98 | “This award validates our belief that a strong workplace culture is essential for producing exceptional work.” Milestone year for firm Graft Joinery has a fabulous new showroom showcasing its beautiful bespoke joinery. JOINERY Graft Joinery T T Kelly Deeks Well Hung Joinery Worthy recognition for exceptional culture T T Karen Phelps After five years in business, Taupō’s Graft Joinery has a fabulous new showroom showcasing its beautiful bespoke joinery solutions, with hopefully some space left on the wall to display two special awards. September 2024 was a standout month for Graft Joinery, as the company earned two prestigious awards in a single weekend. Recognised as Customer Experience Maestros at the Stella Awards, the team celebrated its dedication to delivering exceptional client service in style. Just one day later, Graft Joinery received the Regional Master Joiners Award for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, honouring their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design. “That was a great weekend. We are so proud of both our customer relationships and our custom-joinery solutions, so winning these awards really speaks to the nitty-gritty of our business,” says Graft Joinery co-owner, Julia van Velden, who runs the company with husband Craig. The award-winning project – a breathtaking wine cellar with a 900-plus bottle capacity – seamlessly blended functionality and aesthetics. As part of a larger, high-end renovation, the project also included a stunning new Well Hung Joinery has been recognised for its exceptional workplace culture, taking home the prestigious Myles Sellers Memorial Award for Outstanding Culture in Joinery, at the 2024 Master Joiners Awards. The Wellington-based firm also secured two additional honours at the ceremony, cementing its position as one of New Zealand’s leading joinery businesses. The Myles Sellers Memorial Award, presented annually to a single company nationwide, acknowledges outstanding workplace culture within the joinery industry. Well Hung Joinery impressed judges with its comprehensive approach to staff wellbeing and community engagement. “We’ve created an environment where team members support each other both professionally and personally,” says Stephen Fairbrass, senior manager at Well Hung Joinery. “This award validates our belief that a strong workplace culture is essential for producing exceptional work.” The company’s commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture is evident through various initiatives, including an active social club, regular team gatherings, and flexible working conditions. It has also partnered with Mates in Construction to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention within the industry. The company’s low staff turnover rates suggest its approach to workplace culture is proving successful. In addition to its internal culture, the firm actively contributes to the wider community by supporting local and national charities. It also collaborates with local schools to promote joinery as a viable career path for young people. The company’s excellence was further recognised with two additional Master Joiners Awards. One celebrated the achievements of apprentice James Stokes, who won the Best Fitment category for apprentices under two years, demonstrating the success of Well Hung Joinery’s training programme. “James had been working for just over a year when he took on this challenging project,” explains Stephen. “This award showcases the quality of our team and the comprehensive training we provide to produce outstanding craftspeople.” The firm also secured the Best Use of Colour award for a striking green kitchen dekitchen and scullery, a bespoke BBQ area, and a variety of custom cabinetry installations. Each element showcased the company’s attention to detail and ability to bring bold visions to life. This success came during a milestone year for Graft Joinery, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. In early October, the company unveiled its fabulous new showroom, designed to reflect their expertise in both design and manufacturing. The showroom features cabinetry crafted from stunning oak veneer, custom-made handles, and displays of the latest hardware innovations, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistry and innovation that define the Graft Joinery brand. “It’s not a huge space, but it packs a real punch,” Julia says. The showroom launch coincided with the release of Graft Joinery’s first-ever portfolio magazine, a beautifully curated collection of nine standout projects completed over the past five years. More than 60 past and present clients joined the team to celebrate these achievements, a true testament to the strong relationships the company has fostered. Craig and Julia were thrilled to be so well supported on their birthday, a true testament to the quality of the relationships they are building. signed in collaboration with Wellington-based kitchen design company Kurio, featuring Resene’s ‘Cutty Sark’ colour scheme. The project, which incorporated rounded vertical oak detailing and slatted battens, demonstrated the company’s ability to transform creative designs into exceptional finished products. “This award showcases what is possible in terms of colour possibilities. We work with Kurio a lot, and our job is to help transform their creativity into reality to produce kitchens that really stand out for their clients,” Stephen says. Well Hung Joinery, established in 1999 in Wellington, specialises in custom timber joinery, kitchens and cabinetry. Based in Ngauranga since 2006, the company has built a reputation for excellence in manufacturing and installing high-quality timber products and high-end kitchens and cabinetry. With 12 full-time qualified joiners, three installers, and three sales managers, the company offers comprehensive services including kitchen design, manufacture and installation, custom cabinetry and a wide range of timber door and window solutions, offering products from French doors, sliding doors and windows, bifold doors and windows to entrance doors and retrofit double-glazing. A distinctive feature of Well Hung Joinery is that its sales managers are all qualified joiners. “Having qualified joiners in sales roles means we can offer the best technical advice and answer any questions right from the start,” says Stephen. The company provides free quotes and maintains a showroom where customers can view different products and finishes, demonstrating its commitment to excellent service and workmanship. Stephen says that Well Hung Joinery has built a reputation for excellence throughout the Wellington region and is proud that its commitment to quality craftsmanship has been consistently recognised with multiple Master Joiners awards over the years. He says that Well Hung Joinery aims to maintain its high standards while continuing to nurture its positive workplace environment. suzie@689design.co.nz 027 296 1140 www.689design.co.nz Invest in lighting that makes you feel good! Proudly supporting Graft Joinery 160 Somme Parade, Aramoho, Whanganui 4540 06 343 7500 | www.furnique.co.nz | office@furnique.co.nz Proudly supporting Well Hung Joinery with spray finishing of quality kitchens and cabinetry
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