Recognising High Achievers
We are very proud to announce that Mastercraft Kitchens locations were recognised at the glitzy 2023 Master Joiners Awards night. Mastercraft Kitchens Palmerston North (Kitchens by Healey) and Mastercraft Kitchens Kapiti (Kapiti Kitchens) took home excellence awards, recognising their high-achievements in the kitchen joinery industry.
The New Zealand Joinery Manufacturers Federation celebrate professional excellence through its Annual Master Joiners Awards programme. The awards programme recognises commitment to standards and craftsmanship. This program is valued as part of the Master Joiner professional membership and realises a high level of participation each year.
Master Joiners encourage the pursuit of excellence through two award programmes, the Registered Master Joiners Awards and the Master Joiner Apprentice Awards. It is in the former category that Mastercraft Kitchens Manawatu and Kapiti received their recognition.
Kristine Holmes, General Manager, Mastercraft Kitchens by Healey and Kapiti Kitchens, accepted the Myles Sellers Memorial Award presented to the Palmerston North based family business in recognition of Outstanding Culture in their workplace. In Kristine's words, "we are super proud of the awards we won." Constantly working on retaining a family culture within the business Kristine (the daughter of Sue and Peter Healey who have owned the business for 20 years) leads the way in promoting work life balance, job security, birthday recognition, a family first culture, teamwork, high standards and a fun working environment.
Amber Downie, Designer/Sales Manager at Mastercraft Kitchens Kapiti collected the Best Regional Award - Wellington for a stunning kitchen she designed in Paekakariki. The stunning L-shaped kitchen with a geometrically matching L-shaped island brings together a perfect harmony of black cabinetry in part of the kitchen paired with a warm woodgrain in another, all tied together with black waterfall tops boasting gold-veined marbling. It is one of those kitchens that is equally perfect for family moment making or a welcoming hub for party night! Scroll down to see the full kitchen project below.
Amber is renowned for her stylish, stunning and functional designs, and this award is just the start of what we are certain will be many more to come.
Mastering the Craft of Functional Kitchen Design
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bISF-PP-Rs
A beautiful kitchen is about much more than cabinetry, colours and benchtops. Behind every successful kitchen is careful planning, good design, experienced trades and an understanding of how the people who live in the home will actually use the space.
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, Mastercraft National Operations Manager Dave Wilson joins Andrew Johnson to discuss what homeowners should consider before starting a new kitchen or renovation.
Drawing on the experience of Mastercraft designers and specialists across New Zealand, Dave explains why engaging a kitchen designer early can make such a difference. From understanding how your family uses the kitchen and planning practical working zones, through to coordinating plumbing, electrical and installation, many of the decisions that determine the success of a kitchen happen well before the cabinetry is installed.
The conversation also explores how kitchen design has evolved beyond the traditional “work triangle”, the growing role of sculleries and specialised zones, developments in benchtop materials, lighting and hardware, and why good design should always balance appearance with practicality.
One message comes through clearly: the earlier you start planning and bring the right expertise around the table, the better the outcome.
Watch the full conversation to hear Dave’s practical advice on planning a kitchen that doesn’t just look great, but genuinely works for the way you live.
Mastercraft Kitchens promotes move to zero crystalline silica
It has been widely reported that if workers inhale respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust when fabricating engineered stone, they may develop silicosis, a chronic disease which can cause a scarring of the lungs and have a major effect on people’s lives. The Ministry of Health reports that accelerated silicosis may occur after a person has been exposed to large amounts of RCS dust. Traditionally, engineered stone has contained high concentration of crystalline silica.
Mastercraft Group General Manager, Kevin Belz says, “It is important to us that all engineered stone fabricators that supply Mastercraft Kitchens locations, meet the strict WorkSafe New Zealand standards with regards to working with respirable crystalline silica dust in the workplace. However, Mastercraft supports an accelerated move towards zero silica for the general safety and well-being of workers in the first instance, and for added environmental benefits when it comes to disposal of engineered stone products. “
On 1 July 2024, the Australian Government imposed a ban on the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs in that country. Although there is no such ban imposed in New Zealand yet, Mastercraft Kitchens wants to focus on accelerating the move towards zero crystalline silica once rigorous testing is complete. Mr Belz says, “All engineered stone suppliers to Mastercraft Kitchens have stated that zero crystalline silica products are ‘on their way,’ but there is still significant scientific testing to be done to ensure high-quality, durable products.”
Whilst it will take some time to phase out engineered stone products containing crystalline silica from the New Zealand market, and some darker colours might take longer, Belz is confident that WorkSafe New Zealand standards are keeping workers here safe.
“There will always be some benchtop products that contain some levels of crystalline silica, such as natural stone, but engineered stone is the major focus due to its affordability, and therefore far greater volumes being manufactured.”
Mastercraft Kitchens is New Zealand’s largest network of residential kitchen design and manufacture specialists, and with immediate effect, all Mastercraft locations will commence removal of high crystalline silica (greater than 40%) engineered stone samples from their premises.
“It is expected that only low silica [less than 40%] or zero crystalline silica engineered stone products will be promoted by Mastercraft Kitchens by the end of the year, with a move to zero only in 2025,” says Mr Belz. “Whilst we applaud the highly safe practices of the New Zealand based fabricators supplying Mastercraft Kitchens, it is important that we lead the charge to improve the safety and outcomes for anyone manufacturing engineered stone for the New Zealand market.”
Family values, cutting-edge product
Now one of Wellington’s largest custom-built kitchen manufacturers, the family-owned company launched as a humble initial operation, recalls co-owner Tony Hawes.
“My wife, Sue, and I had been looking for a new direction for our business after eight years manufacturing commercial furniture in what was proving an irregular sector,” he says.
“Initially targeting the budget end of the kitchen renovation market, we set up a basic showroom and placed a good-sized advertisement in a local paper.
“We opened our doors on a Saturday morning and sold our first kitchen that day! Our first renovation customer even wrote out a cheque for the deposit on the spot.”
The Seaview-based company, which is now also owned by the couple’s daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Daniel Norman, has made honouring such trust a cornerstone principle, emphasises Mr Hawes.
“From day one we have striven for the highest quality – never accepting anything substandard – and aimed to offer distinct points of difference to our competitors.
“We are one of the few companies in the Wellington market that offers a full, start-to-end service – from bespoke kitchen design, onsite manufacturing and assembly, through to installation and after-care.
“It’s also about being reliable – always delivering on time – and treating our clients well. We employ dedicated project managers who go onsite personally to oversee the smooth installation of our joinery.”
Over the years the company has evolved to specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke mid to high-end kitchens and other joinery, says Ms Norman.
“We now employ a team of about 25 people, have invested in cutting-edge factory machinery and offer the latest hardware available to the New Zealand market,” she says.
However, the family and community values remain.
“Our work family is hugely important to us. We offer flexible working hours, apprenticeships and other career advancement opportunities.
“We also very much believe in working with local suppliers and produce as much as we can onsite.
“Giving back to the community in different ways is another priority. Examples include working with a local secondary school to provide student work experience and supporting local hospices.”
Furthermore, the company is actively trying to act “think green” throughout its operations, adds Mr Hawes.
“We are moving towards a paperless environment and have lessened waste in our manufacturing processes. We also donate to the Trees for Survival initiative, which involves schoolchildren rejuvenating the country’s landscape.”
Mr Hawes emphasises the company – which covers Wellington City through to Porirua, the Hutt Valley and surrounding areas – is confidently eyeing the future.
“As we celebrate this important milestone in our history, we would like to thank our past and current customers, many of whom have been repeat clients over the years.
“Despite the challenging economic environment, we are positioning ourselves for future growth, and look forward to continuing to deliver quality service for many more years to come.”
To mark its 25th anniversary, the business is planning several celebratory events and promotions (details of which will be announced on the company’s website and social media channels).
For further information, please contact Mastercraft Kitchens Wellington co-owner Michelle Norman michelle.norman@mastercraft.co.nz, 027 677 3711.
Kitty Kitty Kitchen Rescue
Warm, fuzzy posts are great at Christmastime. Well this one's a warm furry post too!
The thread below tells a great happy ending story of a customer of Mastercraft Kitchens Palmerston North (Kitchens by Healey) and their distressed moggy.
Day One:
An interesting email arrived:
Dear Mastercraft kitchens,
My name is Trevor. I had my kitchen renovated in 2015 by your company and now I have an URGENT request that could save my kitten's life.
My kitten has managed to jump up onto the fridge and climb into the gap between the fridge and overhead cabinetry to access the ceiling space. Unfortunately, my house had a flat top and someone in the past decided to add a pointed roof creating another narrow space in between. I can hear my kitten trapped in the space directly behind the fridge space where a cabinet for laundry was installed along with my kitchen. I tried to remove the screws holding the top panel but it wouldn't budge so there must be other places that hold it in place that was not obvious. I've contacted the fire service and they had a look around with a thermo imaging camera but no luck. They say to leave some food out and the kitten will get out of his own when hungry enough. This was 24 hours ago.
I wondered if one of your team can help me remove the panel and get him out?
Mastercraft Palmy visited but had no luck. They removed some more panels and food was left to entice the kitten out.
Day Two:
This follow-up email appeared in the inbox:
Dear Mastercraft,
Thank you for all your help your team have provided me so far. I now have visual confirmation of the missing kitten, he is in the space in between the wall and the large closet in the laundry, fallen all the way down from the ceiling space. He seems ok. In the attached pic, you can see his head poking out from the base of the closet.
Can I humbly ask your team to send someone to help me get him out tomorrow please?
Kind regards,
Trevor
Day Three:
The Kitty Rescue Crusaders (aka Mastercraft Palmy) successfully remove the toe-kicks and rescue the kitten to be re-united with a very happy owner. Photos were taken before the kitten went to the vet for a checkup. Apart from being extremely hungry the cat is ok and will hopefully refrain from doing that again!
A follow-up email was sent to a very relieved Trevor
Good morning, Trevor.
I am so pleased that we were able to help you out. We love our animals here, so it was a no brainer for us to aid in the rescue or your precious kitten.
Thank you so much for the smoko shout that you have offered. The team will really enjoy that.
Wishing you and fur babies the happiest of festive seasons.
Kind Regards,
Kristine Holmes
General Manager
And Trevor's reply:
Hi Kristine,
I can't thank you all at Mastercraft Kitchens enough for rescuing my kitten. It was awful hearing the pitiful meows and cannot help him. Don't think I ever want to go through that again.
Best wishes for the holidays and in the new year.
Kind regards,
Trevor
Active in the community
Intro
Combining a career in the demanding kitchens industry with a commitment to volunteer firefighting is no small feat. For some, the choice is inspired by family ties, and the dedication stems from a genuine desire to help those in need. In this blog post, we'll delve into the inspiring journey of Duane Cox, an individual who found balance between these two demanding worlds, sharing experiences, insights, and essential fire safety advice.
A Dual Commitment: From the Kitchen to the Firehouse
Duane Cox's inspiration to become a volunteer firefighter came through a unique circumstance, marrying the fire chief, Ian Wellings,’ daughter in 2001. After two years of patiently awaiting approval, Duane began his journey in the fire service on April 1, 2003. Fast forward to the present, marking the beginning of his 21st year in the service, his dedication and love for the cause remain undeterred.
Balancing Act: Juggling Family, Career, and Service
Balancing a career in the kitchens industry with the responsibilities of a firefighter is no easy task. With a wife and three children: two daughters aged 19 and 18, and a 10-year-old son with type 1 diabetes finding equilibrium is a daily challenge. The family has adapted to a life with a firefighter at the helm, supporting Duane's calling. Despite the inevitable strains on time and presence, the drive to assist those in need and the friendships forged along the way continue to fuel his commitment.
A Dual Experience: Fires and Kitchens Collide
In the course of his dual roles, Duane Cox has encountered his fair share of kitchen fires. Kitchen fires, notorious for their potential to engulf an entire home, have necessitated Duane's return to the scene to quote replacements. The experience highlights the importance of fire safety measures within the kitchen, reinforcing the need for vigilance and caution in this high-risk area of the home.
A Word of Wisdom: Fire Safety Advice for Homeowners
Drawing from his extensive experience in both the firefighting domain and the kitchens industry, Duane Cox offers a critical piece of advice to homeowners: "Don't drink and fry." This simple yet powerful reminder emphasizes the dangers of mixing alcohol consumption with cooking. Additionally, he stresses the importance of not placing hot bbq embers next to the house and recommends promptly dousing them with water upon removal.
Conclusion
Balancing a demanding career in the kitchens industry with the altruistic commitment of a volunteer firefighter is a remarkable feat. For Duane Cox, the journey has been shaped by family, a desire to help others, and an unyielding dedication to fire safety. His experiences serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and love for community, highlighting the importance of fire safety at every step of the way.
Duane and his brother Phil are valuable members of the Mastercraft team. You can find out more about Duane and 2 Brothers here: