With the borders closed over the past couple of years, it’s been amazing to see Kiwis embracing the special things we have right here in Aoteoroa. Instead of heading offshore, New Zealanders have turned their attention inwards to explore all that’s on offer in own backyard. From taking advantage of our native bush or visiting the best beaches (and we have a few!), to appreciating the little things in our bigger cities.

This is also the case with New Zealand-made products. From the day I started Hello Saturday I’ve wanted to support local business where possible. And, with freight prices increasing at an astronomical rate, the days of cheap imports may be on the way out.

Now, more than ever, you need to consider where you purchase products from. I’ve always been a firm believer in buying quality over quantity. Most Kiwi brands offer original, bespoke pieces that are handmade and designed to last a lifetime. Yes, New Zealand-made may cost more, but isn’t it better to save for the ideal piece that will last a lifetime, rather than something cheap that will become landfill in a few years? You’ll never regret investing in quality.

Buying a New Zealand-made product also benefits everyone involved in making it. They say that every time you buy something from a New Zealand company the owner does a happy dance, and I think that’s absolutely true! As a designer, I encourage my clients to think past the initial cost of items made in New Zealand and look at the overall satisfaction you’ll get from the quality of the items, the story they tell, and the fact you’re supporting a local business.

FURNITURE

There are hundreds of furniture makers right across the county, and new ones popping up every month. The art of furniture making is often passed down through generations, mostly within family businesses that have interesting stories and humble beginnings – many starting several generations ago. If you’re looking for a new sofa, bed, occasional chair, sideboard or desk, why not find a New Zealand company that makes the products right here.

Plus, when you purchase New Zealand made furniture it’s often customisable. So, not only can you change the size, but you also often have the opportunity to choose the fabric, the timber, and the colour and finish. Interior designers love custom made, because it means we can get exactly what we want for a project.

One of my favourite New Zealand furniture makers is Kovacs, a family-owned business whose tagline is ‘true artisan furniture made by hand and known by heart’. Based in Christchurch, Kovacs been creating luxury furniture since 1958 and their pieces are super comfy and built to last.

Forma is a medium to high end furniture manufacturer, based in Auckland, and prides itself on its quality New Zealand designed and made furniture.

Matt Smidt, Forma’s Creative Director, believes what’s on the inside is just as important as the aesthetics. After high school he trained as an architect before transitioning to design school, where he was taught construction – something he believes is essential if you want to make a piece of furniture that lasts.

This ethos is at the core of Forma: start with great construction and build on it. Every piece of Forma furniture is amazingly comfortable and will stand the test of time. Best of all, with every product you buy you’re supporting 87 additional New Zealand businesses.

Woodwrights

Another top pick is Woodwrights, based in Motueka near Nelson. Woodwrights was established in 1997 by Adrian Trewavas, after he found the majority of furniture on offer in New Zealand was mass-produced, uninspiring and literally wouldn’t hold up. So, with a passion for quality and an eye for detail, he started making his own: beautiful hand-crafted wooden furniture for every space in the house.

Custom made wall light by Snelling studio

DESIGNERS

We’re a country of clever creatives, and this is no different when it comes to making cool decor. New Zealand has some truly exciting designers to choose from, such as Tim Webber, Snelling Studio and Simon James, to name a few. These designers have embraced the ethos of hand crafted and bespoke to create truly unique designs.

Tim Webber

One of my favourites is Tim Webber. His furniture, lighting and homewares collection has a truly unique aesthetic, thanks to his focus on functionality, clean lines, carefully considered details and a simplistic beauty.

Snelling Studio
Formally known as Douglas and Bec, Snelling Studio specialises in lighting, furniture and other objects. Established in 2007 as a collaboration between father and daughter Douglas and Bec Snelling, their gorgeous pieces use both traditional and contemporary manufacturing techniques and are created using only the highest quality materials. Snelling Studio works with skilled local craftspeople to create pieces they say are ‘intended to be cherished and kept by families for generations’

Custom made pendent light by Snelling Studio

LIGHTING

Aoteoroa has a few independent lighting suppliers, and some fantastic New Zealand made lighting. I think we’ll start to see more and more boutique lighting suppliers popping up around the country.

Nightworks Studio

Based in Christchurch, Kiwi lighting company Nightworks® was established in 2019 by husband and wife team, Ben and Kiri Wahrlich. They originally started out in Sydney in 2008 as award winning lighting studio ANAESTHETIC, building a loyal following around the world. After returning to New Zealand in 2017, they decided to refresh the brand to reflect a modern Kiwi lifestyle – and so Nightworks® was born. Today, their lighting collection uses quality materials such as hand-blown glass and solid brass – beautifully designed and engineered to last.

Code Charlie Tango Pendent by Nightworks

David Trubridge

Most New Zealanders know the name David Trubridge. He’s not only one of the country’s preeminent designers, but a recognised leader in environmentally responsible design. Countless influential international publications have featured his iconic lighting, and in 2008 the French magazine Express listed him as one of the top 15 designers in the world.

David’s range of sculptural lighting is inspired by nature’s patterns and formations. When you purchase a Trubridge piece you’ll be told stories about where the ideas come from and why the company does everything it can to minimize any harm to the environment.

GLASS

Handblown glass as an artform is seeing a resurgence.

Monmouth Glass Studio

Monmouth is a traditional glass studio based in Tamaki Makaurau, producing a range of unique, hand-blown glass lighting and homewares that are well-designed, well-made and will stand the test of time. Their glass is hand-blown at their studio in Grey Lynn using the traditional ‘free-blown’ method, which uses no moulds. This makes each piece individual and gives a genuine hand-made aesthetic. It also means you can choose a design and customise the colour and size to suit your space.

BRASS

When it comes to working with metals, these two New Zealand brands stand out.

Joska & Sons

Joska & Sons is a furniture design company formed in 2013 by Joska Easterbrook. Joska's designs always work towards simplicity. Inspired first by materials, he is a tactile designer and his products often come from experimentation rather than drawings.

In his own words, his approach is “a practical one that comes from a lifelong appreciation of things made well rather than any intellectual theory. I like making things for a purpose and I love the process of tinkering, refining and sourcing.”

Powersurge

Led by Todd Stevenson, Powersurge creates bespoke metal works for some of New Zealand’s most well-designed commercial spaces and beautiful homes. From accent pieces for contemporary interiors to full retail and hospitality fitouts, they offer a unique aesthetic that they say ‘bridges engineering and art’. Their work is designed and constructed at the Powersurge studio and workshop in West Auckland, and can be seen across the city.

CERAMICS

New Zealand has a long history of potters, but recent lockdowns have prompted a surge in the artform. New Zealanders are taking a step back, slowing down and taking the time to enjoy new creative hobbies. In fact, it’s almost impossible to get into a pottery class these days!

Formantics

Susan, an Auckland the artist and designer behind Formantics, says the name ‘reflects the aesthetic of combining great form with a playful attitude’. Her unique ceramic works are truly one of a kind, a celebration of colour, pattern and unique forms.

Claybird Ceramics

One boutique studio offering gorgeous contemporary ceramics is Claybird, based in Auckland. Claybird is founded by Yon Kavvas, who has a background in archaeology and a love for mud and the treasures that can be found within it. Claybird’s pieces are beautifully handmade, simple and functional.

New Zealand Made