Last week’s house moving equipment auction by Turners marked the end of an era for the Fistonich family, who have run the company bearing their name for the last 50 years.
The decision to sell up came after an offer on the land from Richies Bus and Coach NZ, who have a smaller bus yard about 200m up the road in Swanson, West Auckland.
Richies’ first inquired about the land several years ago, however current owner Nick Fistonich declined the offer.
“This time it seemed like the right decision,” says Vanessa, Nick’s business partner and wife. “We felt like a change of pace; building relocation is obviously a full-on business, and profit margins have been tighter in recent years.
“We are both really pleased with how the auction went, it was a fantastic result and we sold off 95% of the stock.
Nick Fistonich (Snr.) first started the business back in 1962, before his brother Andy took over in 1980.
Andy’s son Nick took the reigns in 1987, having worked there since he was 14, with the auction marking nearly 40 years of his involvement in the business
