Mils Muliaina runs the Rugby Schools' Concept Skills With Mils as well as studying at AUT.
What are you driving?
A 2017 black Holden Colorado Z71; It’s auto and 4WD.
What do you like about it?
It has plenty of grunt. I love the reversing mirror, navigation system, Bluetooth and collision indicator. The cargo space is fantastic for my son’s bike, skateboard, scooter, basketball and cricket gear. It took time to get used to driving a larger car, especially turning corners and parallel parking in town.
Is black a good colour for ute? Yes it is. I have always liked black cars. All Black, everyday.
How does it fit your personality?
Reliable, grunty — yet sophisticated.
And your job?
The hard cover, cargo space and lockable tray allow me to carry all my rugby gear around securely for my Skills with Mils sessions. It is driven through Roar Sports Management. I enjoy coaching skills and this was an opportunity to give back to high school kids interested in pursuing rugby. Skills with Mils offers mentoring on and off the field.
You’re a Holden ambassador, what does that involve?
Attending various launch events for new car models and attending events Holden sponsors, for example NZ Fashion Week.
What do you keep in your ute?
Sunglasses, phone charger, rugby balls and dog lead.
Who else drives your ute?
My partner and brothers. My 9-year-old son loves being driven in the Colorado.
Any personalised plates?
I got one for a 21st birthday present, ‘MILS’. But I am not using it for this vehicle.
How often do you clean your ute?
Every fortnight.
What else do you have in your garage?
An Audi A4 and my partner is trialling a Holden Captiva and Trax.
First car you owned?
I was privileged enough to be provided a car through the All Blacks sponsorship for 10 years. The first car I bought was in 2013 — a Black Audi A4.
Your dream car?
A Porsche Cayenne Turbo GTS.
Who taught you to drive?
My schoolfriends, who were all older than me. I was 16 years old. I learnt on Oreti Beach in Invercargill where there was no traffic. They were good teachers as they taught me how to drive a manual and they were patient.
Any tips for young drivers?
Don’t get ahead of yourself. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t follow too close — “only a fool breaks the two second rule!”
And you have two sons. How do you keep them happy/occupied on road trips?
Max is 9. Mackenzy is almost 4 months old, so I play plenty of Justin Beiber soundtracks. Max loves the Bluetooth so he can choose his music. The things that impressed him most were the cup holders in the front and passenger seats.
Most memorable road trip?
I often fly into Queenstown and drive to Invercargill to visit my family. The scenic views and landscape are unreal. It always reminds me how beautiful this country is.
If you could go on a road trip anywhere with any sports great?
Route 66 with Michael Jordan in a 1967 Chev Impala.
Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
I prefer to drive.
And what do you listen to in your car?
I listen to all sorts — depends what mood I am in. Lately I’ve been listening to Six60, Kings, Shapeshifter, Justin Bieber, DJ Khaled.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
Matakana. We often head there in the weekends. I love the farmers’ markets, especially the oysters.
Your take on Auckland traffic?
People need to be more open to public transport. I have lived all around the world and public transport that is efficient, affordable and reliable always impressed me, compared with New Zealand’s transport issues.