Creating a legacy takes courage, compassion and care — and all three live in abundance in the extraordinary story of Mick King and Tyrone. What began as a mentoring match through Big Buddy in 2010 has grown into something far deeper: a lifelong bond between two people who now proudly call each other father and son.
When Mick first walked into Tyrone’s world, Ty was just 10 years old. No one could have imagined that this simple act — stepping into a boy’s home — would lead to shared adventures, overseas travel, a family business, neighbouring homes, and a new generation growing up surrounded by love and stability.
A Match That Just Felt Right
Tyrone has never known his biological father. A promising young footballer, he was matched as a Little Buddy to Mick through the Big Buddy mentoring programme. Mick had already mentored several young people through Project K, and his introduction to Big Buddy came via an employee in his building company.
“She was a single mum who got a Big Buddy for her son and told me really good things about it,” Mick recalls.
After a thorough vetting process, Mick — who lost his own father at just 13 — was matched with Tyrone. The connection was instant.
“I remember our first meeting,” Mick says. “Ty had a little lisp back then. He took me to show me his toys — it was a pretty meagre collection. So the first thing we did was head to The Warehouse. We wandered around for hours and only picked up a couple of tiny things, but Ty was happy. That was what mattered.”
Building Trust, One Moment at a Time
Their first official outing was a trip to Rangitoto Island — memorable for more than one reason.
“Mick got pulled over for speeding on the way there!” Ty laughs, while Mick grimaces at the memory.
From there, momentum built quickly. Football became a cornerstone of their relationship. Mick showed up — consistently, reliably, without fail.
“I took him to training twice a week, and I don’t think I ever missed a game from that point on,” Mick says.
A talented goalkeeper, Tyrone went on to play premier grades for Westlake Boys and East Coast Bays, and represented multiple age groups. His skills earned him a place in the West Ham United Oceania Academy, taking him overseas to Australia, the UK and China — with Mick right beside him every step of the way.
“These are some of the best memories,” Mick reflects. “Travelling together and watching Ty play was magic.”
Stepping In When It Mattered Most
Born in Tottenham and raised in Norfolk, Mick moved to New Zealand in 2005. He has three adult daughters — two biological and one stepdaughter — all living in the UK. Having lost his own father young, Mick understands deeply what it means to grow up without that steady presence.
“As far as I’m concerned, Ty is my son,” he says simply.
Adventures, Milestones and Memories
Over the past decade, the pair have shared countless adventures. Fishing trips, a Big Buddy Ferrari Day Out at Pukekohe Raceway (where Ty still talks about riding in a Maserati), and seeing U2 live — first within two months of meeting, and again ten years later to celebrate their anniversary as Big Buddy and Little Buddy.
These moments, big and small, have stitched their lives together.
From Mentorship to Business Partners
A builder his entire working life, Mick naturally supported Ty when he decided to pursue a building apprenticeship after school. Mick had worked for Hawkins before starting his own construction company, Miro, in 2009 — just a year before meeting Ty.
When Mick decided to retire in 2021, it didn’t last long.
“He retired for two weeks,” Ty laughs. “Then he said we should start a company together. By the next day I was designing a logo — and we were doing it.”
Stak Construction was born — a blend of their surnames, and a reflection of their partnership. Today, Mick and Ty are co-directors, navigating the challenges of the construction industry side by side, with a strong pipeline of work ahead.
Neighbours, Family and the Next Generation
In April last year, Mick and Ty made another big move — onto the same patch of land in Kaukapakapa. Ty and his partner (now fiancée), Laura, were living in Huapai, while Mick was ready to leave Torbay after more than 20 years.
They found the perfect spot: two houses, 100 metres apart, surrounded by space and possibility. After renovations, they’re now neighbours — close enough for support, distant enough to respect each other’s independence.
The family has since grown with the arrival of Lilly, who turns two this summer. Mick adores his granddaughter, and the feeling is clearly mutual. His babysitting skills don’t go unappreciated, either.
Between them, they share dogs (Cooper the boxer and Pablo the British bulldog), cats, turtles — and plans for grazing animals in the future.
A Legacy Built on Belief
Through hard work and teamwork, Mick and Ty have created a life many only dream of. At the heart of it is a work ethic — and belief — that Mick has consistently modelled.
“It was important to me that Ty understood he could achieve more than he ever thought possible,” Mick says. “If you work hard enough, you can enjoy and appreciate the good things in life — and earn them.”
“The day he dies, he’ll still be working,” Ty jokes.
For now, Mick has plenty to keep him busy: helping organise a wedding on their land, running a business, walking dogs, enjoying four acres of paradise — and spending time with his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.
“Yes,” Mick smiles, “I’ve got lots to do.”
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