Space-saving solution for modern living spaces.Key technical specifications:
The Häfele Slido F-Park72 30F is a premium pivot sliding door fitting system engineered for modern furniture applications. Designed specifically for wooden doors, it offers a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics.
With its soft-closing mechanism, high pre-assembly level, and smooth operation, the F-Park72 30F ensures effortless, clean and space-saving solution. Ideal for residential and commercial cabinetry, this system supports full overlay mounting and integrates easily with standard concealed hinges, making it a versatile choice for designers and installers alike.
Easy installation & adjustments
Pre-mounted system for quick and easy installation. Use of standard hinges make adjustments very intuitive.
Optimum price/performance ratio
High-quality technology at a reasonable price –Ideal for cost-optimised projects.
Easy to use
Intuitive operation without complicated mechanisms.
Compact form & seamless movement
The doors move smoothly and quietly, ensuring maximum convenience.
– Door height: 1600-2800 mm
– Door width: 400-700 mm
– Door weight: Up to 30 kg
– Door thickness: 18–25 mm
– Flexible single or double-door configurations
– Pivot sliding with concealed pocket integration
– Pre-assembled components for simplified setup
– Compatible with a range of modern finishes
The Slido F-Park72 30F is promised to deliver flexibility, elegance, and performance, empowering designers to create spaces that are both functional and inspiring at an afforfable cost.
Reimagining a timeless classic.
With the ChefsTable by Kesseböhmer, cluttered countertops become a thing of the past. This innovative swivel fitting allows kitchen appliances such as air fryers, food processors, and mixers to be neatly stored away inside the base unit while remaining easily accessible when needed. By lifting out in front of the benchtop during use, the ChefsTable also helps prevent steam from damaging overhead cabinets, while freeing up valuable workspace in the kitchen.
COLUMNS
Master Joiners 4
Nathan Moore congratulates all those who took part in the recent awards and reminds us to look out for each other in what are challenging times
Laminex Update 10
Rachel Silcock notes the global uncertainty across international markets but reports encouraging signs closer to home, suggesting a level of underlying resilience in our economy.
NKBA news 74
Rachael Kwok announces a new category in the annual NKBA awards. The Manufacturing Excellence Award is designed to recognise the skills behind award winning kitchens & bathrooms.
Steering a Course 78
Ian Featherstone reminds us that especially in difficult times we need to be pro-active in our marketing. And it is not all about the digital.
Excellence awards 16
The Master Joiners Excellence Awards showcase the very best in timber joinery, custom cabinetry and design and set the benchmark for quality, creativity and skill in NZ. Winners were announced at the Master Joiners recent Awards dinner in Queenstown.
Drawer choices 24
Interchangeable sizes, colours, textures, fronts & sides, with multiple cost options to suit any specification. Local suppliers offer a range of modular cabinet and drawer systems that enable easy customising to fit your projects budget & style.
Lighting spaces 35
Efficient, flexible, functional, stylish - lighting options for todays furniture and kitchens are simple to specify, easy to install and cover the spectrum of requirements from the basics of lighting a work space to the more aesthetic of setting a rooms mood.
Newtech systems 42
Over the past two decades Whanganui based Newtech has grown into a nationwide operation where committment to craftmanship has been integrated with modern manufacturing technology. At the heart of the set up are the Homag systems.
REGULAR
News & Info 4-14
State of the Industry 80
NZJMF membership 84
Classifieds 96
Advertiser index 96
Better edges 52
Minimum board prep, fast throughput and little clean up, all with a finish that is virtually seamless. Edge banding machines have become largely hands free, deliver invisible results and remain financially viable for operations of every size.
COVER Supreme Award Winner SB Joinery, Pahiatua - p.16
from the president 24.05.2026
The importance of catching up
The recent National Conference in Queenstown was a great chance for members from around the country to come together, catch up, share ideas, and focus on the future of our industry.
A real highlight of the conference was the awards programme, with another strong group of entries that reflected the skill, effort, and pride our members continue to put into their work. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. The standard on display was excellent and continues to show the depth of talent across our membership. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the conference such a success.
It was also a timely reminder that market conditions remain very patchy across the country. Some regions are seeing signs of improvement while others are still under real pressure, so it is important that we keep looking out for each other and help where we can.
We are also still facing real challenges in attracting and retaining highly skilled joiners, along with getting more apprentices into the trade. This remains a key issue for the future of our industry and one we need to keep working on together. I want to acknowledge MWF, Gary and the team have put a huge amount of time and resource into
apprentices, investing in the future of the trade. That commitment is paying off, and it is also reflected in the awards their team and company have achieved over the past two years. Well done to MWF.
There is also good work happening to lift the profile of joinery and Master Joiners, through brand activity, careers promotion, member stories, and raising awareness of the quality and professionalism within our sector. That matters, because the better we tell our story, the better chance we have of attracting good people into the trade and strengthening the future of the industry.
As we move through June, let’s keep supporting one another and backing our industry wherever we can. The strength of our industry has always been its people, and that remains as true as ever.
Nathan Moore National President Master Joiners
2026 Apprentice Award winners (left) Best Fitment Under Two Years from Ged Macdonald, MWF Manufacturing, Christchurch and (right) the Ultimate Apprentice Creative Project winner Jamal Qualls also from MWF Manufacturing. MWF Manufacturing also won the Gordon Caufield Memorial Award as the employer of the years leading apprentice. See the full list of Apprentice Award winners on page 21.
Official Publication of the New Zealand Joinery Manufacturers Federation magazine
Publisher Bob Nordgren bob@joiners.net.nz The magazine for the joinery, cabinetmaking & kitchen manufacturing industries
Editor Michael Goddard michael@joiners.net.nz
Awards In Queenstown
Congratulations must go to all those who participated in the 2026 Master Joiners Awards held as part of the Annual Conference in Queenstown. We have all the winners in this issue. Special congratulations must go to the two big prize winners: the Supreme Award won by SB Joinery from Pahiatua (also winner of Best Specialty Bar, Counter or Fitment) and the Premier Award won by Advanced Joinery 2024 Ltd from Christchurch (also winner of Best Kitchen Over 50K).
Both these entries are simply outstanding. Of the Supreme Award winner the judges commented “A true once in a career amazing project executed to perfection” while of the Premier Award winner the judges said “Wow a showstopper... with a beautiful combination of curves and angles difficult to achieve in a same project and a transition from stone to timber seamlessly.” All this and more in our Awards feature in this issue. We will have more detail in our September issue about these two amazing projects as well. From my perspective I was so proud of all the winners in the Apprentice Awards, Awards JOINERS Magazine has consistently promoted now for some thirty one years on the trot. Without these talented apprentices there is no joinery industry going forward. Michael my Editor and I whole heartedly congratulate all the apprentices who participated and not just the winners.
We also have a full house of other features in this issue. Edgebanding machinery is an ever evolving technology crucial particularly to those involved in cabinetmaking, a large part of what many Master Joiner members do. Keeping up with the latest developments is an ongoing challenge of which we have some of the latest in this issue. A follow on from this is a look at the various drawer systems now available for use in the kitchen particularly from some of the leading suppliers here in New Zealand. We have also a gander at the latest in contemporary lighting used throughout the home be it in the kitchen or any other work place.
As this was put in place before the Queenstown event we will have more detail in our September issue about the various winners and the Conference itself. In the meantime enjoy the work and artistry of the winning entries in each category.
JOINERS Magazine is the official publication of the New Zealand Joinery Manufacturers Federation. It is distributed to members of the joinery, cabinetmaking and kitchen manufacturing industries and is published quarterly in March, June, September and December. Advertising statements or editorial opinion are not necessarily those of the publisher, its staff, the New Zealand Joinery Manufacturers Federation Inc., or their executives, unless expressly stated. All articles printed in JOINERS Magazine are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express consent of the Publisher or the authors therein. Advertisements and articles are accepted without liability as to the accuracy or otherwise of the factual matters represented.
Stone tooling requirements from Farnese p.70
Machines R Us expand portfolio with new partnership with Nanxing
Machines R Us has announced a new partnership with global woodworking machinery manufacturer Nanxing, marking a significant expansion of the company’s machinery offering to the New Zealand woodworking industry.
The partnership strengthens the company’s portfolio alongside its established range of premium global brands and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supplying advanced manufacturing technology supported by strong local service and expertise.
Widely recognised for its rapid growth in automated woodworking technology, Nanxing has developed a strong international reputation for delivering high-performance CNC nesting machines, edge banders, beam saws, drilling systems, and integrated automation solutions designed for modern manufacturing environments.
For Machines R Us, adding Nanxing represents a strategic move to offer customers greater flexibility and access to highly competitive production technology without compromising on support, reliability, or longterm service.
“Today’s manufacturers are looking for smarter, faster, and more efficient production solutions,” said John Fleet of Machines R Us. “Nanxing brings impressive innovation and manufacturing capability to the market, and we see enormous potential for New Zealand customers seeking modern automation backed by local expertise and support.”
With more than two decades supporting the woodworking sector, Machines R Us has built its reputation on supplying machinery solutions tailored to the evolving needs of cabinetmakers, joiners, furniture manufacturers, and industrial production facilities throughout New Zealand.
the partnership aligns naturally with the company’s philosophy of combining globally recognised machinery brands with responsive local service, technical training, installation support, and longterm customer relationships.
The company says the partnership aligns naturally with its philosophy of combining globally recognised machinery brands with responsive local service, technical training, installation support, and longterm customer relationships. The new Nanxing range will be fully supported by the Machines R Us sales and technical team, with installation, commissioning, operator training, spare parts, and ongoing service available nationwide.
(l-r) Daniel Kees from Machines R Us, Peter Liu International Sales Director at Nanxing Machinery with Machines R Us Managing Director John Fleet.
As automation and production efficiency continue to shape the future of woodworking manufacturing, Machines R Us believes the addition of Nanxing positions the company to better support customers investing in next-generation manufacturing capability.
For the New Zealand woodworking industry, the partnership signals another step toward broader access to advanced machinery technology supported by a trusted local partner.
www.nanxingmac.com
NANXING TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE
Nanxing NB781D
Dual colour PUR system and optional Laser beam unit
youtube.com/watch?v=sM9B7GtbYjM&t=60s
Nanxing NC549MLP CNC
Automatic labelling, loading and unloading
youtube.com/watch?v=GvGM48x6d34
Nanxing ND612EDT CNC
6 sided drilling with auto tool change spindle
youtube.com/watch?v=Nf3fnhg4YCQ
Nanxing
NPL738DR CNC
Twin pusher and double beam with rear loading
youtube.com/watch?v=AAovVNbEyWA
• Laser edge technology
• PUR compatibility
• High-speed processing
• Premium seamless finish
• Auto loading/unloading
• Intelligent nesting software
• High-speed routing
• Smart factory integration
• Six-sided drilling
• Fast setup
• Barcode automation
• High accuracy machining
• High cutting speed
• Intelligent optimization
• Servo positioning
• Heavy-duty construction
1946.
Jacks turns 80
The 1st of May represented 80 years since the establishment of Jacks back in 1946. From small beginnings in Wellington’s Vivian Street, Jacks grew to become a core feature of NZ’s woodworking machinery landscape. Today, Jacks remains the largest supplier across the industry.
“One of the reasons Jacks has remained such a valued supplier to so many Kiwi workshops is our independence,” says CEO Richard Bealing. “Being able to select machinery that suits Kiwi customers has been key to our longevity.”
Still 100% owned by the Jack family, another factor in the company’s success has been a willingness to move with the times – evidenced by their recent move to represent Chinese manufacturing giant KDT in New Zealand.
KDT machinery – including an exciting new step forward in automation – will be at the forefront of the JacksTech in-house show to be held later in the year. As well as some appropriate 80th anniversary celebrations of course!
update
Taupo plant will ensure supply continuity
Sincethe last column, the global business landscape has shifted, bringing a renewed sense of uncertainty across international markets. Ongoing inflationary pressures and economic volatility continue to shape demand patterns and investment confidence worldwide.
Closer to home, however, there are some encouraging signs. Building consents across New Zealand remain relatively steady, and Auckland in particular is showing some positive signs. While activity is still somewhat subdued, these indicators suggest a level of underlying resilience. The key watchpoint in the months ahead will be inflation, how it tracks and, importantly, whether it begins to stimulate or further dampen demand.
It was great to connect at the recent Master Joiners Conference, where we shared more detail on the progress of our Taupō plant. This project remains one of the most significant investments Laminex has undertaken, and it’s a big part of what drew me back to the business. At its core is a clear objective: ensuring supply continuity for our customers. As we move towards transitioning from traditional particleboard to our new locally produced board, our teams are focused on making this as seamless as possible. We know how critical supply reliability is to your operations, and we’re working hard to minimise disruption every step of the way.
In an environment where global supply chains remain under pressure, the ability to say our products are grown, manufactured, and supplied right here in New Zealand is something we’re proud of. Not only does this strengthen supply security, it reinforces our commitment to supporting local industry.
We’ve also seen strong engagement following the rollout earlier this year of our online order tracking. Customer feedback has been very positive, particularly around visibility and ease of use. If you haven’t yet signed up, now is a great time to get onboard and take advantage of these tools. Sign up via laminex.co.nz/e-commerce-registration
You may have seen media coverage regarding the sale of some Fletcher Building business units. This reflects a broader strategic focus on simplifying operations and doubling down on our core strengths, manufacturing and distribution. It’s a direction that aligns closely with our investment decisions and our commitment to delivering longterm value for our customers.
We also recognise the critical role people play in the future of our industry and the importance of attracting new talent. Our cadetship programme, launched in partnership with Waikato’s ‘Learn as you Earn’ initiative, is an important step in building capability within manufacturing. Our first cadet joined us in May and is completing a 30week programme that combines study with hands-on experience alongside our Hamilton team. With three 10-week rotations this programme is designed to provide practical, real-world skills to support career pathways in our industry.
As we head into the second half of the year, we’ll continue with the momentum of our Taupo plant upgrade, while delivering consistency and supporting our customers.
Rachel Silcock General Manager Laminex New Zealand
Jacks founder Rob Jack (right) and saw doctor Bill Spinks outside the original shop at 67 Vivian St in Wellington - circa
Laminex New Zealand™
Waterborne low VOC coating system for cabinetry, joinery, shop fittings, kitchens and doors
Experience the upgrades at Blum Auckland
Blum has recently reinvented their Auckland space — not just to display hardware, but to inspire, educate, and support joiners and specifiers in the industry. With a fresh Showroom and massive Warehouse upgrades, everything from innovation to logistics has been boosted.
The updated Showroom space now features a variety of kitchen styles, plus office, bedroom, and bathroom setups to demonstrate how our solutions work in situ throughout the home. The Showroom refresh sits alongside a significant upgrade to our Automatic Warehouse that strengthens our supply logistics behind the scenes. You can come in with your clients, or send them in to see our friendly Showroom team, where they can open drawers, run their hands over surfaces, and experience movement, quality and functionality firsthand; all backed by a more efficient, responsive supply chain.
The major Warehouse upgrade has more than doubled the current capacity, improving efficiency, increasing responsiveness, and helping minimise delivery delays during peak seasons. To maintain service throughout the process, the team has been operating extended hours, with the investment in automation and system expansion supporting a faster, more agile supply chain for years to come.
The space also supports more effective client consultations, helping speed up decision-making and reduce redesigns, while the on-site team is available to assist with technical questions, design challenges, planning considerations, and supply timelines.
Whether you’re refining designs or coordinating product availability, the upgraded Blum Auckland space is built to help you do your best work. Drop in to 621 Rosebank Road, Avondale, or book a time with your Blum Account Manager.
Mark Bartlem Joins Blum
After 18 years in the industry, many cabinet makers are already familiar with Mark. Enjoying the tight-knit joinery community, Mark says, “It allows me to build long-standing personal relationships, rather than just transactional ones. Many customers are owner-operators or family businesses, which makes interactions human and really rewarding.”
Joining Blum as a Business Development Manager, Mark is looking forward to utilising his problem-solving skills in his day-today work. “If you're not genuinely interested in people's needs, wants, and desires, then you're probably not going to be able to effectively provide meaningful solutions.” Mark especially loves the nuance of understanding people's motivations and being a trusted advisor to their businesses.
At Blum, he can’t wait to use his experience and passion to engage with and develop both new and existing relationships. “Coming to Blum, my intention is to represent the brand authentically and to communicate and bring to life our industry-leading hardware solutions to the NZ market.”
When he’s not hard at work, Mark is a man of many musical talents, but first and foremost, he enjoys being a family man. “I've had a lifelong love of all things music. I'm a lead vocalist and play the trumpet, harmonica, piano and guitar. But my real love is my family and spending time with my girls.”
Mark’s experience, authenticity, and people-first approach make him a fantastic addition to the Blum team.
Hold Machinery NZ Grand Opening
On 17 April 2026, Hold Machinery NZ celebrated its official grand opening, welcoming more than 60 industry professionals and marking the beginning of a fresh approach to woodworking machinery in New Zealand.
Unlike conventional importers, Hold Machinery NZ is not simply bringing machines in from overseas. Co-founders Sheng Lim, a mechatronic engineer and experienced technician with years of hands-on experience servicing edgebanders, CNC routers and panel saws, and Connie Fu, with a background in marketing, have worked directly with the manufacturer to develop three edgebanders specifically for New Zealand workshops. Every detail has been carefully considered, from machine dimensions and electrical compliance to safe operation, ease of use and long-term reliability.
Behind the Hold brand is a specialised woodworking machinery manufacturer founded in 2014. Unlike many brands driven mainly by marketing, Hold was founded by an edgebander engineer, and this engineering-first mindset continues to drive innovation. Its main product range includes edgebanders, CNC drilling machines, CNC nesting machines, panel saws, line boring machines, door solutions and Industry 4.0 smart factory integration lines.
With two production bases in Shunde, Guangdong and Tianmen, Hubei, covering 100,000 square metres, Hold has grown into a trusted name in more than 70 countries. Its products are supported by ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001 certifications, along with CE certification to meet European safety requirements.
Sheng’s deep understanding of industry pain points has guided practical design improvements, delivering machines that are high-value, reliable and suited to the needs of Kiwi cabinetmakers in today’s competitive market.
Hold’s strengths in edgebanders, CNC router machines and table saws are now available in New Zealand through a local team that speaks your language and stands behind every machine. Hold Machinery NZ offers tailored machinery solutions, free workshop flow planning and genuine after-sales support.
For full product details, specifications and opening specials, please see the Edgebanding feature later in this issue.
www.hold.co.nz
Hold Machinery NZ edgebanders on view in their East Tamaki showroom.
SICAM 2026 the value of meeting
Aclimateof confident anticipation is the prevailing feeling: just under six months before the opening of the 17th edition of SICAM – the International Exhibition of Components, Accessories and Semi-finished Products for the Furniture Industry, to be held at Pordenone Fiere from October 20 to 23 –everything is already in place. The exhibitor list has been online for months, exhibition space at Pordenone Fiere is sold out, and registrations, opened just a few days ago, are already showing strong interest from industry professionals.
The expectation is therefore to confirm the results of the last edition: just under 700 exhibitors, more than 30 percent from abroad, 20,000 net square meters of exhibition space, and strong attendance from over one hundred countries. These figures reflect the wellestablished scenario in which SICAM has been operating for several editions now.
Despite a still complex context, the recently concluded Milan Design Week revealed a climate of widespread optimism: the furniture industry came together with energy and a strong desire to look ahead, confirming positive expectations for the future. Not surprisingly, many of the ideas that emerged at the last edition of SICAM could be seen again in the new products presented in Milan. An
atmosphere that will accompany the sector towards the next appointment in Pordenone, an opportunity to meet again.
“The sector undoubtedly needs the optimism, opportunities and willingness to connect that have always distinguished SICAM,” commented Carolina Giobbi, Head of Marketing and Communication. “Now more than ever, there is a need for a trade fair that is enjoyable to attend but also highly concrete, where the product always remains at the center; a place dedicated to business, where everything needed for the furniture of tomorrow can be found. We are working to offer exhibitors and visitors what has consistently been requested:
Not surprisingly, many of the ideas that emerged at the last edition of SICAM could be seen again in the new products presented in Milan.
to create a place where professionals’ time has real value, because every moment is focused on practicality and results.”
SICAM has always been the focus of careful international promotion, through which it continuously reaffirms its role as a mustattend event and explores new ways to engage operators from markets that are increasingly aligning with European taste and more advanced production methods. This year’s “road map” began in Lyon, France (Eurobois, February 3–6), continued to Bangalore, India (Indiawood, February 26–March 2), Birmingham, UK (KBB, March 1–4), Athens, Greece (Medwood, March 27–30), and Sofia, Bulgaria (Technomebel, March 31–April 3). And the journey continues…
Meetings and initiatives like these create opportunities for new collaborations: one example is the agreement with the Economic Assembly of Uzbekistan, an organization that promotes the country’s economy. Thanks to the protocol signed in recent weeks, a delegation of Uzbek entrepreneurs from the furniture sector will attend SICAM this October, looking for semi-finished products, materials, hardware and finishes to help define a more modern and functional living style.
Carolina Giobbi
Michele, Carolina and Carlos Giobbi have been running SICAM for more than twenty years.
Sicam runs from 20-23 October and will experience visitors from more than 100 countries.
The Master Joiners Excellence Awards are New Zealand’s leading joinery manufacturing awards, showcasing the very best in timber joinery, custom cabinetry, and design innovation. Each year, the program recognises projects that set the benchmark for quality, creativity, and skill. The 2026 winners were announced at the Master Joiners Awards Dinner in late May.
2026 Excellence Awards Supreme Award Premier Award
“Great presence with a beautiful combination of curves and angles difficult to achieve in one project and a transition from stone to timber seamlessly achieved through the use of a solid round block bringing the elements together. While the
“Very clearly executed to an excellent standard from floor to ceilings. The curves, attention to every detail, and use of sapele timber added to the understated luxury of the final result and truly showed a high level of skill. A true once in a career amazing project executed to perfection.” Judges Comment
beautiful cathedral ceilings added to the complexity of the project, the oak veneer paneling to the ceiling and accuracy in alignment of the grain and vertical end-toend matching turned this kitchen into a showstopper.” Judges Comment
SB Joinery Pahiatua
Sponsored by Blum
Sponsored by Allegion
Helping create inspired New Zealand interiors.
NZ Panels Group is the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of interior products with a range that covers pressed decor panels, benchtop surfaces, sinks and taps, commercial washroom products and particleboard flooring.
Discover more at nzpanels.co.nz
Benchtop Surfaces
Decorative Panels
2026 Category Awards *
Best Cabinetry Project MWF Manufacturing (Christchurch)
Best Kitchen Over 50K Advanced Joinery 2024 Ltd (Christchurch)
Best Kitchen 30K-50K Elite Kitchens (New Plymouth)
Best Kitchen Under 30K Finesse Joinery (Christchurch)
Best Kitchen Design (by in-house design team) Firman Joinery (Oamaru)
Best Use of Colour Commercial Joinery (Wellington)
* Category Awards sponsors:
Best Specialty Bar, Counter or Fitment SB Joinery (Pahiatua)
Best Stairs Precision Woodworks (Raglan)
Best Timber Project McNaughton Windows & Doors (Auckland)
Best Use of Creative Lighting Advanced Joinery 2024 Ltd (Christchurch)
Best Door or Window & Best Creative Use of Timber Cedarlite Industries (Auckland)
Blum, Laminex NZ, Allegion, Hafele, Thermawood and Halswell Timber.
2026 Regional Awards *
Auckland Grandvue Joinery
Canterbury MWF Manufacturing
Hawkes Bay Poverty Bay Natural Edge Joinery
Wellington – Commercial Joinery
Taranaki Modex Kitchens
Nelson Marlborough Bays Joinery
Waitaki – Barrett Joinery
Waikato BOP – Montage Group Central – TweakIt Joinery Solutions
2026 Apprentice Awards *
Best Fitment Under Two Years Ged Macdonald, MWF Manufacturing, Christchurch.
Ernie Jelenik Cup Winner for the years most promising apprentice Caitlin McDonald, Hokonui Kitchens & Joinery Ltd, Gore.
* Apprentice Award sponsors FIT and JOINERS Magazine.
Best Fitment Over Two Years Caleb King, Montage Group, Hamilton.
Best Timber Project Over Two Years Jamal Qualls, MWF Manufacturing, Christchurch.
polytec delivers the next step in integrated interiors
polytec continues to build momentum in New Zealand, expanding beyond its initial offer of decorative board and high pressure laminates to provide a more complete integrated interior system.
The addition of custom made multi-piece doors marks the next step in delivering an integrated product offer, aligning with the recent introduction of Easycraft EasyLINING profile wall linings and Steccawood decorative battens – all in polytec’s signature Woodmatt™ finish
The introduction of the new Surano and Vista multi-piece doors makes complete design continuity possible across all aspects of interior joinery and surfaces. Every design element is designed to work together, giving cabinetmakers and designers a consistent reliable system that integrates across the available palettes in doors, panels, benchtops and wall linings.
Surano doors
polytec's Surano doors are a multi-piece decorative door designed for versatility
across both residential and commercial environments.With a strong frame profile and a broad palette of Woodmatt™ and Ravine™ finishes, Surano allows for both cohesive and contrasting design outcomes.
Insert options are available in contrasting decorative board, glass and mirror, giving designers the ability to introduce light, texture and variation, supporting a complete, easy-tospecify solution.
Door specifications:
• 18mm thickness with 60mm frame
• 9mm matching or contrast insert
• Maximum size of 2800mm high by 1200mm wide
• Glass insert options include mirrored, white and black to fluted, clear or frosted glass
Vista doors
polytec's Vista doors take a more architectural approach, defined by their precise, fivepiece mitred construction, delivering depth, structure, and clarity through considered design. The slim 20mm frame is right on trend with the seven Woodmatt frame colours aligning with the the Steccawood and Easycraft EasyLINING products.
For a seamless look, inserts can be the same matched Woodmatt 18mm decorative board or a contrasting insert from any of the 30 colours in polytec’s 16mm range.
• Doors are 21mm thick with a 20mm frame
• Maximum size of 2800 high by 1200 wide
Information on the full polytec range and colour options can be found on the website at www.polytec.co.nz
Surano allows for both cohesive and contrasting design outcomes.
Vista doors are defined by their precise five piece mitred construction.
Notaio WalnutTM
Discover polytec’s latest door collections, including the new Vista and Surano ranges, designed to pair seamlessly with our decorative board and profiled wall linings.
Contact our sales or specification team. sales@polytec.co.nz | 0800 220 607 | polytec.co.nz
Drawer systems
Interchangeable sizes, colours, textures, fronts and sides with multiple cost options to suit any specification. Local suppliers offer a range of modular cabinet & drawer options that enable easy customising to fit your projects budget and style.
Essento p 26
Samet Flowbox p 32
Tandembox
The perfect drawer doesn’t exist. Yeah Right.
Blum has been regarded as the leader of the drawer game for over 30 years, with award-winning box systems that are manufactured to outlast the kitchens and living spaces where they're installed. Offering a range of options to suit every budget and design without compromising on quality, it’s no wonder Blum is the chosen brand for many cabinet makers across New Zealand. Learn more about the range below.
LEGRABOX - experience elegance
LEGRABOX has been available in the NZ market for over 11 years, following the launch of the premium product in March 2015. LEGRABOX has come a long way since its initial release and is constantly being refined to ensure longevity in everyday use. LEGRABOX boasts impressively slim sides of just 12.8mm and can carry up to 70 kg in a single drawer. The perfect option for design-focused spaces, LEGRABOX is available with pure steel sides or a glass design finish on the front and sides. It's the optimal drawer, exhibiting stability, quality, and design.
MERIVOBOX - the box platform for your ideas
The slogan for MERIVOBOX perfectly captures the endless design options for the product, available in three different side profiles and two different inner front options - all with exactly the same planning and fixing positions. MERIVOBOX has a unique design, with a distinctive drawer side that allows for the L-shaped runner to keep drawers incredibly stable, a quality feature that aligns with Blum. Available in silk white or orion grey, MERIVOBOX is the perfect pick for a product that stays cohesive in every drawer throughout the entire home.
TANDEMBOX - the tried and trusted classic
When you think of everyday, top-quality, well-known drawers, you think of TANDEMBOX. The box system is already well established in New Zealand, and we’d argue that there’s not a cabinet maker out there who hasn’t heard of TANDEMBOX! With 4-dimensional adjustment, integrated BLUMOTION, and up to 65 kg weight bearing, TANDEMBOX drawers offer premium and high-quality cabinetry for exceptional value.
With all Blum box systems tested for 100,000 opening cycles (that’s 20+ years of real-world, everyday use), we are proud to offer an extensive lifetime-of-the-cabinet warranty. And thanks to E-SERVICES, you can find the perfect box system for your cabinet with just a few simple clicks!
Try it out for yourself online at e-services.blum.com
LEGRABOX
MERIVOBOX
TANDEMBOX
AvailableIJuly
Pure Steel. Pure Style.
In the contemporary kitchen, many of your clients want quality, flexibility and for even the inside of cabinets to look spectacular. The team at FIT are therefore excited to introduce Essentio®, a new slimline, pared-back style from Vauth-Sagel of Germany, available to NZ clients from the 1st of July
Essentio®
Defined by an elegant, floating aesthetic, FIT’s Essentio® range includes tall pull outs, under bench pull outs and corner options, and is an exciting mix of tried and true units and brand new models.
The classic tall fixed-front pantry that you already know and specify, VS TAL ® Larder, remains but has been updated to the new Essentio ® style. It’s joined by three special variants that provide superb storage solutions for the laundry and/or garage; the Iron, Broom and Wash options make storage of cleaning products, iron and ironing board and laundry supplies a breeze.
More Fantastic Functional Pieces
The under-bench segment has been completely overhauled with introduction of the VS SUB ® Larder, VS SUB® Rack and VS SUB ® Flex. This last model includes cleverly constructed variants customised for cleaning supplies, cooking basics and spice storage; they’re destined to become classics of kitchen storage.
Clever Corners in Essentio® and Unero® Vauth-Sagel have been masters of corner units - whether blind corner units or revolving options – for many years.
The ever-popular VS COR® Fold remains and is joined by the brand-new VS COR ® Flex, an easy to install bottom-mounted unit.
The L-corner options - VS COR® Wheel Pro, the VS COR® Spin 71 - and the blind corner VS CORNERSTONE® Maxx are all far too popular to retire and now switch into the timeless Unero® look, with a wooden base and high-quality plastic side, which has been designed to complement Essentio® units.
But Wait, There’s More
Also in the new range is a superb line up of hanging units. Whether it be on a wall, inside a cabinet or on the back of a cabinet door, there’s a VS Gate Rack, VS Gate Rack Plus or VS Gate Flex to help put that often-unused space to work.
Plus, for those clients that really love to be Insta-level sorted, the VS ADD® range of short and tall boxes with either holed or solid lids provides the perfect way to organise utensils and kitchen sundries.
For more info about Vauth-Sagel’s Essentio® range, check the Kitchen Storage section of FIT’s website, contact your Fit rep, phone 09 431 0025 or email info@fit-nz.co.nz to discuss your requirements.
Essentio® essentials at a glance
• Metal baskets & trays made of formed sheet steel
• Ultra-slim sidewalls to maximise internal space
• Uniform, durable powder coated finish
• Integrated non-slip mat
• Side height: 7 cm
• Compatible with other flat organisational systems
• Designed and made in Germany
Essentio® slimline metal baskets in White or Lava Grey.CORNERSTONE® Maxx 2 Shelf Unero®
VS SUB® Larder Flex Cook.VS COR® Flex.
So Close Drawers for Every Project
You know that drawer-based storage provides the ideal mix of FIT offer a wide range of soft close drawers, ensuring the perfect
With such an extensive range of options, we know that selecting
Making it easy
Check out FIT’s new online Drawer Finder tool.
35kg/50kg35kg/60kg40kg/70kg
88mm,120mm, 171mm,203mm
300mm,350mm,400mm, 450mm,500mm,550mm
88mm,120mm,175mm (plusrailsandextension panels)
300mm,350mm,400mm, 450mm,500mm,550mm
97mm,138mm,185mm, 249mm
350mm,400mm,450mm, 500mm,550mm
One platform multiple uses
The focus of modern drawer systems has shifted. It’s no longer just about smooth running or load capacity - manufacturers are looking for systems that can adapt across applications, aesthetics, and production requirements with minimal complexity.
That’s where Hettich’s AvanTech YOU stands apart. Designed around a modular ‘One Platform’ philosophy, AvanTech YOU gives manufacturers the flexibility to deliver a wide range of outcomes from a single drawer systemsimplifying production while expanding design possibilities.
One Platform, multiple possibilities
At the core of AvanTech YOU is a simple but powerful idea: one system capable of supporting multiple specifications and project requirements. A key advantage is the common drilling pattern shared across both Actro YOU and Quadro YOU runners.
This allows manufacturers to change runner performance levels without redesigning the cabinet or drawer construction. The result is greater flexibility across projects, with load capacities ranging from 10kg through to 70kg - allowing manufacturers to balance performance, budget, and application requirements with ease.
In practical terms, this means:
• Reduced SKU complexity
• Simplified manufacturing processes
• Faster adaptation to changing project specifications
• Greater cost control across varying budgets
In today’s market, where projects often demand both flexibility and efficiency, these advantages matter more than ever.
Modularity beyond performance
Where AvanTech YOU truly differentiates itself is in its design flexibility. Many drawer systems offer limited visual variation once specified. AvanTech YOU takes a different approach by separating the structural system from the visible design elements, allowing manufacturers and designers to customise aesthetics without changing the underlying hardware platform. This includes:
• Design profiles clip seamlessly onto the top edge of the drawer side and are offered in brushed stainless steel, along with a fully customisable option to create a cohesive and refined design finish
• Design Capes that create interchangeable outer surfaces, allowing drawer sides to match cabinetry materials, contrast finishes, or deliver a fully customised appearance
For the New Zealand market - where bespoke detailing and material consistency are often central to kitchen design, this level of adaptability is particularly valuable. It enables the same drawer platform to work equally well in streamlined production environments and premium design led architectural fitouts, without the need for multiple product systems.
Flexibility across applications
AvanTech YOU is designed to adapt across a wide range of cabinetry applications, including kitchens, wardrobes, bathrooms, and multifunctional living spaces.
The modular platform supports:
• Four drawer heights: 101mm, 139mm, 187mm, and 251mm
• Seven drawer lengths ranging from 270mm through to 600mm
• Standard drawers, pot-and-pan drawers, and internal drawers
• Inlay options incorporating materials such as glass or timber into the drawer sides and fronts
Because every configuration shares the same system architecture, manufacturers can maintain consistency across an entire project while still tailoring storage solutions to specific applications. That consistency not only streamlines production - it also creates a cleaner, more cohesive result for the end user.
Extending the system with lighting and organisation
The ‘One Platform’ philosophy continues beyond the drawer itself, with accessories and enhancements that allow projects to scale from functional to premium. Interior organisation solutions can be configured to suit a variety of storage needs, from cutlery trays through to pantry organisation systems, helping maximise usability within the space.
Integrated LED lighting adds another level of refinement, offering:
• Automatic activation when the drawer opens
• Rechargeable, cable-free installation
• Retrofit capability for existing drawers
These details increasingly influence purchasing decisions, particularly in higher-end residential projects where user experience and premium functionality play a major role.
Flexibility as a Competitive Advantage
The strength of AvanTech YOU lies in its ability to combine structural consistency with design versatility. Rather than relying on multiple drawer platforms to achieve different outcomes, manufacturers can work from one coherent system that delivers:
• Performance variation through interchangeable runners
• Design variation through inlay options, profiles and capes
• Application flexibility across drawer types and configurations
This reflects a broader shift within the industry: reducing manufacturing complexity while increasing design choice.
As modular drawer systems become the industry standard, the real point of difference is no longer modularity itself — but how effectively that modularity is executed.
For kitchen manufacturers and joiners, AvanTech YOU offers a platform that adapts across projects without compromise. And in an increasingly competitive market, that level of flexibility is becoming essential.
Function meets style
For the last 40 years Kantek has been adding the finishing touches to joinery, cabinetry and furniture projects across New Zealand. We pride ourselves on sourcing premium products from Europe to compliment your project. We combine this with decades of meticulous experience to get results that stand the test of time.
Our quality European Products
In a market where fit, function, and finish define premium cabinetry, Kantek pairs its superior edging range with drawer systems that give designers and joiners clear, dependable choices.
At the top of that specification ladder is the Samet FlowBox — a drawer system engineered for high-end residential and commercial fit-outs that delivers refined performance, durability and a tactile quality elevating every project.
Our FlowBox Drawer System’s state-of-the-art technology utilizes full extension metal drawer runners with a special synchronization soft-close mechanism— designed for both smooth and silent operation.
Slim side profiles, offered in 4 height options, maximise usable internal capacity, and configurable interiors range from shallow cutlery trays to deep pan drawers with dividers and modular inserts.
Precise 3D adjustments ensure perfect alignment and seamless face-fit integration, and robust materials and finish treatments ensure long service life with low maintenance.
Backed by Samet’s engineering and warranty support and paired with Kantek’s premium edging solutions, FlowBox is the definitive choice when offering reliability on both bespoke and high-traffic installations.
Specify FlowBox drawers when exceptional refinement, durability and silent, dependable function are essential — the definitive choice for projects where quality and user experience matter.
RIEPE
Quality cleaning & release agents for your edgebanding machine
Jowat Adhesives Premium hotmelt adhesives for every occasion Forty years
The finish matters most
MOVENTO from Blum for bespoke customisation at every join
At Blum, we appreciate the details. Every curve, every texture, and every dovetail. The freedom to create with MOVENTO runners opens up opportunities for niche creations and inspiring ideas while keeping quality at the forefront
What makes MOVENTO so good? MOVENTO runners can handle a maximum carrying capacity of up to 70kg, meaning the scope of your drawer design is limitless, and with 4-dimensional adjustment, you can perfect every line gap down to the millimetre.
Available with three motion technologies: soft closing BLUMOTION, mechanical opening TIP-ON BLUMOTION, and electrical opening SERVO-DRIVE, MOVENTO offers a wide scope of options for every drawer - with or without a handle.
Pull-out shelf? No problem! MOVENTO is also the ideal solution for pull-out shelves, thanks to the high-stability runners. Shelves pull open smoothly and stay sturdy in place with the addition of Pullout shelf lock. To close again, just lift the latch at the back of either side of the shelf, thanks to the synchronisation rod, and the shelf glides smoothly back into place.
Unique application ideas? Yes please! Because MOVENTO runners are so steady, smooth and strong, they can be used for almost every idea you can dream up. Narrow front attached drawers, pull-out wardrobe storage, secret couch pull-outs - the opportunities are endless.
Whatever drawer, shelf or pull-out you’re creating, MOVENTO is up to the job. Place an order online with Blum Shop at shop.blum.nz or touch base with your Account Manager to discuss your ideas.
Contemporary lighting
Efficient, flexible, functional, stylish - lighting options for today’s kitchens and furniture are simple to specify, easy to install and cover the spectrum of requirements from the basics of lighting a work space to the more aesthetic of setting a rooms mood. We look at examples from four local suppliers.
Hettich p 40
Hafele p 37
Titus p 35
FIT p 39
Drawer Storage that Maximises
Alto Slim.
The Häfele Alto Slim drawer system increases the functional use of cabinetry with perfectly straight and thin 13 mm drawer sides, making the drawer capacity larger, while maintaining the stability and quality with a load capacity up to 35 kg.
Four side heights allow for flexible and versatile use from the kitchen to wardrobe and bathroom areas. The option of matt white and matt black colours allows Häfele Alto Slim to meet everyday design requirements up to the continuing trend of darker decorative colours.
Alto Original.
Built for dependable everyday use, the Häfele Alto Original drawer system delivers smooth, reliable performance with a practical design suited to everyday living. Featuring full extension runners with integrated soft close and a synchronised opening action, Alto Original provides quiet and effortless operation while maintaining a durable 35 kg load capacity, with a range of drawer lengths and height options available for flexible application across modern cabinetry.
Grass Nova Pro Scala.
The puristic design with its striking lines, right angles and small radii gives the double-wall metal drawer sides a timelessly elegant look and ultimate practicality. GRASS Nova Pro is hallmarked by its perfection down to the last detail and the modular system concept. From the precision craftsmanship of every part as well as surface finishes, everything is focused on perfect function, top quality and lasting value. ENGINEERED BY
ALTO SLIM
Lighting Cut-to-Size Service.
At Häfele, lighting is more than just illumination — it’s about creating atmosphere, enhancing function, and adding lasting value to your space. Häfele Lighting is designed with the story of New Zealand homes and businesses in mind: functional, diverse, dynamic, and built to last.
Trusted by architects, designers, cabinetmakers, electricians, and builders across the world, Häfele Lighting fits seamlessly into kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, offices, and commercial projects. You can email your plans to us, and with our full Cut-to-Size Service and Specification Service, we take away the worry and provide a complete solution.
Order your LED strip and matching aluminium profile cut to your individual job requirements. Delivered ready to install with connecting leads, corner connectors, driver and selected switches.
Simply follow these steps:
Scan the QR code and complete the editable Custom Order form with your strip light, profile and switching requirements.
Email your completed form, along with any drawings or photos of your layout to serviceplus@hafele.co.nz
Our Service+ team will prepare your cut-to-size lighting, selecting the correct drivers, connectors and accessories, and package it for dispatch. Please allow 3 business days for this process. Delivery time is additional depending on location.
Lighting Specification Service.
With our Häfele Lighting specification service, we take the worry away and provide a complete solution that meets the requirements of your project and design.
Simply follow these steps:
Scan the QR code and complete the editable Specification form.
Email your completed form, along with your joinery design advising where the lighting is required lighting@hafele.co.nz
Our lighting professionals create and supply you with a customised lighting layout and price estimate. Please allow 2-4 business days for this process. Delivery time is additional depending on location.
Bifold door hardware in Bold Black
The team at FIT pride themselves on being responsive to requests from trade partners like you, so they’re very pleased to be releasing their extremely popular Cinetto bifold door hardware in black, as suggested by many kitchen designers and makers.
FIT have been distributing this quality Italiandesigned and made bifold door hardware for well over a decade and it’s now the go-to solution for many kitchen makers.
Not just full width access to wardrobes and kitchen and pantry cupboards, but also a modern, streamlined look, Cinetto’s bifold door system includes tracks, slides, hinges, bifold hinges and slide covers; everything needed to create a super smooth, quiet bifold door system for kitchen cupboards and pantries or wardrobes.
Cinetto bifolds do not require the use of a bottom track, making for unencumbered access to cupboard contents and easier cleaning, but the top track is visible and an alternative colour option for this has been requested many times. From July, the aluminium track will be available in both the existing anodised silver finish and a new anodised black finish.
To complement the black track, FIT are also adding a black zinc plated centre hinge and a concertina slide cover with a black plastic finish. If your clients are interested in bifold doors as an option for their project, they now have two strong finishes from which to choose.
Push to Open Upgrade
As many of you know, in early 2025 FIT launched an optional add on to Cinetto bifold hardware; a kit that supplied push to open / pull to open functionality to the existing hardware. Already available in grey and in black, left and right-hand models, this kit is retrofittable and easily adjustable.
As popular as this option has proven to be, FIT felt it could be even better and have recently completed an upgrade to it. Item codes remain the same, but the component upgrade makes for improved holding strength and door control.
For more info about the Cinetto bifold door hardware range, check the Door Hardware section of FIT’s website, contact your Fit rep, phone 09 431 0025 or email info@fit-nz.co.nz to discuss your requirements.
A little about Cinetto
• Founded in 1948 in Padua, Italy. Moving to Rubano where it remains today
• First own-branded products in early 1970s
• Now spread over 16,800m2 for production, offices and display
• Specialise in precision mechanical machining of aluminium
• Export to more than 90 countries
• Like FIT, still a family-owned firm!
Project Seaform Kitchens & Interiors, Tauranga
Project Huis Joinery, Cambridge
Dual Light Colours in One Strip?
What does this mean?
D-Motion Dual Colour LED allows you to select Natural Light or Warm Light colour in one product. You’ll no longer need to stock two light colour variants, so if you hold LED stock you’ll have less funds tied up.
Your client can trial light colours in situ after installation and choose the one they prefer or alter it any time to suit their mood and vibe.
Contact your FIT representative or our more about D-Motion Dual Colour.
D-Motion puts the power in your hands!
AT6 and SE H4-24
D-Motion strip have FREECUT. Cut the strip anywhere; no preset gradations and no unlit spots after installation.
Inte g r ated Integrated lighting
Lighting in joinery has traditionally focused on the cabinet itself — under-shelf strips, kicker lighting, and illuminated interiors. AvanTech YOU takes a different approach by integrating lighting directly into the drawer, so the illumination moves with the drawer as it opens and closes, delivering light exactly where it is needed.
Rather than relying on fixed cabinet lighting to illuminate storage areas, AvanTech YOU provides drawer-mounted lighting that travels with the drawer, ensuring contents remain clearly visible throughout the entire opening movement. This is particularly effective in deeper drawers, pantries, and low-light environments where conventional cabinet lighting can struggle to reach the back of the storage space.
A key differentiator is the system’s fully integrated design. The lighting is seamlessly incorporated into the AvanTech YOU drawer system through the Design Profile or Design Inlay, maintaining the clean, minimalist appearance of the slim 13mm drawer side while adding a refined visual feature. The result is not an “add on” accessory, but a fully integrated element of the drawer itself.
The use of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides significant design and installation flexibility. Because the lighting is contained within the drawer, there is no requirement for hardwiring into cabinetry, allowing lighting to be specified without impacting cabinet construction or installation efficiency. The system is easily rechargeable and can also be retrofitted, giving designers and manufacturers greater freedom to introduce lighting exactly where it adds value.
Functionality is equally well considered. The lighting activates automatically when the drawer is opened and switches off again when closed, creating a seamless and intuitive user experience without the need for additional switches or visible sensors.
Beyond functionality, the system enhances the overall experience of interacting with furniture. Rather than simply illuminating the cabinet, AvanTech YOU creates a more personal lighting experience at the exact point of use - subtle, refined, and premium every time the drawer is opened.
As joinery design continues to evolve, the focus is shifting from broad cabinet illumination to precision lighting integrated directly into furniture components themselves. AvanTech YOU demonstrates how lighting can become part of the drawer system - combining design, functionality, flexibility, and user experience in one integrated solution. www.hettich.com
Concelo® 1×35L Shallow Depth Laundry Hamper
For space restricted cabinetry
Hideaway Bins is expanding the Concelo range with the introduction of the Concelo 1×35L Shallow Depth Laundry Hamper, developed specifically for cabinetry where depth has traditionally limited laundry storage options.
Built on a 350 mm runner, this new model brings the proven cleanability, functionality, and durability of the Concelo system to space restricted cabinetry such as bathrooms, wardrobes, and small laundries.
Designed for laundry and bathroom environments, the lightweight, fully removable 35L hamper promotes airflow where it’s needed most. Integrated ventilation allows damp fabrics to dry naturally, helping to reduce odour and mildew, while
a solid base contains any residual drips. Moulded from virgin polypropylene, the hamper is durable, fully recyclable, and will never rust.
Like all Concelo products, the shallow depth hamper features the innovative Clip’n’Clean tray. This fully removable tray eliminates the common dirt trap between the hamper frame and door front, allowing the area to be wiped clean with ease.
Performance and movement are delivered by the Häfele Matrix premium soft close runner, made in Germany and rated to 35 kg. The runner allows the hamper to clear the cabinet fully, making it easy to lift out without obstruction. The aluminium drawerprofile further protects the runner system, concealing the hardware while adding long term, rust resistance suited to humid spaces.
Installation is equally well considered. The unit includes six way concealed door adjustment for precise alignment, along with six locking bolts that minimise the need for on site readjustments. The new Concelo 1×35L Shallow Depth Laundry Hamper offers an easy, integrated way to manage laundry in space restricted cabinetry. Designed to fit where
traditional hampers cannot, it provides a tidy, concealed solution that keeps floors clear, and laundry organised.
To learn more, visit hideawaybins. co.nz or contact our national distribution partner Hafele, or regional distributors NZ Panels Group and Industry HQ.
Designed for cabinetry where space is limited. A fully concealed 35L hamper on a 350mm runner, delivers smooth soft-close performance
craftmanship & automation combine in Whanganui Newtech identity Newtech
The feel of a well made cabinet or a perfectly fitted panel isn’t something that comes from a machine alone. It comes from the people who choose the material, set the tools with care, and decide that the job isn’t finished until every surface is right. That same ethos drives Newtech, a New Zealand owned and operated business that began in Whanganui in 2000. From its early days, the aim was clear: to offer bathroom and kitchen furniture that was well made, accessible to everyday New Zealanders, and true to good design.
Over the past two decades, Newtech has grown into a nationwide operation. It now runs a main concept showroom in Auckland, has showrooms in Christchurch and Palmerston North, and employs teams across the country. Wherever they work, the commitment to craftsmanship remains unchanged. Newtech has integrated traditional Kiwi craft with modern manufacturing technology. This combination has opened new possibilities in the Whanganui manufacturing
facility, while keeping the company firmly connected to its beginnings.
The heart for making
The head office and manufacturing facility at Mill Road, Whanganui, is no ordinary production site. It was built for modern manufacturing and brings together advanced machinery, reliable software, and automation to turn raw boards into finished products with speed and accuracy. Walking the floor, the most notable features
are the HOMAG systems. These German engineered machines are supplied by HOMAG Australia.
The collaboration between Newtech and HOMAG Australia began in January 2022 with an order for machinery scheduled for installation in the Whanganui facility the following year. The equipment included a STORETEQ S 200 horizontal storage system, two CENTATEQ N 500 CNC processing machines, two EDGETEQ S 500 edge banders
with LOOPTEQ O 300 return conveyors, and a DRILLTEQ V 200 vertical drilling machine.
The initial package was installed in early 2023, creating an integrated production line capable of handling material storage, machining, edge banding, drilling, and digital production management in one coordinated system.
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Storage, machining, edge banding, drilling, and digital production management in one integrated Homag system.
HOMAG iX 2025:
built AI visualisations, synchronised data, and clean handovers to the shop floor.
AI-generated images help customers say yes sooner.
HOMAG iX 2025 brings practical AI to interior design and furniture production. With iX Render AI, create photoreal visualisations straight from your plan in seconds. The system reads materials, lighting and perspective to produce convincing images without extra software or special skills, helping decisions land faster. HOMAG iX 2025 also makes everyday work easier and keeps data in sync, so projects move from idea to approval faster.
The first stage proved its worth quickly. In November 2023, Newtech ordered a third CENTATEQ N 500 to expand capacity. This machine was commissioned in mid 2024. By the end of 2025, demand once again pushed the plant forward. The STORETEQ S 200 was extended by eight metres and a fourth CENTATEQ N 500 was added, increasing throughput without changing the core layout.
Today, four CENTATEQ N 500 CNC processing machines operate as an integrated system with the extended STORETEQ S 200 storage unit. This setup processes panels continuously and without bottlenecks. The modular design of the HOMAG equipment means capacity has grown without replacing proven machinery.
The production process is supported by two EDGETEQ S 500 edgebanders, each combined with a LOOPTEQ O 300 return conveyor to reduce handling time and improve workflow efficiency. A PUR service station EDGETEQ XES 200 ensures adhesive application remains consistent across the product range. Newtech has expanded its drilling capability with the addition of a second DRILLTEQ V 200. Together with iX2025 software, the system delivers fast automation, adaptable design, and custom projects entirely within the Whanganui facility. Production data flows between iX2025, the ERP and the iX Integration Server to control jobs and machine instructions.
Kiwi from beginning to end For all the machinery and automation, Newtech’s identity is grounded in its people and the way they approach making. As the company says, it’s Kiwi from beginning to end. That is reflected in sourcing, staffing, and the hands on work that finishes each job. Much of the MDF used across Newtech’s bathroom furniture ranges comes from New Zealand forests. It carries efficiency certification, confirming that it has been harvested from responsibly managed sources. This matters to customers who value sustainability, and it matters to joiners and cabinet makers who depend on consistent material quality.
In the Whanganui plant, local cabinet makers form the last link in the chain from design to delivery. No automated process replaces their role in checking fit, adding detail, and ensuring that each cabinet meets long held trade standards.When products leave Whanganui, whether headed to the Auckland showroom, direct to a customer, or via Newtech’s own delivery fleet, they carry the combined signature of precise engineering and human oversight.
Design and innovation as everyday practice
Newtech’s approach to design is ongoing. The team builds on interior design themes through moodboards, combining wall and floor elements with accessories to help customers visualise the finished room, from bathrooms to kitchens.
The kitchen process begins with the customer measuring their space and considering style, storage needs, and appliances. Once a plan is submitted, Newtech’s designers use 3D modelling to present layout options and quotations. Kitchen layouts are drawn in iX2025 before the data hands off to the ERP and the Integration Server. The review steps are thorough. They include checking measurements, materials, and appliances to ensure what is drawn will match what is made.
With the plant’s automation, prototypes can be produced quickly, letting customers see changes or refinements before final production. This ability to link design with fast prototyping is one of the plant’s key advantages. The machines carry out the production steps, but it is the designers and consultants who translate customer needs into practical solutions.
A competitive market, a local solution
Bathroom and kitchen furniture manufacturing in New Zealand faces competition from imported products. Overseas cabinets and furniture can tempt buyers with lower prices, but they often lack local adaptation and genuine customisation. Newtech meets this challenge by keeping design and production in house, controlling lead times and maintaining consistent quality. Adjustments can be made midstream when a customer requests them. Jobs move faster because there is no waiting on offshore production schedules or shipping delays.
The HOMAG machinery is central to this capability. This integrated system allows jobs to be run in sequence with minimal downtime. Its modular design shows how automation can grow alongside the business without becoming a rigid, one size fits all investment.
Newtech head office and manufacturing facility at Mill Road, Whanganui.
Newtech showroom in Auckland.
To support their manufacturing facility in Whanganui, Newtech have showrooms in Auckland, Christchurch and Palmerston North.
Sustainable future, practical now
Sustainability carries weight when backed by tangible choices. Newtech’s sourcing of certified New Zealand MDF is one example. Another is the way designs are planned to maximise material use. This includes reducing waste in CNC processing, aligning panels to minimise offcuts, and recycling where possible. The surfaces offered to customers are selected for durability and sustainability as well as appearance. When customers choose these surfaces, they know their project has been designed with its long term impact in mind.
From showroom to roadshow
For customers, contact with Newtech does not begin on the factory floor. It might start in the Auckland concept showroom, in Christchurch or Palmerston North, or with the travelling roadshow van visiting regional centres. These points of contact make the trade personal. Customers can see and touch the materials, open doors and drawers, and talk directly to the people who will design and build their project. The showroom experience connects the precision and production capability of the Whanganui plant with the customer’s own design journey.
A blend that works
The real story behind the new plant is not the individual machines, moodboards, or the certified timber. It is the blend these elements create. Precision automation alone can make quick
work of repetitive tasks, but it cannot decide how a kitchen feels to walk into. Traditional cabinet making can produce fine elements, but it requires weeks where customers may expect days. At Newtech, the blend works because each part is allowed to do what it does best. The CNC machines and automated storage handle accuracy and efficiency. The human hands and eyes take care of subtle adjustments, sanding, edge alignment, and overall fit. The design team bridges both worlds, turning customer ideas into practical plans that use both automation and craftsmanship.
Growth built in
The expansion of the Whanganui plant shows how growth can be managed without starting from scratch. The initial installation in early 2023 of the STORETEQ S 200 with two CENTATEQ N 500 CNC processing machines was chosen for its flexibility. As demand rose, Newtech added a third CENTATEQ N 500 in mid 2024, followed by an eight metre extension to the STORETEQ S 200 and a fourth CENTATEQ N 500 in December 2025.
This approach avoided heavy downtime and reduced costs. It also meant the company did not face the steep learning curve that comes with completely new systems. Each addition was built on familiar technology and processes. Operators could transfer their skills and adapt quickly,
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Four CENTATEQ N 500 CNC’s integrated with the STORETEQ S 200.
keeping output steady even during upgrades. That growth capacity matters in a competitive market. It gives Newtech the ability to respond to new contracts, larger orders, or product line expansions without delays that less flexible operations can face.
Automation respecting craft
One of the understated strengths of Newtech’s setup is the way automation has not replaced craft. In many workshops with heavy automation, the role of the cabinet maker shifts toward machine monitoring, with less direct hand work. At Newtech, automation supports the maker rather than replacing them. The edge banding system applies edges with accuracy and speed, keeping the process continuous. A PUR service station EDGETEQ XES 200 ensures glue application remains consistent. Once panels are returned, tradespeople inspect them, make any adjustments if needed, and prepare them for the next production stage. The machines deliver reliable edge application, but the craftsperson ensures the finish meets the required standard before the product moves forward in production. This balance is also reflected in training. Staff learn how to operate the machinery and the traditional joinery skills needed for hand finishing. That dual skill set keeps options open. Jobs can be adjusted in either domain, and no single employee is locked into one narrow role.
Service beyond the factory
The manufacturing plant is central to Newtech’s story today, but service elements are equally important for customers. The company’s own delivery fleet allows careful transport from Whanganui to any point in the country, reducing the risk of damage and avoiding reliance on third party freight schedules.
Installation support is another point of difference. While many manufacturing companies leave installation entirely to the buyer or contractors, Newtech offers assistance or coordinates with installers. This creates continuity of responsibility. The same company that made the cabinets is involved in ensuring they are fitted correctly.
That service approach runs throughout the business. Whether it is the first 3D kitchen plan or the last hinge adjustment during installation, the customer’s experience is treated as part of the product.
Innovation as an ongoing cycle
Innovation at Newtech is a continuous process. From the outset, machinery and software choices were made to create a fully integrated factory. iX2025 links design to production. Changes in design flow directly into manufacturing instructions. Cuts, routing paths, and assembly steps update in the plant without delay.
HOMAG Australia has set up integrated workflows for bathroom joinery and kitchens. The bathroom joinery workflow is fully automated up to CutRite V12. Staff enter work orders in the internal POS. The ERP creates the output for the iX Integration Server. The Integration Server imports and processes the orders automatically. iX2025 generates the bill of materials and all machine data. The ERP monitors
Local impact
Whanganui is not just the site of the plant; it is part of Newtech’s identity. Starting in a regional city has shaped the company’s approach to community, staffing, and growth. It has provided a stable base from which to expand into larger markets without losing connection to local roots.
Employing local cabinet makers and maintaining head office functions there brings jobs and economic activity to the region. The plant’s scale and technology have made it a major manufacturing asset not only for Newtech but for New Zealand’s wider joinery and cabinetry sector. It shows that high end automation can be effectively operated in a regional setting when supported by skilled people and a clear strategy.
the process. It then imports the bill of materials and the cutting list. It issues a CSV file for import into CutRite V12.
The kitchen workflow starts with design in iX2025. Designers draw the kitchen in the software. The ERP triggers the Integration Server to export what has been drawn. The ERP imports the data and splits the kitchen into separate work orders for each article, such as one door or a four drawer unit.
The ERP then sends these work orders back to the Integration Server to import and process. From that point the steps mirror the bathroom workflow. The ERP monitors the process, imports the bill of materials and the cutting list, and issues the CSV file for CutRite V12. Because all data runs through the ERP, costing is calculated there. In this workflow the only manual step is the kitchen design.
Newtech benefits from this setup. Design updates move quickly into production with consistent data and accurate machine instructions. The team can focus on fit and finish.
What this means for the industry Newtech’s example offers several lessons. It shows that automation and craftsmanship can work together. It demonstrates that modular equipment strategies can make growth easier. And it proves that local sourcing and manufacturing can compete with imports when efficiency, design, and service align.The HOMAG Australia partnership shows how international technology can be adapted to local conditions. The Whanganui setup is suited to workload, product lines, and staffing, making it appropriate rather than a generic installation. For customers, the result is choice and confidence. They can tailor kitchens and bathroom furniture to their own spaces and tastes, knowing the product will be made in New Zealand from locally sourced materials, with technology and skill ensuring both accuracy and quality.
In many ways, Newtech’s journey reflects a broader truth in joinery and cabinetry: tools and technology can change the trade’s pace and scale, but it is people who keep its standards alive.
The workflow starts with design in iX2025
HOMAG EDGETEQ S 500, combined with a LOOPTEQ O 300
THAT FIT WHAT YOU DO QUALIFICATIONS
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GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH TRAINING
Have your team work smarter, learn up-to-date skills.
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Training an apprentice is an investment in your business and the industry.
Quiet & smooth
“We used to have to put material through the sander several times after the old thicknesser – with the Felder it’s just once, or twice at most.”
Just outside of the four avenues of Christchuch is Timber Tru – run by Tony van der Plas. A long-established joiner in Christchurch, Tony and his small team specialise in residential work – particularly historic renovations. With strong connections with a few local builders and a legacy of work that encourages plenty of business via word-of-mouth, Timber Tru offer not only standard kitchen and joinery services, but specialist skills when it comes to new or repaired windows and doors
For many years, the workhorses of the factory were traditional, old English machines. Tenoner, Chain and Chisel Mortiser, Buzzer, and Thicknesser. Heavy cast iron with simple handwheel adjustment and retrofitted safety guards, many of these machines are still in use today. It’s quite possible some of the timber windows now being renovated were originally made on these same machines! But a couple of years ago Tony decided it was time to retire the old thicknesser.
“It was heavy and strong, but at nearly 100 years old, it was time to upgrade. The noise it made was quite something – like a helicopter in the workshop!” says Tony. “What’s more it wasn’t mine – I’d borrowed it from an old landlord for the previous 30 years. I managed to sell it on behalf for a few hundred dollars.”
As a replacement, Tony chose a Felder D963 thicknesser, from Felder Group in Austria, and supplied by Jacks. “It’s a world of difference,” says Tony. “The noise for a start. I’ve walked away from the Felder a couple of times not realising I’ve left it running.” The D963 also comes with Felder’s renowned Silent-Power spiral block. “The finish off the spiral block is excellent” explains Tony. “We used to have to put material through the sander several times after the old thicknesser – with the Felder it’s just once, or twice at most.”
Tony added the infeed table extension with workpiece roller, and selected the Digi-Drive version with digital readout allowing for precise adjustment: simply type in the required dimension and the planer table
will move where it’s required. With adjustable feed speed up to 16m/min, chip removal up to 8mm and replacement knife tips that can be turned three times, the Felder D963 has proved a popular choice in timber-workshops around NZ.
Given the nature of the work at Timber Tru, the Felder D963 has had its fair share of recycled timber to work through. “We’re pretty careful about what we put through – and have only had a couple of nicks in knifetips,” Tony says. “Given how much work we’ve processed I’m surprised we’ve only had to turn the knife tips once – just before Christmas.”
Christchurch’s renovation market remains steady, despite most of the post-earthquake repairs now having been completed.
“We’re passionate about heritage work” says Tony, “Whether restoring the historic façade of the Cotters Building in High Street, Christchurch [which won Timber Tru a Canterbury Master Joiners Award], to new Church doors made in Kauri, we enjoy recreating those authentic heritage details.”
But Timber Tru are equally at home creating new work in the modernist style, with plenty of bespoke kitchens installed across the city. No matter what the style they work in, or the material used, Timber Tru have got the skills and the machinery needed to get the job done.
Tony van der Plas beside the Felder D963 which replaced a near 100 year old workhorse.
PCS Recognises potential accidents before contact with the sawblade, and defuses the hazardous situation within milliseconds
No damage to the sawblade
A premium level of safety with no need for new training PCS is ready to be used again at the push of a button
Felder’s PCS® Preventive Contact System is now available on the Felder 700 Seriestechnology previously exclusive to the premium Format4 range.
edgebanding stories
minimum board prep, fast throughput and little clean up, all with a finish that is virtually seamless. The latest edgebanding machines have become largely hands free, deliver invisible results and remain financially viable for operations of every size. We spoke to some of those using them.
Jacks p 62
Biesse p 54
Homag p 58
Hold Machinery p 64
Jacks p 56
Farnese p 66
Laser-ready veneer
How Carlielle Kitchens innovated beyond the hotmelt
Moving to a hotmelt-free laser edgebander can lift productivity, but it usually triggers one practical question: are the decors and materials we design with, laser-ready?
Carlielle is a business built on a 95% referral rate and a trophy cabinet that speaks for itself. Their 2025 Master Joiners Excellence Awards, including Best Kitchen over $50k, the Premier Award, and Best Cabinetry Project, reflect a level of work where "good enough" doesn't exist. General Manager Doug McMiken is clear about the pressure of that reputation. "We do a range of work but our main focus is high-end residential, particularly full home fitouts. Our clients have very high expectations ... it is critical that we can consistently edge and finish products at this level."
Laser-coated & co-extruded edging supply
While co-extruded laser edging is often seen as the industry’s gold standard, New Zealand’s distance from European manufacturing has historically limited the available decor spread. Hutchco Managing Director Mark Leith saw this as a road block for local innovation. “We saw that while the technology was there, the accessibility wasn't," Mark says. "By having laser post-coating now running at our distribution site in Auckland, we’re even more motivated to give manufacturers like Carlielle more agile edging solutions on-demand."
Reclaiming the Workshop
The glue pot is a necessary evil that loses its charm the moment the factory temperature dips. "Our previous EVA machine was modern and otherwise did a great job, but in the middle of winter, we had to do a lot of extra work to get clear glue to stick well," Doug explains.
Something the team at Hutchco hears often, Mark explains: “It’s easy to overlook the hidden costs when pricing. The price per metre of tape is only one part of the equation. Adhesion troubleshooting, extra glue-line cleaning, and glue pot maintenance all add up. We want to eliminate that friction.”
Until recently, running veneer meant being tethered to a glue pot. Solving this for customers meant Hutchco had to rethink its entire inventory. "Developing the laser-coated veneer saw us introduce new stocked lines of 1mm Tekton veneer edging," Mark says. "Working with Carlielle on this, who’ve used our German and Portuguese produced edge bands previously, provided real-world testing, getting a strong, imperceptible bond."
"When we discussed with Hutchco the possibility of applying 1mm Tekton veneer tape with post-coated laser, it ticked all the boxes for efficiency and durability and gave the high quality finish we needed," says Doug. "Trialling this with them has given excellent results and the first couple of projects have gone well."
Beyond the bond, the move for Carlielle also meant reclaiming time lost to post-production cleaning. "The key consideration was reducing clean up and changeover times by eliminating the glue pot," Doug explains. "It was an overall package for us to make the jump."
The Market Shift
As New Zealand specifications become more complex, the gap between those delivering high-quality, enduring work and the rest of the market is widening. Doug sees the writing on the wall.
"We are absolutely promoting it to our clients and architects, who are excited with the leap forward in finishing quality." Doug notes. "Suppliers that do not have laser edging available for their products will certainly be missing out on a chunk of the market as this becomes more sought after in the high end."
Trade Takeaway
The machine is the investment, but the tape is the strategy. "Alignment in this industry is about more than just matching a colour; it’s about matching the way a business works," Mark Leith notes.
For the NZ joiner, local laser post-coating means the transition to a glue pot free workshop is finally a practical reality.
When Masterton manufacturer Workshop Design decided they needed a better edge finish on the product leaving their factory they settled on the Biesse Rover Edge GO A13 edgebander fitted with Hyfuse. With its easy operation, seamless finish and minimal clean up the Rover Edge provided them with exactly what they were looking for to maintain the edge in their high end business.
Workshop Designs produce custom kitchens, bathrooms and laundries along with commercial fit-outs and cabinetry for the greater Wellington and Wairarapa regions. The need to keep abreast of the trend towards seamless finishes and to provide a better edge for their work prompted them to look at their edging process and upgrade their edgebander.
“We were primarily after a better edge finish” says Workshop Design, Managing Director, Will Clinton-Baker. “We didn’t want to see a glue line. We produce a lot of high end stuff and needed a laser edge quality to satisfy client demand and keep up with our colleagues and competitors.”
‘While we were doing that we also wanted to be able to run the board through the edgebander without having to handle it too much, so we were looking for something with pre-milling and very little manual clean up.
“I had previously been at a function in the Biesse showroom in Auckland and saw the Rover Edge GO A13 fitted with the Hyfuse option in operation. I was very impressed at the time with the edge finish as well as the operation of the edgebander. The edge was virtually invisible and came off the machine very clean. I also liked that all the adjustments were servo driven and adjustable on the fly, very different from our previous machine whose settings were largely mechanical.
“We decide to purchase and the Rover was delivered last year with Hyfuse already fitted by the Biesse team in Auckland. Install and commissioning was pretty seamless with minimal downtime, it’s operation is a little different from our previous machine but Biesse were very good while we worked our way through it.
“Initially we thought we would continue to use the glue option for some of our carcass work but as its turned out we pretty much do everything using the Hyfuse option.
It is so simple to use, no heat up time required and very easy on colour changes. We used to have to be very strategic in how we ran our colours and in the order we did things to accommodate glue changes, now we can simply change in and out of jobs as it suits and with no glue, no clean up is required.
“A year on we couldn’t be happier with the result. The Rover Edge is running very well and the combination with Hyfuse delivers an amazing bit of kit - simple to use, energy efficient and providing a great finish. Along with the huge improvement to the look and feel of our finished product we have also simplified the process in terms of planning required and significantly reduced downtime.
“And if we do need to upgrade again the Hyfuse unit can be fitted to a new Biesse machine.”
“We are seeing a strong increase in demand for hydrogen-based edgebanding technology - HyFuse, especially from customers looking for higher quality finishes and more efficient production processes
Giuseppe Serpentino, Biesse Edgebander Technology Application Manager
Will Clinton-Baker - the Biesse Rover Edge GO A13 with Hyfuse is an amazing bit of kit.
Performing to impress
Glenn visited the JacksTech in-house show in Auckland. There he saw the new KE-710 GBSUT edgebander – KDT’s laser-capable workhorse.
Founded in 1988, Misco Joinery has grown into one of the country’s leading kitchen joinery manufacturers, while remaining very much a ‘family business’. With growing staff numbers, Misco’s purpose-built factory in Kaiapoi, Canterbury, is a hive of activity. From residential to commercial, large or small, private or group home builder, Misco Joinery offer a service from design through to installation, in Canterbury and beyond.
Misco’s production starts with an automated board store feeding two nesting CNCs, with colour and carcass white board following a different path through the busy factory. “Our production levels are high,” explains Brydon Gillespie. “We’re busy, so our machines run continuously. Every panel we process contributes to our reputation for quality. As well as running long hours, our machines must maintain a consistent, quality finish.”
Misco’s Director Glenn Colenso knew that the edgebander on their carcass line board was coming up for replacement, and as part of his research he visited the JacksTech in-house show in Auckland. There he saw the new KE-710 GBSUT edgebander – KDT’s laser-capable workhorse. As with all KDT products, the price immediately got his attention. And a closer
look suggested to Glenn that as well as having a price advantage, the KDT looked at least as solid and feature-rich as its European competitors.
Weighing in at over 4 tonnes, the KE-710 offers the strength and rigidity to ensure reliable production and consistent quality for years. A top belt pressure beam with servo adjustment keeps work pieces secure during processing, while allowing for quick and accurate adjustment. The KE-710 offers all the milling, trimming, scraping and buffing units you’d expect on a machine twice the price, and the user interface continues KDT’s established reputation for being clear, simple and easy-to-use. But what really drew Glenn’s attention was the laser unit – which produces a near seamless edge quality with minimal fuss.
Seeing the finish quality and knowing the KDT would come with the technical support from Jacks – including local Christchurch-based technicians - Glenn was convinced KDT was worth a try. But with Misco in the midst of some factory reorganisation, the KDT’s operation from left to right posed some layout challenges. “Don’t worry” came the reply from the Jacks sales’ team: “KDT make the machine to run right to left too!”
Since installation last year the KE710 has been operating primarily with laser tape, but running some EVA work too. Operator Nehal Singh points out how simple it is to switch from laser to glue, while also demonstrating the simplicity of the touchscreen interface. The KDT’s performance has impressed.
KDT’s laser edgebanders have been eliciting this sort of response all over the country since Jacks introduced them early in 2025, whether just doing jobbing work, or in a full-scale production environment such as at Miscos.
Misco Joinery remains busy. With nearly forty years in business and a reputation for quality, the work keeps flowing in. In uncertain times and amidst an erratic market, having a core customer base is key for stability and success. Just as critical is having confidence that you can manufacture a quality product, day in day out. As the KDT edgebander continues to impress, Misco Joinery are confident they’ve discovered another key ingredient for their ongoing success.
Misco Joinery edgebander operator Nehal Singh has been impressed with the simplicity and finish of the KDT.
Innovative edge processing in the furniture industry Leitz expands the ProfilCut Q Diamond system
When maximum precision meets maximum efficiency, innovation follows. With the expansion of the patented ProfilCut Q Diamond system, Leitz is taking edge processing in the furniture industry to the next level, delivering low running metre costs, minimal machine downtime and sustainable production without compromise.
At the heart of the system is advanced diamond cutting technology (PCD), offering up to 20 times longer tool life compared to conventional carbide solutions. This dramatically reduces tool wear, extends service intervals and lowers overall tooling costs. Combined with the ability to be resharpened up to five times, ProfilCut Q Diamond delivers exceptional cost efficiency while maintaining consistently high performance across multiple tool lives.
A defining feature of the system is the constant diameter design. Unlike traditional tooling, ProfilCut Q diamond maintains precise dimensions even after resharpening, eliminating the need for time-consuming machine adjustments. This Plug & Play capability allows the tool to be returned directly to the machine after servicing, significantly reducing downtime and ensuring
maximum process reliability. The result is a streamlined production process where efficiency is built in at every stage.
The system supports increased feed rates and cutting speeds, while the lightweight aluminium tool body ensures smooth, lowvibration operation. This delivers superior surface quality across a wide range of materials.
Beyond performance, ProfilCut Q Diamond contributes to more sustainable production. The reusable tool body, extended tool life and reduced need for replacements all support lower material consumption and less waste.
As part of the broader ProfilCut Q system family, known for its extra-sharp cutting edges and exceptional finish quality, the Diamond variant stands out as the specialist for demanding applications. With this latest expansion, Leitz continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner to the furniture industry — delivering innovative tooling solutions that combine precision, efficiency and sustainability where it matters most: directly in the process.
For more information tooling requirements, contact Leitz on 0800 578 665 or email sales@leitz.co.nz.
ProfilCut Q Diamond - superior surface quality across a range of materials.
Beyond price
Why finish quality still defines edge banding
There is a lot of talk about laser right now. It is loud. It is confident. It is also missing the point. A tight glue line matters. The finish matters more. The look. The touch. The accuracy at the corner. That is what a client sees and feels. That is what they pay for. That is what they remember years later.
The way to get that result is not a slogan. It is a platform. It is a machine that holds the part steady. It is a line of aggregates that stay in tune. It is a design that helps the operator keep quality high when the board is not perfect, when the job changes colour and edge radius, when the day is humid and the next day is dry. That is the quiet work that pays off
HOMAG has been building that kind of machine for a long time. The throughfeed edge bander most people recognise today grew out of the company’s early work; the ideas, the layout, the way the process flows were set there. Other brands have added their twist, but the original line was drawn by HOMAG engineers. The current EDGETEQ series sits in that lineage. The S-200, S-240, S-300 and S-380 are good examples. They are not the only models. They show what matters most: a stable base, a precise feed, and post-processing that holds its finish.
Some shops choose PUR only. Some choose airTec. Some choose a combined setup. It is not about picking sides. It is about pairing your chosen method with a platform that keeps the result steady. With HOMAG, each path can deliver an edge that looks new for a long time. Finish matters most.
What customers really notice
A clean edge sells the job. It changes how a cabinet or panel feels in the hand. It changes how a corner looks in raking light. It sets the tone for the whole fit-out.
People may not talk about radii and scraping, but they notice when the edge looks grown, not glued. They notice when corners are smooth, with no flats, no steps, no chatter marks. They notice when the finish holds up after years of use.
They also notice when it does not. A white line on a dark panel stands out. A rough corner chips. A shiny buff line on matte stock catches the eye for the wrong reason. A glue smear in the groove is hard to unsee. That is where call-backs start. That is where margins go to die. This is why the machine matters. The method can give you a tight glue line. The machine gives you the finish. It sets the ceiling for quality. It sets the tone for consistency.
Platform over
method
Good finish is repeatable finish. Repeatable finish needs a stable machine. It sounds simple. It is not. It starts with a sturdy, precision-engineered frame, one that resists vibration, keeps geometry true, and helps the aggregates do clean work.
Then comes the feed chain and the pressure beam. The chain must guide the part without hunting or drift. The beam must clamp with
even pressure. It must track the part height and thickness with care. It must not mark the surface. The workpiece must travel as if on rails: smooth, predictable, square to the reference.
Tooling matters, but it is only as good as the base it rides on. Put a great scraper on a flexible frame and you still get chatter. Put a sharp end trim on a loose beam and you still see steps. That is why people say some edge banders do not “hold their finish.” The issue is not just the tooling. It is the system.
HOMAG puts its effort here. In the design you do not see in a brochure. In the way the feed chain and pressure beam work together. In the way the aggregates are mounted. In the way the process stays stable under changing materials and conditions. In the way the control stores offsets and recalls them job after job. This is what keeps the finish steady from one shift to the next.
Where finish is won
The quality of an edge is shaped by a series of precise, interconnected steps. It begins with pre-milling, which cleans and squares the panel edge, setting a solid foundation.
Glue application demands steady temperature and clean handling, particularly with PUR, which requires careful control to avoid defects like stringing or burns. The pressure zone must hold the tape firmly and evenly, adapting to varying thicknesses and speeds. Trimming and scraping units refine the edge, removing tool marks and ensuring smooth radii without flats or steps. Glue-joint scraping is critical; it fades the final line, turning a good edge into an exceptional one. But these processes rely on a stable, well-engineered base. Without it, even the best tools struggle, and imperfections resurface.
The final buff lifts the sheen without damaging the surface, completing the finish.
Each unit relies on the one before. Each unit relies on a stable base. When that base is right, the whole chain works cleanly. The finish holds. The process feels easy. The operator makes fewer adjustments. The job flows.
PUR, airTec and choice
Shops face a straightforward choice of method: go PUR, go airTec, or choose a machine that can handle both. HOMAG builds machines for each path. The constant is the stable platform behind it all. That’s what keeps the edges on your furniture components looking new, not just on day one, but long after.
PUR has earned its place for bond strength and durability. Once cured, it is stable. It resists moisture. It does not soften in heat the way some hot melt lines can. For wet areas and kitchens, that is a comfort. For coastal areas, it helps as well. A well-applied PUR edge from a HOMAG machine can be hard to tell from a laserstyle edge, especially after the machine’s precise post-processing units have refined the finish. The look is tight. The feel is smooth.
(continued over page)
The best edges come from the best platforms - a stable base, a precise feed.
Beyond Price (continued)
airTec uses heat to activate a functional layer on the tape. It creates a joint that blends with the board. People call it a zero joint look. The result is clean and very attractive. Clients like it. Designers ask for it. The HOMAG airTec module is built into the same stable platform. So the postprocessing works just as well. The corner is still true. The scrape is still clean. The buff still lifts the look, not the line.
Customer perspectives
A smaller cabinet shop owner put it plainly. The team runs small batches. One kitchen after another. Many colours in a day. Carcasses one colour. Cabinet doors another. Tapes change often. The owner said his EDGETEQ machine’s ability to switch colours without pulling a glue pot all the time has saved a lot of time. Offsets are easy to set and repeat. The extra cost of the right tape is offset by the time saved. And the finish off the airTec module has lifted the look on the work they send out.
A design-led furniture maker sees the same picture from a different angle. Quality is the brand. The edge bander is central to that. The shop runs an EDGETEQ model as part of a wider process. It handles laser-style edges and PVC and PUR glue. The director calls it a smart investment. It helps the team deliver a luxury look at an accessible cost. The fine eye can tell. No glue lines. Millimetre perfect work. The technology supports the craft. The small details add up. The edge matters. That same team ran a simple test. They edged black melamine with airTec. They left a panel outside for a month. No damage. Then they placed it in a sink full of water overnight. They took it out. No water ingress. The edge held. Details like that matter. They build trust.
EDGETEQ as examples of the platform
HOMAG’s EDGETEQ series offers a range of machines designed to meet the needs of small workshops through to highvolume production. All models share a stable frame, precise feed and robust aggregates that are essential for consistent, highquality edging, along with features that help edges maintain their quality and appearance long after production.
For smaller shops with frequent changeovers, the machines deliver fast set-ups, and reliable finishes, whether configured for PUR, airTec, or a combination. As capacity and complexity increase, so do the options for finer postprocessing control, including advanced pre-milling, corner rounding and glue-joint scraping that ensure flawless edges even on challenging materials.
At higher production speeds, the platform maintains its steadiness. Components like the pressure beam and feed chain work together to hold parts securely, allowing trimming and scraping units to perform precisely. This results in consistent finishes across varying speeds and materials—from thick to thin tapes and from matt to high-gloss surfaces.
The platform’s flexibility lets shops switch between glue methods and job types without compromising quality or slowing production. Operators benefit from trusted programmes and a machine that stays in tune, enabling them to focus on the work, not constant adjustments. In short, the EDGETEQ platform sets the ceiling for edge quality. When the base is right, every unit performs at its best. That’s why consistency and reliability come standard.
Checklist What to look for in an edge bander
Look for these features in action at setup, during runs and under production load to hear, see and feel the difference a wellengineered platform makes.
• Solid, vibration-resistant frame
• Smooth, precise feed and pressure system
• Effective pre-milling that sets a clean reference
• Clean, chatter-free trimming and scraping units
• Ability to handle different tape thicknesses and profiles
• Repeatable programme offsets for quick changeovers
• Stable PUR temperature control and glue handling
• Seamless switching between PUR and airTec methods
• Consistent finish across colours and materials
The cost of poor finish
Poor finish is expensive. It looks cheap even when the material is not. It leads to rework. It leads to returns. It eats time. It hurts reputation. A small step at the corner becomes a new visit to site. A white line in a dark kitchen becomes a redo. One bad edge can overshadow an entire fit out.
A stable machine pays itself back in quiet ways. Fewer adjustments. Fewer rejects. Fewer call-backs. More confidence to run at the speed the job allows. More freedom to take on high gloss and dark colours without fear. More time to build the next kitchen, not fix the last one.
Why the HOMAG approach works
The reason HOMAG holds finish is not a single trick. It is a stack of decisions. It is the way each unit is supported by the one before. It is the way the control speaks the same language across the line. It is the way the machine carries consistent pressure and damping across the day. It is the way the tool change and clean down steps are mapped so operators can keep the machine in tune.
You see it most when the material is not perfect. That is real life. Boards vary. Tapes vary. Jobs jump from white to black and back again. Humidity swings. The HOMAG platform is built to cope with all these influences.
This is also why the method debate can be a distraction. PUR can deliver a robust, tight joint that suits wet and busy spaces. airTec can create a joint that blends into the board with a clean look designers love. HOMAG gives you either path. The finish holds because the machine delivers on its promise.
The edge bander as we know it did not appear by accident. The throughfeed idea, the flow of units, the way you move from premilling to buffing in one pass came from early work in Germany. HOMAG was at the centre of that work. Today’s machines carry that DNA. They are refined. They are quieter. They are safer. The principles are the same. Keep the part steady. Cut with control. Scrape with care. Buff with restraint. The result speaks for itself at the corner.
Bringing it back to the shop floor There is a clear pattern in workshops that run HOMAG. The operators spend less time chasing gremlins. They spend more time running jobs. The finish stays consistent on different days and different materials. The corner looks right under a phone torch. The joint hides under a raking light. The client runs a hand along an edge and smiles. That is the test that counts.
There will always be noise about the next method. That is the nature of tools. But kitchens and fit outs live in homes, cafés and offices. They live with wet hands, heat, sunlight and time. The edge that looks new after years is the edge that was made on a stable line. The edge that feels like furniture comes from careful postprocessing. A HOMAG earns its keep there.
“Since installation about four months ago, I haven’t needed to adjust the trimming or scraper settings.”
Vanlifer Engineering refinement into every build
At Vanlifer, every campervan is the result of careful engineering, continual refinement and a mindset that’s always thinking a few steps ahead. With half the team of ten qualified industrial engineers, engineering foundation plays a major role in how the business operates. Owner, Jason’s own background as an industrial engineer has strongly influenced Vanlifer’s philosophy: rather than simply building campervans, the focus is on continually refining the design and manufacturing processes behind them.
Jason’s path into the industry is anything but typical. Early in his career he worked in the rapid manufacturing team at Weta Workshop, contributing to major film projects including Avatar, The Hobbit, and District 9. During time in the UK, Jason was exposed to digital design in both the yacht and campervan industries. Returning to New Zealand and faced with limited opportunities in industrial design, he decided to build his own campervan. After listing the finished van online and receiving strong interest, what began as a one off project quickly gained momentum.
From that first van in 2018, Vanlifer is now in its third premises, a 440 m² workshop in Wairau Park on Auckland’s North Shore, manufacturing highlyrefined campervans for private and commercial customers. In campervan construction multiple
systems must work together in a compact, mobile environment. “A campervan is like a hotel room on wheels,” Jason says. “You’ve got plumbing, electrical and cabinetry all in a small space, and it all needs to be durable, serviceable and look good.”
Cabinets are critical. “A van takes a lot of abuse,” Jason explains. “People aren’t always familiar with how doors and drawers open in a van, so everything needs to be robust. We also think ahead - if something needs servicing or repair, it should be accessible without compromising the integrity of the cabinetry. That’s why we avoid screws and integrate the cabinetry directly into the structure of the van.”
As customer preferences shifted away from exposed plywood finishes toward commercial quality interiors, Vanlifer’s focus
on process improvement recently extended to edge finishing, and the team began investigating edgebanders. “We looked at a lot of machines,” says Jason. “After attending machinery open days and seeing what was available, we decided on the KDT KE 268JSA, from Jacks. It offered all the features we wanted and more, including a genuinely industrial level pre milling unit to make sure the joint is as clean and tight as possible”.
Despite some initial hesitation about introducing an edgebander into the workflow, the transition was smooth. “I’ll admit I was a bit nervous at first,” Jason says, “but Omar, who operates the machine, was up and running almost immediately.”
Omar agrees. “I was producing parts within half an hour of the technician finishing the install!
It’s a very stable machine. Since installation about four months ago, I haven’t needed to adjust the trimming or scraper settings.”
Weighing close to 2000 kg the KE 268JSA comes with pre milling, trimming, corner rounding, scraping and buffing. Features such as electric pressure beam height adjustment, a gravity fed quick change glue pot with pre melter, spray units and electro pneumatic positioning all contribute to consistent, high quality edgebanding.
For Vanlifer, the addition of edgebanding is another step in refining their overall production. Because for Jason and his team, the real value lies not only in building a better campervan, but in engineering a smarter, more refined way to build it.
Jason, Omar and the team at Vanlifer.
KDT KB 526 edgebander
KDT has released the new KB 526, a high performance edgebander built for busy production environments where speed, reliability and consistency really matter.
Designed for continuous use of up to three shifts a day, the KB 526 is an extremely heavy duty edgebander, tipping the scales at around 4 tonnes. Its solid construction provides excellent stability, while the short 18 mm
distance between the processing units and chain drive allows four sided edgebanding on panels as narrow as 30 mm.
The machine features a magnetic levitation (maglev) horizontal end saw unit, a four motor corner rounding unit and flexible glue options, with any combination of two PUR, EVA, or Laser systems available. Feed speeds of up to 30 m/min deliver high throughput without sacrificing edge quality. Other unique features include a
pneumatic extraction gate system, programmable notch cut outs for hidden handles and a panel film function to compensate for protective films. A servo controlled tape magazine with up to 12 stations helps minimise changeover time between rolls.
As with all KDT machines, the KB 526 also offers a significant price advantage over comparable machines at this level, making high end performance more accessible without compromising
on build quality or specification. Built for serious throughput, the KDT KB 526 range is aimed at manufacturers who need flexible, industrial performance without compromise.
KDT are sold and serviced in NZ by Jacks
At Hold: We Have Your Back
At Hold Machinery NZ, we go beyond simply supplying machines. We provide complete, practical solutions to ensure our customers can operate efficiently from day one. From delivery and installation to electrical setup, dust extraction, and compressed air systems, we coordinate every aspect to deliver a true turnkey solution. We also support customers with workshop layout planning and workflow optimisation, helping them improve productivity and maximise output. Our approach is hands-on and results-driven, focused on ensuring machines are not only installed, but fully performing in real production environments.
As a new business, we are deeply grateful for the support and encouragement we have received from industry professionals across New Zealand. We remain committed to doing things properly, standing behind every machine we supply, and building long-term relationships with our customers. Our goal is simple—to help cabinetmakers run smoother operations, produce better work, and grow with confidence.
Hold Machinery: Engineered for NZ
Hold Machinery is a globally recognised woodworking machinery brand trusted in over 70 countries. Unlike many manufacturers in the market, Hold was founded by an edgebander engineer rather than a marketer. This engineeringfirst mindset drives everything they do, ensuring machines are built for real workshop conditions—reliable, efficient, and consistent in day-to-day production. Now, Hold Machinery has officially arrived in New Zealand, committed to delivering solutions tailored specifically for Kiwi cabinetmakers.
We are two founders with a complementary mix of expertise. Sheng Lim is a Mechatronics Engineer with strong hands-on technical experience in edge banders, CNC routers, and panel saws. Combining engineering knowledge with real-world field service experience, he understands not only how machines are designed, but how they perform on the workshop floor. Connie Fu brings a background in marketing and operation, contributing valuable market insight and operational perspective. Together, we combine engineering capability, practical experience, and customer understanding to support our clients from concept through to production.
Before selecting Hold, we evaluated five different machinery brands. While all were interested in working with us, most were unwilling to customise machines for New Zealand requirements, often citing the small market size. Hold stood out by taking a different approach. Instead of asking how big the market was, they asked what the cabinetmaker actually needed. They worked with us to design machines that meet New Zealand electrical standards, comply with health and safety requirements, and align with how Kiwi workshops operate in reality. The result is a range of edgebanders specifically engineered for New Zealand—safe, compliant, and built without compromise.
Connie Fu & Sheng Lim
HOLD MACHINERY
PRODUCTS BUILT FOR KIWI CABINETMAKERS
CNC Router Line & Nesting Machine – Available in sizes up to 1220×2750mm, 1220×3660mm, or 1820×3660mm, with dual‐head labeling/stacking that runs 50% faster than single‐head systems. Choose a 9kW or 12kW spindle paired with a 12‐tool linear ATC (mounted on the gantry for rapid changes), plus safety light curtains, servo drives, vacuum table, ±0.001mm tool setter, dry blower. Optional upgrades include auto‐labelling over the loading table, full load/unload systems, multi‐zone vacuum table, 25m/min feed speed, and a super‐heavy duty model.
Bander – HD621J (Laser + Gluing)
6940 mm Length | Electric lifting | Feed speed gluing: 1420-23 m/min, laser: ≤23 m/min
3kW patented laser system + fast‐melt gluing unit + quick change gluing system
Notch edging – one‐key changeover on screen
Pre‐milling, releasing device, panel heating unit for cold shops
End cutting, rough + fine trimming with hinge‐hole avoidance
Electric pressure beam lift – touch screen controlled
Edge
Edge Bander – HD511J
Bevel Edge Bander – HD782
An easy to learn and operate machine with fast routing, drilling, grooving and milling: just perfect for our cabinetry manufacturing.
New machinery new growth
For Scott Beales owner of SB Joinery situated in Pahiatua just south of Palmerston North, 2026 marks a year of change. The main activity of the business has been the manufacturing and installing of kitchens and bar/cafe fitouts in the lower half of the North Island over the last ten years. They cater for the higher end of the market and business has been growing steadily. Bob Nordgren from JOINERS Magazine caught up with Scott to find out more.
In January this year Scott purchased two new machines from Farnese NZ Ltd: a 3 axis CNC machine (APX 1228) and an edgebanding machine (Fravol Master 200-23). Along with their existing panel saw Scott now has all the elements of a nest based manufacturing operation. The new set up has enabled the business to be more efficient and sharper, making for increased productivity.
“Our product is now a step up and this leads to better turn round time for our clientele.” With currently two apprentices Scott has now optimised his 500m2 factory.
What was it about these two machines that caught Scott’s eye?
“We needed a faster more accurate system to produce kitchen componentry” Scott explains.
Central to the operation is the APX 1228 CNC machine. This was key to efficiently producing a variety of cabinetry while they also produced a lot of solid timber and veneer work in the factory.
The key attributes were the 1220mm by 2800mm flatbed that allowed for bigger board sizes and the 12 Tool automatic tool changer which sped up the processing of board. “A real plus was the USA made Mosaic software installed” comments Scott. “An easy to learn and operate machine with
fast routing, drilling, grooving and milling: just perfect for our cabinetry manufacturing. The whole process is easily run from the digital CNC control screen. It also has several other options you can add later such as a printer/ labeller, an unload belt table and an automatic loader and lifter.”
The second machine is a new Fravol Master 200-23 edgebanding machine. This machine offers a small footprint at just three metres long but with no loss in edge quality. It has a colour touch screen and managed by a PLC electronic control. It also offers a syncro Plus corner rounding unit. “It’s a solid machine being adjustable up to 9 metres a minute
and a quick heating startup of six to eight minutes. We can run a variety of tapes on it such as PVC, ABS, Melamine, veneer and solid wood edges in strips or rolls” says Scott. The new machines make the whole assembly process a far quicker, more accurate one as well as adding a degree of flexibility in jobs able to be done. “The install from Rob and his team was spot on while having their parts base in Upper Hutt, not too far away, an added bonus.”
The business has a good group of clients these days according to Scott. “This new set up will mean we can service them better as well as grow the business at the same time”
For further information call Scott Beales at SB Joinery 2 Albert St, Pahiatua on 027 979 0368 or email scott.sbjoinery@gmail.com
PS - Since writing SB Joinery have just been announced as the Supreme Award winner at this years Master Joiners Awards, we show their winning bar fit-out on page 16.
(l-r) Machine operators Taine Andrews and Keenan Thomson.
(l-r) Kelsey and Scott Beales with the new CNC from Farnese.
NEW FOR 2026
Farnese is proud to partner with HOLZHER, bringing you industry-leading solutions backed by expert sales, service, and support.
Get in touch today to learn how Farnese and HOLZHER can support your business—every step of the way.
At this airflow rating, every machine on the floor can extract at once. Millennium's team isn't sequencing work around the dust extractor — the extractor works around them.
Egmont Air delivers six-machine extraction for Millennium Joinery
Millennium Joinery runs a busy Oamaru workshop turning out precision joinery and cabinetry for builders, developers and home owners across Otago. With a CNC, edge-bander and supporting machinery operating through the day, the team needed a joinery dust extraction system that could keep pace — capturing dust and shavings at every machine, protecting the health of staff working alongside it, and meeting New Zealand's clean-air and workplace safety rules.
The brief
Michael at Millennium Joinery wanted a system with no constraints on production — and a workshop that was a healthy place to work. A typical day might see the CNC, edge-bander and several other machines running together, generating MDF, particleboard
and fine sanding dust. The extraction had to handle that full load without losing suction at any single machine, and capture dust at the source before it reached the people working around it.
The starting point was a site visit from Egmont Air's Todd Prestidge, who walked the workshop, assessed the machine list and dust loads, and designed a solution sized to Millennium's production needs rather than an off-the-shelf fit.
The system installed at Millennium
The specified system is the Egmont FM2 modular filter unit paired with an 11.0kW PRM three-phase fan delivering 8,000–10,000m³/h, with ducting to six machines, onsite installation and a 12-month warranty.
At this airflow rating, every machine on the floor can extract at once. Millennium's team isn't sequencing work around the dust extractor — the extractor works around them. The everyday difference shows up in the air quality and the clean-up. With dust captured at the source, less ends up settled on benches and finished joinery, and end-of-day clean-down is faster.
Worker health and compliance MDF, particleboard and fine sanding dust are recognised respiratory hazards — best controlled by capture-at-source local exhaust ventilation rather than general ventilation or PPE alone.The FM2 system does exactly that, pulling dust out of the air before it reaches the operator's breathing zone. The filter media also meets clean-air
discharge rules, covering both worker exposure and emissions to the surrounding environment.
If you run a joinery, cabinetmaking or woodworking shop and want to talk through what a properly sized joinery dust extraction system could look like for your operation, get in touch with Egmont Air. We design, supply and install systems across New Zealand — sized to your machines, your space and your budget. 0800 781 200 sales@egmontair.co.nz www.egmontair.co.nz
With dust captured at the source, less ends up settled on benches and finished joinery, and end-of-day clean-down is faster.
Product Release
660 COLOURWASH
To provide natural & decorative colours for interior timber products
• Application friendly
• Solvent based timber stain
• For interior use
• Designed tp prevent pooling or blotching
• Can be used with multiple clear coats
• Available in a wide range of the latest fashionable colours
USES
Designed as a high quality furniture stain for kitchens, shop fittings, cabinets, desks, panelling, partitions and most interior wood.
Information
DISTRIBUTORS
Whangarei Paint Centre
Whangarei (09) 430 2414
Wairau Paint Centre
Auckland (09) 443 3430
PPG Industries NZ Ltd
Auckland (09) 573 1620
Auckland (09) 278 0685
Autolink Distributors Ltd
Hamilton (07) 846 1443
Linkup Paints (BOP) Ltd
Tauranga (07) 571 8921
Complete Paints Ltd
Napier (06) 843 1122
Total Paint Supplies Ltd
New Plymouth (06) 769 9415
Total Body Shop Ltd
Wellington (04) 586 6681
Paintco
Nelson (03) 546 6660
PPG Industries NZ Ltd
Christchurch (03) 384 0255
Rainbow Paints Ltd
Dunedin (03) 474 0659
Southern Paints
Invercargill (03) 218 4664 December 2024
Grayson Auto Colour Centre
Farnese Stone Tools everything you need for cutting stone
It has been two years since JOINERS Magazine spoke with Mike Waugh, Farnese Stone Products Manager. Bob Nordgren recently caught up with him at Farnese’s Showroom in Ellerslie, Auckland to see how the business is developing.
Farnese Stone Tools have a fully stocked shop and showroom as part of their commitment to the stone market. “We maintain this shop/showroom with three staff, including a Sales Rep on the road (throughout the North Island), with a fully stocked Van. We have two service technicians in Auckland, and five in Wellington, servicing, repairing, and installing Farnese, Fravol, Holzher, Fimal machines, dust extraction systems and water recycling systems. Farnese have an extensive online
presence and have just launched their new websites. Mike says, “this has become a full package offering both stone machinery and a comprehensive range of consumables to suit the stone industry.”
Business looks good, how has that worked? It comes down to a point of difference where Farnese “go that extra mile” for their customers. “We offer
a superior range of products including Cidiam, Nicolia and ADW diamond tooling, we supply adhesives from Akemi, Tenax, and Selleys Silicone, all of these products are sourced from all over the world.
We have become known as the suppliers for everything required for stone benchtop fabricators. Our expertise, along with really good service and support, has
attracted customers who want a supplier they can trust, all from a one stop shop.” Mike explains.
Looking at their products you can see why! Their variety ranges from adhesives, to work benches and slab storage, blades, core drills, stone care products, polishing accessories, and seam setters. No matter what materials are being worked with, ultra compact surfaces, marble, quartz, granite or wood, they have what you need. Farnese’s focus is on continuous growth and improvement, which are the driving force that has seen Farnese grow to where they are today, and this will continue into the future, Mike declares.
Mike Waugh - we supply all the needs for stone benchtop fabricators.
Farnese Offers a superior range of products including Cidiam, Nicolia and ADW diamond tooling, we supply adhesives from Akemi, Tenax, and Selleys Silicone, all of these products are sourced from all over the world
Staying current in a changing industry
The joinery industry continues to evolve, driven by advancements in machinery, materials, and client expectations. While investment in modern equipment is often front of mind, software can sometimes be left behind, operating on the familiar principle of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
However, outdated software can quietly become a limiting factor. Remaining current with your CAD and production software is not simply about accessing new features. Regular updates introduce smaller, incremental improvements that are far easier to adopt and integrate into daily workflows. This gradual progression allows teams to build confidence and capability over time, rather than being faced with significant change all at once.
By contrast, delaying updates until they are unavoidable, often due to new hardware or operating system incompatibility, can be disruptive. A good example is the approaching end of life for Windows 10, which is prompting many businesses to review their systems. When upgrades are left until this point, larger version gaps typically bring more substantial changes, requiring greater adjustment
and retraining. In addition, older libraries and systems may not transition as smoothly, adding further complexity to the upgrade.
Keeping software up to date also ensures alignment with ongoing developments in the industry. As new machinery and manufacturing processes emerge, software platforms are continuously evolving to support them. Staying current helps ensure that your business can take full advantage of these innovations, rather than working around limitations.
Joinery IT works closely with local hardware suppliers to ensure their latest cabinet hardware offerings are available in the current version of CABINET VISION. Many of these hardware packages can be included at no additional cost. Visit www.cvappstore.com to explore what is available and how it can be integrated into your workflow.
For businesses finding themselves at a point where change is necessary, it is an ideal opportunity to reassess what software can offer. Today’s solutions, such as CABINET VISION 2026, are designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and integration across the entire designto-manufacture process.
CABINET VISION Core licences also make it easier to share your work beyond your own workshop, with the ability to export parts complete with manufacturing detail. This creates opportunities to work more closely with manufacturers who can produce components ready for assembly, including pre-drilled and machined parts. Many businesses already take advantage of this through established suppliers such as Sage Doors, Dezignatek, and Panelform. At the same time, there is a wider network of manufacturers available, offering flexible support, whether
for complete project supply or to help manage workloads when extra capacity is needed.
Importantly, the real value of software is rarely understood through a brochure or website alone. Taking the time to engage properly, whether through a detailed Teams session or an inperson demonstration, allows you to experience firsthand how modern tools can support your specific workflows and business goals.
In an industry that continues to move forward, staying up to date with your software is not simply about keeping pace – it is about maintaining efficiency, reducing disruption, and positioning your business to take advantage of what comes next.
Frustrated by trying to install your old CAD software on a new PC? Looking for faster designs and smarter production? CABINET VISION 2026 can unlock the full potential of your team. Streamline your concept to manufacture process with software built for efficiency and accuracy. Contact Joinery IT for information today.
MODERN OFFICE BUT
Philip Smith, Joinery IT, Authorised CABINET VISION Reseller
A Cleaner, Safer Workspace
Breathing easier at Brent Johnson Joinery
Let’s be real—in a busy joinery shop, keeping the air clear is essential for everyone's well-being. As production scales up, relying on scattered, entry-level bag extractors just doesn't cut it anymore. For Brent Johnson Joinery, stepping up their dust management was about more than just keeping the factory floor looking tidy—it was a proactive move to ensure their team has a clean, comfortable, and safe environment to work in every day.
We recently installed the DD215040 filtration unit to help them achieve exactly that. Powered by a heavy-duty 11kW fan, the system delivers the constant suction needed to pull fine dust out of the air, keeping the shop noticeably fresher and cleaner.
Catching Dust at the Source
Good air quality starts with capturing dust the second it leaves the blade. We designed a modular duct system to cover their hardestworking machinery, ensuring the workspace stays clear and comfortable for the operators:
• Dimension Saws & Edgebander: Capturing fine particulate right at the cutting and trimming source before it has a chance to circulate through the shop.
• Horizontal Belt Sander: Instantly pulling away the fine sanding dust that can be irritating to work around (and tough on finishes).
• Thicknesser & Spindle Moulder : Sucking up the heavy wood chips that usually end up covering the floor, keeping walkways clear and safe around the machines.
Ditching the Dust Bags
A massive quality-of-life upgrade for the staff at Brent Johnson Joinery was changing how the waste is actually handled. Anyone who has worked in a shop knows that emptying traditional plastic dust bags is a messy and frustrating chore. It often kicks up the exact dust you were trying to eliminate, not to mention the physical effort of hauling heavy bags around.
To fix this, we set up the DD215040 with a pneumatic bin kit that integrates directly into an outdoor FEL (Front End Loader) skip system. The extracted waste drops
straight into the skip. That means the crew no longer has to wrestle with awkward plastic bags, deal with messy changeovers, or do the heavy lifting of manual waste disposal.
A Smooth Transition for the Team
We know that overhauling shop infrastructure can be a headache for the crew trying to get their daily work done. The transition from the old, decentralized units to this single powerhouse system was planned carefully to minimize downtime and keep the guys working smoothly throughout the process.
The Bottom Line
For modern joinery shops, investing in proper extraction is about a lot more than just ticking boxes for compliance or speeding up production. It’s about taking care of your people and making the shop a better place to be.
By improving the daily air quality and removing the physical strain of manual waste handling, the new setup at Brent Johnson Joinery ensures the team can focus comfortably on what they do best: producing great work.
The DD2150-40 was fitted with a pneumatic bin kit eradicating heavy lifting and messy changeovers.
We design and manufacture dust extraction systems right here in
Dust Collectors
Extraction Fans
Modular Ducting Systems
Flexible Duct
Rotary Valves
Down-draught
Sanding Tables
Extraction Arms
Spray Booth & Drying Rooms
Shredders & Briquette Machines
Rachael Kwok
Celebrating craft, capability, & creativity
Introducing NKBA’s Manufacturing Excellence Award
The NKBA Excellence in Design (EiD) Awards have long celebrated the very best in kitchen and bathroom design–recognising the creativity, innovation, and professionalism of our designers across Aotearoa. This year, we are incredibly proud to introduce a new category that reflects an equally essential part of our industry: the Manufacturing Excellence Award.
This addition is more than just a new trophy on the night, it represents a meaningful evolution in how we recognise the full design and delivery journey, from concept through to craftsmanship. We’ve been listening closely to our manufacturing members, and a consistent message has come through: they want to feel more visible, more valued, and more connected to the NKBA community.
Manufacturers play a critical role in shaping the outcome of every project. Their technical expertise, material knowledge, and commitment to quality are what turn great design ideas into tangible, functional, and beautiful spaces.
The introduction of the Manufacturing Excellence Award is our response to that feedback. It’s a recognition that behind every award-winning kitchen or bathroom is a team of skilled makers whose work deserves to be seen, celebrated, and elevated. In our industry, design and manufacturing are inseparable. While designers bring vision and creativity, manufacturers bring that vision to life with precision and consistency. Quality manufacturing is what ensures durability, performance, and long-term value – key factors
in kitchen and bathroom spaces where craftsmanship truly matters. At its best, manufacturing is not just process-driven, it is highly creative. It involves problemsolving, innovation, and continual refinement of techniques. Awards that recognise manufacturing excellence play an important role in encouraging innovation, improving quality standards, and inspiring the wider industry to keep raising the bar.
One of the most exciting aspects of introducing this award is the opportunity to shine a spotlight on a part of the industry that often works behind the scenes.
Historically, NKBA manufacturing members have not had the same platform for recognition as designers. Yet, their contribution is critical to achieving the finish, functionality, and longevity that define exceptional projects.
By including manufacturers in the EiD Awards, we are creating a more inclusive and accurate reflection of how projects come together, ensuring that recognition is shared across the full project team.
The Manufacturing Excellence Award will showcase the incredible talent within our membership, highlighting projects where craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail truly stand out.
From precision joinery and flawless finishes to clever solutions that overcome design challenges, this category will celebrate the skill and ingenuity that define great manufacturing. At its heart, this new award aligns closely with our broader vision for NKBA: to create a connected, collaborative, and forwardthinking industry.
The Manufacturing Award is a step towards a more holistic celebration of our industry. It acknowledges that excellence is not just about great design, but about the people and processes that bring those designs to life. We can’t wait to see the entries, to learn more about the incredible work happening across our manufacturing community, and to celebrate that work on the EiD stage. Most importantly, we are proud to be recognising the craftsmanship, dedication, and innovation that underpin everything our industry achieves.
We are genuinely excited about what this new category represents – not just for this year’s awards, but for the future of the EiD programme.
For more information visit nkba.org.nz/awards
NKBA Executive Officer
2025 Supreme Kitchen Manufacturer: Fyfe Kitchens, Auckland. Designer: Kira Gray. Benchtop Manufacturer: Stone by Design. Photographer: Kallan Macleod
Opticoat® the Thermoform Solution
When Sage Doors first set out to make Opticoat® thermoform doors nearly 4 years ago, they knew the market needed some solutions. What transpired was 2.5 years of research & development, a factory extension, and investing into a world-class fully automated system.
Now, 18 months after we introduced Opticoat ® to the market, it is proving to be wellloved by cabinetmakers who are choosing to use it. Why? Because it provides the solutions they have been wanting.
Short 6-day lead time: We work hard to keep our lead times short. After your order is placed, processing begins right away, with our normal lead time being 6 days. A large percentage of orders in our factory leave prior to their scheduled dispatch date. We invested in a Wenhomer 3000 Series Press (ie, the top of the range press) along with a fully automated line for the full process. We’re committed to short lead times & have the machinery, processes & team to support it.
Extra-long panels: Opticoat ® is available up to 3100mm long - let’s face it, what kitchens are limited to 2400 high in 2026?! We can press 3100 long for your long panel requirements, suitable for both tall end panels, or wide bar back panels.
End panel wrap options: We have different application types for different design needs - 100mm wrap for fixed end panels, or variable wrap which ensures that you can have a fully wrapped end panel with no joins on the back.
Flexipanel for curves: Flexible panels are available in the same linear door profiles, for ease of consistency across your design. Our Flexipanels are available either as a fully flexible panel (approx. 4-6mm thick, depending on the profile), or can be supplied flexible for the curved section, with the rest of the panel 18mm thick with fully wrapped ends, for ease of installation and to ensure a seamless finish with no joins (if you’ve experienced this, you’ll know how helpful this is!).
18mm and 22mm thick doors: 22mm thick doors feel that little bit classier – but that’s not all! Using a specialised HDF substrate from Europe, the 22mm can also help reduce bowing, and, when required, ensure enough depth for a door straightener to easily be fitted. We recommend 22mm for large doors, that are more prone to bowing.
Variable thickness: We can build up any thickness end panels that you require. 150mm chunky island end panels? No problem, and they can easily be ordered online.
Three handle styles: Opticoat® handles are unique to our range, with our J-Handle being our all-in-one handle-less look, with no backing rail required in the cabinet. The Inset Handle option gives you the ability to customise the position and length of the handle section. And our Profile Handle features a gentle scallop along the edge of the door for a subtle yet grippy finger pull.
Get in touch with Sage Doors for more information and samples! www.sagedoors.co.nz
Managing mixed materials
Auckland manufacturer Asona Ltd make acoustic ceiling tiles and wall panels. Fire safe, durable and easily recyclable, they feature in many hospitals, schools, and commercial and residential projects around New Zealand.
When recently relocating their factory the decision was made to install a new extraction system. Designed and installed by Auckland supplier Airtight Solutions Ltd the system needed to fulfill certain criteria.
Firstly it needed to be big enough to provide extraction for multiple CNC routers, saws, sanding equipment, laminators and shredders spread across the factory. “Our preference was for a single dust house solution rather than multiple smaller units which we were using to that point,” says Asona Operation Manager, Gary Thomson.
It also needed to be able to handle multiple materials such as glass wool, glass fibre mat, MDF, plywood and fabric. “Much of that material is very abrasive and content can vary from fine dust to strips of fibre or laminated fabrics. The complete system from dust source to waste bin needed to be designed to reliably manage this material mix.” says Gary.
“We also wanted to be able to have a dual motor/fan solution to allow us to functionally split our dust extraction by process.”
“Airtight Solutions were a very knowledgeable and reliable partner throughout the process,” says Gary. “We worked with them to define and design to our existing requirements as well as ensuring we catered for future growth. We also identified problems with our legacy system and ensured these were addressed with the new
design. Also fan specification was an important consideration in the design given the mixed materials we process.”
And the result - Airtight specified and installed a high capacity dust extraction system featuring a Airtight RAF reverse air baghouse filter, 75kW performance fan with VSD control, modular QF ducting, and a PLC-controlled system with a total airflow of around 45,000m3/hr.
“It has met our performance requirements well,” says Gary. “We are now running a very clean factory environment and it has been a game changer for managing our waste bins. Incorporating the compactor onto the dust house outfeed has meant we have gone from attending to the bins multiple times in a day to once every week to 10 days.”
Airtight Solutions took care of the dust extraction design and build when Asona Ltd recently relocated its factory to Mangere Bridge, in Auckland.
Single dust house - less emptying.
Airtight celebrates 25 YEARS in business and proud to be serving the NZ timber industry. 25 Years ago Airtight brought Modular Dust Filtration to the timber and joinery industry, and our first units are still in service today. That’s 25 years of proving excellent dust extraction systems, 25 years of exceptional value. No fancy buzzwords, No BS, Just good solid engineering and a “do it once, do it right” attitude.
These are just some of the recent companies that realise the value in choosing Airtight for their systems: Asona, Boston Wardrobes, Design Spaces, Elite Kitchens, Niagara sawmills, NZ timber profiles, The Kitchen People , Traillite ……The list goes on..
From our Smallest units to our larger models AIRTIGHT modular extraction systems have proven to be:
Very reliable -continuous performance with low down time
Very low maintenance -saving cost off your bottom line
Very good investments.- do it once, do it right. Doitairtight .
We have an Airtight Solution for you. Call Airtight solutions on 0800 AIRTIGHT.
From 8000m3/hr airflow to over 100,000 m3/hr in our RAF series filters - all modular
From 5000m3/hr airflow to 20,000m3/hr in our T series filters - all modular
Steering
a course
Ian Featherstone
Ian Featherstone is a cabinetmaker, business advisor, mentor and leadership coach.
Glass Half Full provides tailored solutions to lift performance and drive growth. Ian specialises in the joinery & cabinetry sector and other construction related industries. For more information or to find out how you can move your team forward, please visit www. glasshalffull.co.nz
The digital world is useful however, your customers are not robots
We all know the saying: people buy off people. Yet many of us behave as though digital marketing, automated emails and text messages can somehow replace a face-to-face conversation, or even just picking up the phone. They can't. They are tools — useful ones — but tools nonetheless.
In the last few months I have had the pleasure of meeting joiners and cabinetmakers from all over New Zealand, and the picture is a mixed one. Some are struggling, some are expanding, some have adapted, and a few have closed. Some are ahead of last year, some are growing by more than 30%, and one business owner I spoke to recently had doubled his turnover in the past twelve months. Here is the thing — none of these outcomes are driven primarily by market conditions. The ones that are growing, adapting and remaining positive share one characteristic: they are proactive. They don't waste energy on what the market is doing or worry about what's happening overseas. They focus on what they can control and they go and make it happen.
The opportunity is real — the market is yours to take It's easy to feel like the market is working against you right now. But step back and remind yourself of something important: no single joinery or cabinetmaking business has enough capacity to service its entire local territory on its own. The market is highly fragmented. There are enough homeowners, builders, architects and commercial clients in your area to keep you busy — you
nurturing is what you do to let the good work spread — creating the conditions for word of mouth to flourish naturally.
simply need to capture a slightly larger share of them. You don't need to win the whole market, you just need to win enough of it. That is entirely achievable, regardless of the economic headlines.
Digital is not always the answer In today's world it is easy to think we can leave prospecting and lead generation entirely to social media, Google ads and website searches. These are effective tools, and if used well they absolutely support your business. But they are unlikely to generate the volume or quality of work you need on their own — unless you are deliberately building an online-only operation, which most of us are not.
Human connections are the foundation of all successful business relationships. It is entirely true that people do business with people they know, like and trust. If they don't know you, they can't like or trust you — so deepening relationships is the work. And don't overlook your existing loyal customers. At times like these your competitors may be quietly knocking on their doors.
Prospect, mine and nurture
Think of your business development activity in three distinct ways. Prospecting is being proactive — going out and finding new opportunities before they find you. Mining is what you do when you know the gold is already there; working your existing client base, your warm leads, your past enquiries. And nurturing is what you do to let the good work spread — creating the conditions for word of mouth to flourish naturally.
As Maya Angelou put it: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." That feeling — the experience your customers have dealing with your business — is your most powerful marketing asset.
Turn your raving fans into your sales team
In a fragmented market, referrals are gold. A happy customer who actively recommends you is worth more than any ad spend. The challenge is that most of us wait for referrals to happen rather than creating the conditions for them. Here are a few practical ways to generate them deliberately.
Ask — simply and directly. At the end of a job, when a client is pleased with the result, ask: "Do you know anyone else who might be thinking about a new kitchen or some joinery work?" Most people are happy to help if you just ask. Make it easy for them by giving them a couple of business cards or a link to your Google review page.
Request a Google review. A five-star review from a genuine customer builds trust with people who have never met you. It takes thirty seconds for the customer and works for you indefinitely.
Send a follow-up card or message a few weeks after installation — not to sell, but to check they are loving the result. That small touch reminds them you exist and often prompts them to mention you to someone.
Partner with complementary trades — builders, architects, interior designers, real estate agents. These relationships can become a steady source of mutual referrals if you invest in them.
Use your networks — your influence is bigger than you think
People who have recently moved house are significantly more likely to renovate and spend money on their property. Find the recent movers in your area, use your real estate agent contacts to identify them, and drop a postcard in their letterbox with a clear call to action or an invitation to visit your showroom.
When your team is on a job, letterbox drop the houses on either side and a few along the street. A simple, clever card with a photo and a message along the lines of: "We are installing a new kitchen at your neighbour's place — is it time to update yours?" costs very little and reaches people who are already thinking about their neighbourhood.
Go back through your debtor list or your accounting software for the past five years. Look for trade clients who used to buy from you regularly but have gone quiet. Pick up the phone, invite them for a coffee and reconnect. They haven't necessarily gone to a competitor — life gets busy, people move on — and the simple act of reaching out can rekindle a valuable relationship.
Be the BDM — the Business Development Manager — for your own business. No one else is going to do it for you, and no algorithm is going to replicate the trust that comes from a genuine human connection.
The market may be tough, but tough markets create the biggest opportunities for those willing to go and find them.
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
AUCKLAND
Our AGM was held in April and was a great success, with an excellent turnout. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our supportive host, Blum for the use of their fantastic showroom and for their outstanding hospitality throughout the event coupled with a fantastic factory tour. The main agenda item of the meeting was the election of Officers. As no new nominations were received, the current Officers were unanimously re-elected and were pleased to continue in their roles.
Overall, we feel there is drop in consumer and business confidence, mainly caused by the current conflicts around the world and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is leading many people to place renovation and building projects on hold. Increasing fuel prices are also having a significant impact, with our inbox now being swamped by notifications of material price increases and additional fuel surcharges.
The Auckland joinery sector remains patchy and is continuing to feel the strain of the current economic climate. Many businesses are struggling, creating an extremely competitive market as companies continue to drop prices to secure work. The pipeline of larger projects has largely dried up, with most businesses keeping afloat through a steady stream of smaller jobs. While this work helps maintain activity, it often feels more hand-to-mouth and lacks the efficiencies and stability that come with larger scale projects. Rob Pickup, Total Timba Joinery.
CANTERBURY
The area is going strong with the work loads on the up, this is great for the joiners in the region and associated companies alike.
We recently had one of our monthly meetings at Concentino, they have opened a huge facility in Christchurch with a showroom and warehouse with a lot of material / stock on hand so if you have a project coming up and your clients need to view / select slabs before going to a fabricator please get in
Reports from Branch Presidents May 2026
touch with Nicky and Jason and they will see you right. A 150mm square sample vs a full slab of material is a completely different look and feel, don’t get caught out, give the team a call.
Canterbury held its region awards recently at the Blum showroom with over 50 entries combined with all categories there was an excellent display of skill and workmanship. There was a great turnout of members, partners and associates, brilliant food, a great taste in beverages, if you haven’t been before or entered then go out of your comfort zone and put yourself and your projects out there as you never know just what the judges are looking for. A huge thank you to the judges for the help and to the master joiners HQ for assisting. Sponsors made the night possible with their generosity, contributions and continued support, thank you from all of the master joiners for all of the above!
With conference in Queenstown just around the corner I wish the Canterbury sector all the best with there award entries, look out NZ Canterbury has got some goods! I’m personally looking forward to the conference as I get a lot out of them from guest speakers, legal advice or wether it’s catching up with other members and talking shop or having a nice cold ale while try to answer the questions from the Friday quiz night. The golf on the Saturday will be a shot for me with playing at Millbrook one of my favorite courses before we wind up getting ready for the awards evening! Go Canterbury!! If you haven’t been or are on the fence then come and join your fellow joiners at the next conference, you never know what
you will get out of it or who you’re going to meet!
Back in Christchurch is our annual up and coming Quiz night which is to be held at the Elmwood on Wednesday 15th of July, so get you teams together and come and join us in a night of fun. Look out for the registration email in your inbox. Look after yourself and your team, till next time.
Graham Woodham, Modern Age Kitchens & Joinery.
CENTRAL
Well, hi again from the Central Regions, I’ve spent the last few weeks looking at the broader economic data and, more importantly, talking directly with our members across the Manawatū, Whanganui, Horowhenua, and Pahiatua. So, what is the current state of our industry? It’s a tale of two extremes. The big-picture indicators suggest we are turning a corner; however, the reality on the workshop floor ranges from patchy pipelines to absolute flat-out booms.
1. The Big Picture: The data paints a promising picture of recovery. The Reserve Bank’s OCR has firmly settled at 2.25%, which is slowly breathing life back into consumer confidence. Across our central districts, CEDA reports that our regional GDP remains at $8.79 Billion. A good number of large projects are underway, as I’ve discussed in previous reports.
2. Conversations with members . Discussions reveal a highly fractured market, depending on your specific niche and location. At one end, some of our members report being overwhelmingly busy, struggling to keep up with pricing and detailing for both commercial and residential projects with extremely strong forward loading. In contrast, reports from Whanganui and Pahiatua which reflect a consistent trend across our regions—show a distinct divide in workflow. Traditional joinery is trucking along beautifully with steady inquiries, while the kitchen cabinetry sector is currently a little lumpy and unpredictable. For others, the pipeline remains incredibly patchy. Well-established, older builder networks are reporting
a historically slow start to the year. Some shops are busy for the next 3-4 months but are staring down an empty schedule for late 2026. This patchiness is exacerbated by client hesitancy and council administration. Geopolitical anxiety is causing clients to abruptly mothball projects, while minor revisions are getting stuck in council bottlenecks.
3. Supply Chain, Tooling, & Quoting. Even if your workshop is flat-out, protecting your margins is vital right now as we face massive pressures on operational costs. Tungsten is increasingly treated as a “war material” overseas, leading to tooling pricing spikes. One member noted that when re-tooling his thicknesser planer, blades jumped from $14 to $30 a pop. For a standard 44-blade set, that math is brutal. So, my tip here is to hold onto your CNC cutters and systematically use resharpening services instead of buying new stock.
Coupled with tooling costs, volatile freight surcharges on imported materials are causing headaches. If you have jobs for later in the year, consider negotiating and locking in prices with your suppliers. Clients are taking up to 90 days to confirm quotes, so repricing will be essential to maintain profitability. Despite the supply chain hurdles and lumpy pipelines in certain sectors, the overall mood remains remarkably optimistic.
MJF Conference is just around the corner. A massive congratulations to those regional members who have made the “final cut” for the Master Joiners Excellence Awards! I look forward to seeing many of you at conference to celebrate our collective craftsmanship.
Vaughn Tongs, TweakIt Joinery Solutions.
HAWKE’S BAY POVERTY BAY
This report reflects feedback from local joiners, builders, and suppliers to provide a snapshot of current industry conditions across the Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay regions. Sentiment across the region is optimistic, with the overall climate steady and improving.
Auckland region winner 2026 Master Joiners Awards - Grandvue Joinery.
While demand is not at previous peak levels, confidence is gradually returning. Workloads are steady but moderated, with:
• Renovations now the dominant source of work across most joinery businesses
• Ongoing insurance and replacement projects supporting workflow
• New builds present but less consistent and more selective Forward work typically sits around 6–12 weeks, with slower client decision-making.
The market is highly competitive, with a noticeable increase in competition between joiners and clients seeking multiple quotes and focusing heavily on price and value. There is a clear shift toward practical, value-driven design and careful budget alignment.
Materials & Supply Chain - Supply chains are stable, with good product availability and consistent lead times, pricing increases are quite significant and occasional delays with specialised or imported items.
Outlook - The region is tracking steady with improvement expected. Renovation work is anticipated to remain the primary driver. Overall the industry is in a stable but competitive phase, with improving conditions. Most joiners are relying on renovation-based work, and success is being driven by efficiency, strong client communication, and the ability to deliver value-focused solutions.
Brent Marshall,Gallery Kitchens.
NELSON MARLBOROUGH
As we move through 2026, the regional joinery landscape is shifting from the frantic pace of recent years toward a more divided market. While high-end architectural projects and community housing remain strong, the middle-market residential sector has cooled significantly. This has sparked a clear pivot toward substantial renovations and retrofits as clients choose to upgrade existing properties rather than build new. These projects, alongside steady commercial work in the education and accommodation sectors, are providing a reliable foundation for the region during this transition. This change in pace has brought a rare period of staffing stability. With recruitment pressure easing, businesses are finally able to focus on internal culture and skill development rather than the constant search for new talent. However,
the operating environment remains demanding.
Quoting has tapered off recently after a busy start to the year, and we continue to navigate persistent price increases and diesel surcharges. Furthermore, the ongoing logistical hurdles of the Cook Strait ferry remain a significant frustration, requiring constant vigilance to keep projects and supply chains on track.
Wendie Cantwell, Cantwell Joinery.
OTAGO SOUTHLAND
Kia ora team, by the time this goes to print, we will have held our Master Joiners & BCITO Apprentice Awards evening in Dunedin on 7 May. A huge congratulations to all of our newest qualified joiners — it’s a fantastic achievement and one that marks the beginning of what we hope will be long and successful careers in our industry. It’s always a proud moment to celebrate the next generation coming through, and we wish them all the very best for the future.
Conference in Queenstown will also have been and gone — and what a location for it. With such a strong line-up of speakers and content, I’m sure there will have been plenty of valuable takeaways for everyone who attended. It’s always a highlight on the calendar and a great opportunity to connect, learn, and bring fresh ideas back into our businesses.
Looking ahead, our AGM and midyear catch-up is coming up on 12 June in Dunedin. Keep an eye out for further details — it’s shaping up to be a great afternoon and evening together, and a good chance to reconnect as a region.
In terms of workloads, the general feeling across Otago–Southland remains positive. I’m hearing that work is still coming through, teams are staying busy enough, and there’s a steady flow keeping things ticking along. Fuel surcharges continue to roll through from suppliers, but for the most part these are being factored into pricing and passed on where needed.
We’ve continued to run our regional meetings both in person and online, and it’s been great to see members engaging in both formats. Having a mix of options makes it easier for everyone to stay connected, and the conversations we’re having are valuable. Hearing different perspectives and sharing what’s happening across businesses is how
we move forward as an industry — collectively and constructively. That’s all from me for now. As always, if you have thoughts, feedback, or ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out — the strength of our region comes from staying connected and continuing to support one another. - Ngā mihi.
Kate Rule-Munro,
B&M Joinery.
TARANAKI
With April we had very good weather, now into May with cooler mornings and warm days, with the odd storm warning for good measure. Most members report steady workloads, more on small jobs and renovation work, as new builds are very slow coming through. Materials all seem to be readily available, the only worrying thing is the price of materials are about to go up. Add to this, that the diesel surchargers on freight, are being added at inconsistent percentages or rates, and we are being pinged from both sides. Most members are staffed well enough, but there a couple of
company’s looking for Staff. From our last meeting we discussed how many apprentices were out there, and at present there are just six. This is of concern when we think about succession planning and keeping enough trades people in our industry. Recently the Taranaki membership went down by two members due to retirement, so we need to replace them plus attract more just to maintain our numbers. With the large hospital project finished now, there are some large school projects on go, as well as social housing by Kainga Ora, and other Iwi housing projects on the go too. With Taranaki gas and oil getting smaller and the likes of OMV and Methanex announcing that they will cease operating at the end of the year. Its still tough out there, things are out of our hands and we simply have to respond or adapt to keep the lights on and the business ticking over. Have fun and be safe out there!
Bryan Frank, Pace Modular.
(continued over page)
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY (cont)
WELLINGTON
Well, it seems like the postChristmas rush is over, and things are starting to slow down a bit in Wellington. Most members have reported a strong start to the year but have noticed that the busy period is over and things are slowing. Pricing is currently running slow for some members, but there seems to be enough work coming in to keep most of us busy. Some firms are looking for more staff, and others are letting staff go. It has been a mixed bag, and this brings with it some uncertainty as to what the year ahead will look like. We recently had a member close their doors after being in business for over a decade. This was very sad news to hear and was an unfortunate end to a longstanding local business. Thankfully, all staff were able to find jobs instantly. We welcomed 3 new associate members to our Wellington group this year, and look forward to connecting with them at upcoming meetings.
We are seeing price increases coming in almost weekly now from our suppliers due to the overseas oil situation. This remains a challenging situation to navigate, as we need to react to these price changes instantly to remain profitable. But this is certainly adding to the feeling of uncertainty for the year ahead, as it is also meaning our clients are holding back on spending due to their own high cost of living at present. I feel that this won’t be a short-term situation, and we need to prepare for this. With the election coming up too, Wellington could be facing a challenging year ahead. Recruiting remains a challenge, with a real shortage of skilled timber joiners being noteworthy. It is down to individual companies to train new joiners, but this brings challenges
due to the long-term approach to this method. There is no short-term answer for the shortage, so training more timber joiners is the only way we can add to the pool of skilled workers.
At our February meeting, we had a fantastic presentation from NZ Panels, which was very informative. They are clearly passionate about their veneer supply and method of pressing veneers on to board. It was an informative talk and most of us learnt a great deal about veneers and handling veneers.
We held our branch AGM in April, and all current officers have retained their positions. At this meeting, we had a presentation from Clarity Insurance. This sparked a lot of talk about insurance, and how Clarity can tailor insurance to individual members. Our next meeting is to be up the Kapiti Coast. Because we have a large region, moving our meetings around the region allows our meetings to be more accessible to some of our members. It is always good to see members at these meetings who may not often attend due to distance from our typical Wellington locations. We have a Friday breakfast planned for later this week. These are a great way to connect as a group in a casual and informative way. We tend to get really good turnouts to these, and it’s a great way to start the day.
We look forward to the upcoming conference later this month to be held in Queenstown. It looks like it is a fantastic location, with some great speakers. Conference is always a great way to connect with other business owners and share ideas, as well as learn new tips and skills to help our business. I encourage all members to attend when possible.
Stephen Fairbrass, Well Hung Joinery.
WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY
Workloads softened through 2024–2025 but are stabilising, with recovery expected from late 2026. While the forward pipeline— particularly residential—is strong, short-term demand remains uneven. Labour pressures have eased but skill shortages and productivity issues persist, keeping margins tight. The industry is shifting toward multi-unit housing, standardised design, and more efficient, digitally
driven manufacturing. Ongoing council changes are also creating uncertainty around project timing and costs.
Market Conditions & Pipeline
- Construction activity declined through 2025, with building work down 7% nationally and 5% in Waikato. For joinery businesses, this has meant fewer high-end projects, increased competition, and inconsistent workflow. Despite this, the medium-term outlook is strong. Around 37,000 new dwellings are forecast across Waikato/BOP through 2030, with multi-unit housing expected to make up more than half of. This will mean a shift from bespoke kitchens to scalable, repeatable systems, a growth in group housing and developer-led work and an increased demand for cost-controlled solutions.
Workforce & Productivity - Labour shortages have eased from previous peaks, but key constraints remain: skilled cabinetmakers, installers, and CNC operators are still in short supply and productivity gaps are limiting growth This leads to margin erosion from underpricing, inefficient workflows and difficulty scaling operations.
Costs & Margins - Cost inflation has slowed, and some joinery input costs declined in late 2025. Some margins remain under pressure due to strong price competition, builder resistance to price increases, and high overheads and labour costs. Wages have stabilised, but skilled workers still command premium rates, often without matching productivity gains.
Supply Chain - Supply conditions have improved since COVID, with more stable lead times for materials and hardware. There are current risks around the global instability affecting freight and pricing, timber sector uncertainty, supplier price volatility and cashflow pressure from holding stock.
Key Industry Trends
• Shift toward multi-unit and developer-driven projects
• Standardised, efficiencyfocused kitchen design
• Value engineering (lower-cost materials, simpler finishes)
• Growth in prefabrication and offsite manufacturing
Sustainability is gaining attention, but cost remains the primary driver of decision making.
Regional Drivers - Waikato and Bay of Plenty continue to benefit from strong population growth and rising section prices, supporting ongoing residential demand and a steady pipeline for joinery.
Key Risks
• Inconsistent workflow cycles
• Ongoing price pressure from builders and developers
• Reliance on a small number of clients
• Labour productivity constraints
• Failure to adapt to multi-unit, systemised production
Rising inflation (forecast 4–5% through 2026) and higher fuel costs are increasing material and freight expenses. This is driving continued price volatility, tightening margins, and making accurate quoting more difficult.
Jared Monk, Montage Group.
WAITAKI
The start of the year has been a mixed bag for many with some struggling to get work flowing and some with too much to do. The main factor for a slow start for some was due to building sites not ready when scheduled and clients not making decisions when required.
A few months in and our area is seeing plenty of enquiry and it’s positive to hear that the architects are busy which will eventually have more houses and projects flowing through.
Some companies are looking for new staff, but qualified joiners are hard to get which is always going to be a problem with less apprentices being taken on. A couple of members have taken on younger staff for training into positions they need filled which could lead to apprenticeships being offered. There don’t seem to be many problems about material supplies but with surcharges being applied due to the fuel problems is another cost many are having to absorb. The forward work for most is strong, but hopefully the troubles on the other side of the world doesn’t impact on this.
Mark Mitchell, Barrett Joinery.
Wellington region winner 2026 Master Joiners Awards - Commercial Joinery.
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REVEGO V3 + product configurator the perfect pair
With the recent upgrade of REVEGO V3, REVEGO uno and duo units have been flying off the shelves from our Auckland and Christchurch warehouses. The pocket system is easy to configure and order online with E-SERVICES and Blum Shop. Let's take a quick walk through to discover how easily you can plan REVEGO in your job.
Step one Go to Product Configurator
Log in to E-SERVICES at e-services.blum.com and open Product Configurator. This is where you can find the correct fittings solutions for Blum products and export your materials lists straight to your Blum Shop cart - and it’s just had a refresh based on user feedback!
Step two Input your measurements
Select the Pocket systems tile, then enter the installation details and measurements for your cabinet. The selection process is straightforward and walks you through each measurement required. As you update your individual cabinet measurements, the system will prepopulate data based on the details you have already entered, making the process simple and seamless.
Step three Export to Blum Shop
Select “Transfer to online shop” from the actions menu, and you’ll be taken straight to shop.blum.nz to import your parts list. Select your existing shopping list to add your REVEGO parts, or create a new one. Hit add to cart, and you’re done. It’s that simple.
Ready to configure and order your REVEGO pocket system? Log in to e-services to get started and find out how easy the process is to add the leading pocket system to your next project.
New Zealand grown Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
R. Sargent and K. Bayne. Bioeconomy Science Institute. April 2026
New Zealand-grown coastal redwood is emerging as a distinctive softwood option for high-value joinery applications. Combining the species’ renowned natural durability with the benefits of New Zealand’s favourable growing conditions, redwood offers a stable, lightweight, and visually appealing timber suited to a wide range of interior and exterior uses. This document outlines the key material properties, machining behaviour, and joinery applications of New Zealand-grown redwood and provides a detailed technical comparison with Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), its principal market competitor.
Currently redwood timber is available from some smaller sawmills that process a range of species, but supply is limited. Consistent plantings of redwood in key catchment areas, such as Taumarunui over the last 1520 years means there will be a consistent supply of redwood logs in the future and allow the possibility of future investment in a dedicated processing facility for redwood in 15-20 years’ time. The graph shows predicted harvest volumes across different regions over time. Note this assumes that all trees are harvested at the same age, but in reality trees can be harvested over a range of ages and this can help to smooth peaks and troughs in supply.
New Zealand-grown redwood is also highly sustainable, particularly in carbon sequestration, where it can exceed radiata pine on suitable sites. Roots stay alive post-harvest via coppicing from stumps, providing ongoing soil stabilisation on steep, erodible slopes – unique among
conifers. Unlike Western Red Cedar, almost all of which must be imported from North America, New Zealand-grown redwood is locally sourced, avoiding the carbon cost of long-distance shipping.
In North America, there are a number of sapwood-containing ‘commons’ redwood grades, that do not have western red cedar equivalents. Sapwood-containing boards cannot be used for most outdoor applications in NZ but are sold for these uses in North America. Some typical commons grades are shown opposite.
The major reasons for downgrading redwood boards are bark encased knots, and the presence of (non-durable) sapwood. The Bioeconomy Science Institute plans to test methods of mitigating these defects such as fingerjointing or thermal modification, in order to better understand their potential for use in New Zealand.This will potentially result in new products that can increase the volume of timber available for demanding end uses. Fingerjointing would remove dead knots and could be combined with lamination to produce thicker dimension 100% heartwood boards suitable for joinery and outdoor use.
Thermal modification increases the durability of both the heartwood and the sapwood and may make the sapwood sufficiently durable for outdoor use. A large proportion of clear boards contain sapwood, so this would significantly increase the proportion of clear timber available for exterior use. Thermal modification also increases the dimensional stability of wood, meaning it shrinks and swells less with changes in moisture content, and darkens the colour of both the heartwood and sapwood.
New Zealand-grown coastal redwood combines natural durability, dimensional stability, and outstanding workability — properties that make it a technically viable and often superior substitute for Western Red Cedar in many joinery, cladding, and exterior applications. Key advantages include:
Comparable or superior mechanical properties — 20% greater hardness and 15% greater crushing strength than WRC, giving better resistance to denting and surface damage in service.
Local supply and sustainability benefits — reduced transport carbon, coppicing ability, and exceptional long-term carbon sequestration potential
Acceptable for claddings use — meets the durability requirements for weather boards under NZS 3602:2003
Warm colour and fine grain – a richer tone than cedar, making an attractive interior and exterior timber for projects
No excessive end splitting — handles machining, drying, and handling well.
Reliable performance in variable humidity — maintains shape with minimal movement, reducing risk of distortion during service
Strong coating performance — low resin content minimises bleed through and allows coatings to sit evenly on the surface.
Excellent insulating performance — while slightly denser than WRC, redwood remains a high performing thermal insulator in the same class as one of the best insulating softwoods
The Bioeconomy Science Institute is keen to engage with end-users who are interested in finger jointed, laminated or thermally modified redwood timber, either to help assess the performance of these products, or to discuss their potential.
For more email Rosie.Sargent@ scionresearch.com or visit www. bioeconomyscience.co.nz
A high-performance timber for modern joinery and exterior applications
Examples of different proposed NZ redwood grades, plus detail of thermally modified, fi
Comparison of key properties between New Zealand grown redwood and imported Western Red Cedar
PropertyWestern Red CedarCoastal Redwood (NZ grown)
Botanical nameThuja plicataSequoia sempervirens
FamilyCupressaceaeCupressaceae
SourceImported (Canada/USA)Locally grown (NZ)
Air-dry density (kg/m³)320360
Modulus of Rupture — MOR (MPa) 5263
Modulus of Elasticity — MOE (GPa) 4.86.5
Crushing strength (compression parallel to grain) (MPa) 3136
Janka hardness (N)17401950
Radial shrinkage (%)*2.41.3
Tangential shrinkage (%)*53.1
Volumetric shrinkage (%)*6.84.4
T/R ratio*2.12.4
Durability class (NZ)Class 3 (heartwood)Class 3 (heartwood)