Will Johnston is leaving the radio career behind, taking on a real estate auctioneer role. Photo / George Novak
Will Johnston is leaving the radio career behind, taking on a real estate auctioneer role. Photo / George Novak
A teenage Will Johnston turned up to his first radio gig in a formal suit and tie.
He was marched back home to change into something more casual.
Twenty years on, he's come full circle and is now shopping for a new wardrobe full of suits.
The 37-year-old radio announcerfor The Hits Bay of Plenty show has signed off after two decades in the industry.
He has taken up the role as group auctioneer for Tremains Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Tauranga and Colliers International Tauranga.
"It was definitely the hardest career decision I have ever had to make," he says while perched on a chair in his Tauranga studio.
Apart from his MC and wedding celebrant roles - and a stint as a pool lifeguard at age 16 - radio has been his only job since graduating from the New Zealand Broadcasting School in Christchurch.
"I've only ever worked in radio. I was one of those annoying people when I was like 15 or 16 who knew what I wanted to do. I've only ever wanted to do this and I've worked hard to get to the position that I'm in.
"I'm now desperately trying to prove I am not just a one-trick pony that can only do radio," Johnston jokes.
Will Johnston is leaving radio to be the group auctioneer for Tremains Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Tauranga and Colliers International Tauranga. Photo / George Novak
He still remembers his first day on the job. He was about 17 years old and had scored a week-long work experience stint with ZM.
"I turned up to the radio station to be an intern for a week in a full suit and tie."
Johnston says he was driven 25 minutes back home to change into jeans and a T-shirt and told to "start again".
"At that point, I was like, 'I love this gig'."
Admitting there was no reason for him to leave radio, Johnston says he just felt it was time to try something new.
"It just seemed like the right move.
"It is the only thing I have been offered over my years in radio that I thought: 'If I don't do this I'm always going to wonder what would have happened if I did?'.
Johnston says he will still get to talk to people and be part of a community in his new role - something he has loved about his job.
"The main thing I love about radio is the fact you get to be part of a community.
"When you're auctioneering you're part of a community. The reason I took the job is because I can still be an MC and a celebrant. I can still be part of a community, none of that changes."
Will Johnston with Karen Crotty, who was flown to Auckland for the IHeart Radio Delta Goodrem Concert. Photo / NZME
One of his career highlights while in Tauranga was when he and his radio crew surprised a woman with a serious blood disease with a trip to meet her idol Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, who was performing in Auckland at the time.
"She got to go to her private show and be up the front. Those memories are quite hard to leave."
Johnston's radio accolades include being an eight-time finalist in the New Zealand Radio Awards, and most recently being named Best Music Non-Breakfast Solo Host - Non-Network and Best Music Host - Local.
Over the years Johnston has been involved in many charity initiatives, including foodbank drive Fill the Bus, Pledge For Plunket and the Ladies' Long Lunch. He was also the AIMS Games TV host and has served as MC at many events, including the Avocado Wine and Food Festival and Tedx talks.
Will Johnston taking part in the "Fill the Bus" initiative. Photo / NZME
Johnston credits Gold AM breakfast host Brian Kelly for recommending him for the Tauranga gig after spotting Johnston at a car rally in Whangarei about 10 years ago.
"BK was the reason I came to Tauranga so he is initially the person to thank for that."
Johnston also acknowledged friend and Coast breakfast host Jason Reeves.
"I just love his on-air style. He's unashamedly a nice guy and isn't trying to be anyone else."
In preparation for his new role as an auctioneer, Johnston has been studying to get his real estate licence, and has also bought some new suits.
Will Johnston at a Ladies Ling Lunch. Photo / File
"I had to start there with purchasing a new wardrobe. Because apparently jeans and a shirt don't quite cut it," he says, laughing.
Johnston will be on local airwaves filling in every now and then and hopes the radio gig goes to "someone who really wants it".
He says the last 20 years have been "a really good time" and thanked his listeners for joining the journey.
"I've got absolutely no regrets."
Brian Kelly and Will Johnston. Photo / NZME
Brian Kelly, whose radio career spans 50 years, says it was going to be sad to see Johnston go after recommending he take his Tauranga radio spot a decade ago.
"When it came time to replace me I thought he would be the man for the job and he's worked out to be just that."
Johnston's new boss, Hayden Duncan, says he is excited to have Johnston on board.
"Will epitomises the type of person our company is. What people will love about Will is that he is just himself."
