32 | Fairview Nelson REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT College work impresses T T Russell Fredric Fairview Nelson, an aluminium joinery fabricator based in Richmond, has received recognition at the 2025 FMI Building Innovation Fabricator Partner Conference held on the Gold Coast, Australia. Fairview Nelson secured both Gold and Silver awards for two separate projects: Commercial under $100,000 and Residential under $50,000. The company was one of 98 fabricators and suppliers from New Zealand who attended the four-day conference and awards ceremony in September last year. The Gold award related to the glazing units provided for new blocks at Garin College, Richmond. Each block featured two full-size classrooms and resource space areas. Originally established in Motueka, the business has been owned by Dion and Donna Griffth for 21 years. Fourteen years ago, the business strategically relocated to Richmond, to better serve Nelson and surrounding regions. During its years of operation, the company has experienced consistent growth, expanding from a small team to a substantial workforce. This success is attributed to strong connections and relationships with local builders, as well as effective decision-making regarding staffing, job scheduling, and resource allocation, backed by quality, service and forward planning. Fraser Hardware ITM Store keeping it local Wayne Felt in the store. T T Kim Bowden ABalclutha l hardware institution is making smart stock decisions and offering reliable customer service to local Balclutha buyers to ditch the 160km round trip to Dunedin in favour of shopping closer to home. Fraser Hardware ITM, located at 4-8 James Street, began its life as a fruit and vegetable store many years ago. Today, it has been a part of the ITM network for 35 years — one of more than 90 stores nationwide operating as New Zealand’s largest independent building supply cooperative. Manager Wayne Felts says the Balclutha store caters to a range of customers, from DIY enthusiasts walking in off the street to the backbone of their operation: the building trade. “It is the biggest part of our business,” he says. Support for builders is led by a dedicated trade supply person, Paul, who brings considerable industry experience to the role. The wider eight-strong team is a mix of full and part-timers, all with the know-how and can-do to provide support for both the trade and retail sides of the business. Staff can provide advice tailored to individual projects, whether that’s help with choosing the right shade of white to paint interior walls, sourcing a specialised product, or pricing a bigger job. Wayne insists the commitment to correct information is non-negotiable. “Anything we don’t know, we find out, we bring up the right supplier and ask the right questions,” he says. “We’re very careful to make sure we give out the right advice.” This focus on expertise over guesswork is supported by strong supplier relationships, built over time, and regular community engagement. This was recently highlighted by the store’s annual tradies’ breakfast, an early-morning event where the team hosts various suppliers and all enjoy a BBQ and coffee from the coffee cart. This direct access allows trade clients to receive technical answers to questions and review new products. The store’s inventory covers everything from hardware to hand tools and gardening equipment. It is a local provider of the Dulux paint range and can also supply specialist items like UNO kitchens and wardrobes. Alongside that core stock, the store recently moved into unexpected retail territory: fishing gear. Wayne describes the addition of rods, reels, and soft baits as a move to capitalise on a market gap in a region with good lake, river, and ocean fishing close by. The addition provides Clutha residents another tangible reason to shop locally rather than online or in the big smoke. The store strives to be competitive with its pricing and to be as accessible as possible to eliminate any convenience afforded to the competitor 80 kilometres north. Wayne cites the opening hours as a key tactical move: “We are open on Saturday mornings from nine to 12 to try and encourage people not to go to Dunedin, so we’re open five and a half days a week,” he says. It is a strategy that underscores the blunt reality of regional retail. “We really do need the support to keep going,” Wayne says. “Support your local because we’re the last one left. If we go, you’ll have no choice but to go to Dunedin or online.” “We started off small and have grown to quite a large team now,” Donna says. “We’ve grown from strength to strength every year due to our connections and our relationships with our builders; we have a really strong tie with those.” Due to continued expansion, Fairview Nelson recently leased an additional building across from its Cargill Place workshop and showroom. Investment in progressive workshop equipment has played a pivotal role in manufacturing efficiency. Notably, the acquisition of a precision CNC alloy extrusion cutter two years ago has significantly enhanced production capabilities. Fairview Nelson provides comprehensive aluminium joinery services across the top of the South Island and operates a satellite store on the Westcoast – Accession Aluminium. Services range from new builds to renovations, complemented by design consultations and free quotations to ensure optimal design solutions and value for clients. A longstanding partnership with family-owned Fairview which supplies all aluminium, glass, and componentry, remains integral to the company’s operations. “Fairview’s New Zealand-made products are a source of pride and are consistently promoted to customers. The partnership also ensures technical support and reliable supply. It’s an amazing product.” paul@contemporaryhomes.nz | contemporaryhomes.co.nz Contemporary Homes DESIGN | BUILD | EXCELLENCE Proud supplier of quality roofing products to Fraser Hardware ITM Dunedin | 03 488 2881 dunedin@freemanroofing.co.nz www.freemanroofing.co.nz 65 Main South Road, Green Island, Dunedin 9018 Summit Steel & Wire are proud to support Fraser Hardware ITM Small homes and Grannyflats We build high quality one and two bedroom homes that are consented in our factory to the latest building code. Studio homes from $150,000 One bedroom homes from $195,000 Two bedroom homes from $240,000 022 160 7086 | www.mypod.nz
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