April 2006
Overview
New Zealand’s furniture manufacturers have long enjoyed a strong reputation for their unique, fresh designs and quality of their furniture products. New Zealand-made furniture is highly regarded and sought-after in Australia, particularly in its eastern seaboard cities, where demand is driven by recognition of the exceptional quality of the product.
A number of New Zealand’s top furniture manufacturers are enjoying great success in the US and Japan, in competition against long established local and imported brands. Some New Zealand companies have established a niche in the area of ready-to-assemble products, while others are succeeding at producing outdoor furniture from organically treated New Zealand Pine.
The industry plays a significant role in the economy both as an export earner and by adding value to New Zealand raw materials (particularly wood and wool). The use of New Zealand-grown native and exotic timbers, combined with attention to function and durability, add to the overall quality of the product.
Typically New Zealand export furniture features strong design, characterised by New Zealand lifestyle influences and free-thinking flair.
Major markets
New Zealand furniture manufacturers export around the globe including Australia, the US, Canada, Western Europe, the Asia/Pacific region, and the Middle East. Australia is New Zealand’s dominant export market and accounts for 69% of total exports with the US taking approximately 11%.
Furniture products export sales (excluding mattress supports and bedding) were fairly static at NZ$95 million in 2005. In recent years, several top-end office furniture manufacturers have enjoyed success in producing and exporting a range of office furniture solutions for upper echelon customers in the US.
Significant products
- New Zealand furniture manufacturers primarily export solid wood and panel-board commercial and domestic furniture, both assembled and in ready-to-assemble form
- Domestic wooden furniture aimed at the top end of the market is produced in both New Zealand native species, sought-after for the colour and clarity of grain, and New Zealand Pine
- New Zealand companies enjoy a growing reputation in the US for their “complete office furniture packages”, and world-leading designs for special purpose and school furniture ranges
- Other exported goods include outdoor and patio furniture, vehicle upholstery, theatre and airport seating, soft furnishings, and window and door shades and screens.
Innovation
Advanced technology and innovation in wood processing underpin the New Zealand industry. In particular, New Zealand is a world leader in the production of clear wood (wood without knots) from its New Zealand Pine forests. Our manufacturers have also led the way in the production of bent-wood and glue laminated components.
New Zealand furniture manufacturers develop unique designs for commercial, residential and school furniture, offering comprehensive ranges combining aesthetics with exceptional functional characteristics.
Award-winning New Zealand designer David Trubridge, and Simon James and Oliver Kraft (who represent Purple South design group) are leaders in furniture design. Their simple elegant pieces are predominantly made of wood and reflect Pacific-inspired forms.
Providing total furniture solutions has proved a winning point of difference for the New Zealand-based UFL Group, that manufactures and supplies architectural and contract furniture world wide for projects that range from home theatres to the design and fit out of international airports.
Industry structure
The industry is dominated by small to medium privately owned furniture manufacturers specialising in particular market niches. Many are family-owned. These companies characteristically undertake most furniture manufacture operations in-house using materials supplied by specialised wood processors and other suppliers.
Success stories
Design Mobel: A passion for excellence
Design Mobel has planted tens of thousands of New Zealand native trees over the years – one for every bed and furniture suite it sells.
The same passion that Design Mobel shows for the environment is reflected throughout every sphere of its operation, from the technology behind its unique sleep system to the aesthetic designs of its beds.
Design Mobel got 2006 off to a great start with the launch of the world’s first “IPod Bed” which features a docking station and Bose™ speakers built into the bed frame.
Furnz - An innovative furniture collective
Furnz, a collective of five leading New Zealand furniture businesses that market their products as a single source, has the ability to coordinate the complete furniture requirements for most building structures.
