest,” Hal says.
Free standing wood burners are a big seller, as well as fires than can be fitted into an old open fireplace, or inbuilt flush with the wall.
Peninsula Mowers & Heating’s top selling brands are Masport, Metro and Firenzo as well as the Rinnai range of gas fires, however any brand and model can be sourced if customers ask for it. All the fires comply with current emission standards and are efficient, producing less smoke and ash.
Over time the couple plan to refurbish the premises at 611 Whangaparaoa Rd, but keeping customers happy is their first priority, and they expect this will keep them busy for the foreseeable future.
