Industry legend passes

Tony Howard, founder of the Howard Group and the driving force behind the business that has become Manukau Toyota Group, has passed away.

He was a respected New Zealand businessman and entrepreneur whose determination, commercial instinct, independent spirit and belief in people helped build one of New Zealand’s largest and most successful Toyota dealership groups.

After studying accountancy and beginning his working life in retail, Howard first entered the automotive industry when he bought Rio Motors in Greenlane, Auckland, from Sir Colin Giltrap.

That first dealership marked the beginning of a remarkable business career spanning several decades. Howard went on to establish and operate dealerships across Auckland representing Honda, Nissan and Toyota. 

Over 35 years ago, he acquired the Toyota franchise and its premises in Gladding Place, Manukau, from the Giltrap Group. 

This “agreement” became one of those legends. According to Howard, the deal was signed on a paper napkin once he and Sir Colin sent all the lawyers out of the meeting room. 

Two signatures on a napkin and the good faith inherent in that became the foundation of the group that today operates Toyota dealerships in Manukau, Botany, Papakura and Pukekohe. 

Under Howard’s leadership and unwavering determination to succeed, the Howard Group grew into a significant automotive and commercial property business. 

Manukau Toyota Group became New Zealand’s largest Toyota dealership group by sales volume, serving thousands of customers each year across east and south Auckland. 

Howard had a strong ability to recognise opportunity. His decision to secure land in Botany well before the area’s full growth potential was realised ultimately enabled the development of an award-winning flagship Toyota franchise, of which he was immensely proud. 

However, Howard’s legacy cannot be measured by buildings, dealerships or vehicle sales alone. Central to his philosophy was a belief in employing good people, trusting them to do their jobs and looking after them well. 

This approach created a strong sense of loyalty throughout the company with many employees building careers of 10, 20, 30 years or more with it. 

Howard also ensured the Howard Group remained a family business with his daughter, Alison “Ali” Guise, becoming managing director when he retired. Her appointment provided a continuity of the business her father established, carrying his values into its next generation. 

Even though he was retired, Howard took great satisfaction in seeing the group continue to grow under the leadership of his family and people he had supported during their careers, including the building and opening of the its new Pukekohe Toyota dealership in 2025. 

Howard will be remembered as an entrepreneur, mentor and respected figure in New Zealand’s automotive industry. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives and careers he influenced.