Michael
Workshop Manager
With us for over nine years, he’s a powerhouse in the workshop. There’s very little he can’t fix, and his STIHL expertise is second to none.
Our trusted heritage
Family-owned and driven by a love for outdoor gear, we combine hands-on experience with expert advice to keep your equipment performing at its best.
Our story began back on January 20th, 1980, when an apprenticeship opportunity came along after a chance meeting over Christmas. Growing up, Greg McLarnon spent countless hours working alongside his father, fixing tractors and machinery after school. That hands-on experience sparked a lifelong passion for tools and repair work, making a career in the trade a natural fit.
By 1991, Greg moved into self-employment and purchased the workshop side of the business. After six years of successfully running the workshop, retail was added, thanks to the strong support of staff, loyal customers, and the wider Bay of Plenty community. Today, his son Michael McLarnon carries the family legacy forward, working alongside Greg to continue serving the local community with the same dedication and expertise.
Along the way, a couple of classics have stood out — the STIHL MS 460 chainsaw and the FS 85 line trimmer — tools that still hold a special place in the workshop.
What keeps the wheels turning today is simple: people. The friendships built with customers, the backing of a hardworking team, and a genuine love for the outdoor power industry are what drive this business forward. More than four decades on, Greg and Mike’s shared passion for quality gear and local service continues to shape everything we do.
Meet the experts
At STIHL Shop Tauranga, we use the gear we sell. We know our customers by name and stand behind every product we recommend.
Whether you’re a homeowner, farmer, arborist, or contractor, you’ll get honest, expert advice from people who truly know their tools.