From building to designing their own.

Nadia and Steffan Haua have worked diligently, and through some challenging times to establish and see their Cambridge-based business NZ Louvres grow into what it is today.

Progressing from building shade sails and large umbrellas and purchasing louvres ‘off the shelf’ to designing and developing their own complete louvre system, took courage and grit; seizing opportunities as they presented, including moving from Tauranga to the Waikato.

Steffan carrying an engineering background was pivotal in the development of NZ Louvres. “Cambridge was a perfect place to establish, close to main centres and transport networks, it was a good move for us at the time,” Nadia says. She says that once Steffan made the decision to design their own system, the rest seemed to fall in place.

The couple transformed quickly from designers to manufacturers and when the time was right, nine years ago, Nadia was able to work fully in the business bringing her experience in business, strategy, and marketing into the mix. With dealerships now in several key locations, Nadia and Steffan have established a network of expert advisors and installers supplying their bespoke engineered louvre systems. “Call us stubborn hard workers we’re also a humble couple who value and understand the principles that underpin how we choose to operate as a company,” Nadia says.

When contemplating growth, the couple shied away from the franchise model, common for the day. Nadia says that they wanted a structure that would bring longevity and success to not only themselves but to their dealer network. Steffan and Nadia wanted to bring the elements of Kaupapa Māori into how they conducted their business. Whanaungatanga refers to the building and maintenance of relationships and is a key business philosophy. “We know we are good business people. Everyone we meet, we try to remember, and relationships grow out of that; it’s a good way to grow and it resonates strongly with us.”

The company employs a team of around 20 staff and Nadia says they are always looking to increase that number. If some-one with the right attitude comes knocking on the door she says the business is fortunate to have sufficient skilled operatives to train new ones up.

Asked how Steffan created NZ Louvres, Nadia says it was a case of looking at what, at the time, was currently the best product on the market, and made it bigger, better, and stronger. “We’ve also developed systems that conceal motors inside the louvre framing, so the lines are very clean. “We didn’t design just the louvre Blade we designed the structural beam and every component that creates an NZ Louvre. It’s a complete system that is efficient to install, waterproof and is beautifully presented.”

When the first Covid lockdown happened, Nadia says fortunately they were prepared financially and able to ride the uncertainties it brought. “Since the GFC I had been squirrelling funds away so when we had to shut, we were able to continue to support our staff 100%.” To see the full range and background Information on the product range, a visit to NZ Louvres website is a good starting place.