Rob Bennie raised the New Zealand flag in the late 1980s — not at home, but in Malmsbury, England, where he launched a joinery company under the name Kiwi Carpentry. After a decade of working on heritage buildings across England and France — including a 12th-century brewery in Wiltshire and a 17th-century manor in Normandy — the call of home brought Rob and Kiwi Carpentry back to Kaitaia.
Now operating from a 750sqm facility on Quarry Road, Kiwi Carpentry has become a Far North landmark. The business has grown to include two complementary operations:
- Timber Joinery, including interior and exterior stairs, prehung doors, cavity pockets, linen cupboard shelving, and bespoke furniture
- Glue-laminated Timber, produced under the banner of Northlam, a laminating facility launched by Rob, his son Andrew, and Catherine Erskine
Launched just 18 months ago, Northlam sources rough-sawn timber, machines it, and laminates it using GradeRight-certified processes. Andrew spearheaded the setup, and certification now allows the business to supply architectural-grade beams and posts.
With a team of 16 skilled staff, Kiwi Carpentry and Northlam supply residential and commercial projects across New Zealand, including national partnerships with:
- ITM
- Carters
- PlaceMakers
- Advance Build
- Durapanel
- Mitre 10
- Bunnings Warehouse (announced December 2024)
“As the preferred door prehangers in the North, the Bunnings partnership was a real Christmas gift for us,” says Catherine. “It’s helped extend our reach even further nationwide.”
In late 2021, the team built their own purpose-designed joinery workshop, using a clear-span structural steel system supplied by Alpine Buildings. The space includes a full ducting system for clean, efficient work zones — a reflection of their commitment to both craftsmanship and innovation.
Versatility is a strength. That was evident when Northlam was approached to machine a seven-tonne swamp kauri beam for Māori carving. The Kauri timber was supplied by Kaihu Kauri, the beam measured 1300mm x 1000mm x 7000mm — and the team rose to the occasion.
“That was a huge job, outside our normal scope,” Catherine says. “But an honour to be part of.”
Like most in the industry, the Kiwi Carpentry team felt the squeeze of 2024’s post-boom slowdown, but weathered it well.
“We saw some tough times and sadly a few businesses go under,” Catherine reflects. “But we’ve come through steady and optimistic. With interest rate cuts and signs of recovery, we’re hopeful that 2025 will bring more momentum.”
Article Credit: Business North Magazine, March 2025