78 | Own onsite timber treatment plant Waipawa Timber was originally established in 2019. The Harwoods are committed to carrying forward the values established by Terrence and his family. A casual conversation at a rugby game turned into a life-changing decision for Hawke’s Bay couple Aaron and Sarah Harwood. Seven months ago, the Harwoods officially took over Waipawa Timber and Pallet Supplies Ltd - and they haven’t looked back. Waipawa Timber was originally established in 2019 by Terrence Taylor and his family. When Aaron was introduced to Terrence at a rugby game, the conversation quickly turned to the timber industry. Aaron expressed an interest in knowing more about the business. “It just snowballed from there,” Sarah says. “We had a new baby at the time, and the sale went unconditional the week before Christmas. We took over February 1 this year.” Both Aaron and Sarah bring significant industry experience to the business. Aaron has worked in forestry, timber and processing for most of his career, building strong relationships and a wealth of knowledge along the way. Sarah also worked in the industry before moving into health and safety - expertise that now helps support the team at Waipawa Timber. Terrence stayed on for six months to teach Aaron the ropes, gradually stepping back as the Harwoods settled in. “This season has been all about finding our feet, rather than building the business,” Sarah says. “Next season, we will continue to build customer relationships and the business.” Waipawa Timber & Pallet Supplies employs 13 permanent staff - including Aaron and Sarah - and expands to 25-30 with casual workers during the busy apple and onion season. Their main products are wooden bins and pallets, servicing customers across Central Hawke’s Bay and as far afield as Palmerston North, Hamilton and Auckland. During the year pallets are the mainstay, but from January through May, demand for bins spikes with harvest season. The team prides itself on manufacturing strong, reliable timber products that meet customer needs, whether for domestic use or international export. All export products meet ISPM-15 phytosanitary requirements. T T Anne Boswell BUILDING SUPPLIES Waipawa Timber & Pallet Supplies One thing that makes Waipawa Timber unique is its onsite timber treatment plant, which allows the business to manage quality and consistency at every stage. “We want to grow the local economy, while Professional Friendly Service For the Supply & Servicing of SAW BLADES – CUTTERS www.hbsawdoctors.co.nz CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS Shaun Moloney Phone: 06 878 8910 Email: admin@hbsawdoctors.co.nz Chefs and butchers Chefs knives | Butcher blades Mincer plates | Bacon sliders 4 wing cutters | Saws Slitting knives Home and garden Handsaws | Axes | Bandsaws Grinders | Planer blades | Drills Chisels | Circular saws Secateurs | Loppers | Spades Firewood saws | Chainsaws Local pick up and drop off Service Rotorua - 07 345 3944 Napier - 06 843 0921 WE’LL KEEP YOU CUTTING LONGER & FASTER FROM CONTRACT SERVICES TO SAW, KNIFE & TOOLING SUPPLY Proud to support Waipawa Timber & Pallet Supplies Ltd with quality Sharpening & Saw Supply! Nelson - 03 547 3923 sales@checkmate.co.nz www.checkmate.co.nz growing our business alongside that of our customers,” Sarah says. The business also produces timber flooring and wooden cladding, all cut to length, as well as top-quality sawdust, and untreated pine off-cuts for firewood. Looking ahead, Aaron and Sarah are already planning for the next season. Their focus is on strengthening relationships with existing customers, building new ones, and exploring opportunities to branch into the farming sector with products such as fence battens, palings, rails, capping, stakes and custom timber machining. This would help maintain steady work for their team year-round. The Harwoods are committed to carrying forward the values established by Terrence and his family - quality products, delivered on time - while adding their own vision for growth. “Our goal next season is to achieve that,” Sarah says.
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