Recently, NK Windows welcomed Barbara Edmonds and Megan Woods to our Christchurch factory, along with members of their team.
Barbara is Labour’s Spokesperson for Finance and Economy. Megan is the newly appointed Spokesperson for Manufacturing and Industry. Both came with a clear interest in hearing directly from New Zealand manufacturers. They wanted to see first-hand how businesses like ours operate, understand where we are headed, and hear what kind of support makes the biggest difference.
We were proud to open our doors and show the full process of how we make high-performance uPVC windows and doors right here in Christchurch. Our team enjoyed the chance to showcase not only our uPVC products, but also the skills and dedication that go into producing them every day.
Their visit gave us a valuable opportunity to talk about how companies like NK Windows can help improve the quality and performance of homes across New Zealand. We also joined a roundtable with other local manufacturers, where the conversation ranged from what is working well in the sector to the challenges we are facing.
Key Issues Discussed
Several key themes stood out in our discussions:
Green Loans – We spoke about the importance of making finance more accessible for families who want to upgrade their homes with energy-efficient products. Expanding these options would make it easier for more homeowners to invest in healthier, warmer homes.
Our people – We highlighted the great team behind NK Windows, including staff on Work Visas. Their contribution is vital to our capability and growth, and it was important to acknowledge the value they bring to our business and the wider industry.
Imported products – We raised concerns about products entering New Zealand that do not meet regulatory standards. These undermine quality for homeowners and create an unfair playing field for compliant local manufacturers.
We also spoke about one of the biggest opportunities in front of us: raising the minimum window standard in the New Zealand Building Code. Stronger standards would directly improve the health and comfort of homes while lowering energy use. High-performance windows make a measurable difference, and we believe every New Zealand household deserves that benefit.
We thank Barbara and Megan again for taking the time to visit. Their willingness to listen and engage with manufacturers is appreciated. NK Windows is proud to play our part in New Zealand’s manufacturing future and in supporting better housing outcomes for all.
