A lot has changed since our story began in 2000, but one thing has never wavered. Our commitment to making New Zealand homes warmer, drier, and more comfortable to live in.

Where it all began

NK Windows was founded in 2000 by Christian and Dagmar, a husband-and-wife team from Austria. Christian, a window joiner by trade, was travelling through New Zealand when he saw an opportunity to bring European-style, high-performance windows to Kiwi homes.

He returned to Austria, gathered supplies and equipment, and shipped them halfway around the world. Before long, the first NK Windows factory opened in Christchurch, making us one of New Zealand’s earliest pioneers in uPVC window and door manufacturing.

A new chapter

When the current owners, Martin and Prue, purchased NK Windows in 2013, they saw something special.

“We were looking for a business that had a premium, technical product but also a strong service element,” Martin recalls. “After the Christchurch earthquakes, there was huge demand for rebuilding, and we also saw an opportunity to do things better. To build homes that were more comfortable and energy efficient.”

At the time, NK Windows was a small team of about a dozen people, working from a 750 square metre factory in Hornby. Today, the company has grown to more than 35 people, serving homeowners, builders, and architects throughout the South Island and, more recently, the Wellington region.

Building better together

From day one, NK Windows has combined European engineering with local expertise. Our windows and doors use precision German profiles, Austrian hardware, and New Zealand glass, all crafted locally to suit our unique climate and lifestyle.

That combination of global quality and Kiwi know-how has set NK Windows apart for 25 years. And while the technology has evolved, our approach remains refreshingly simple: warm windows, made simple.

For Martin, that promise is deeply personal.

“Warm windows mean a warm house, a more even temperature, less condensation, and a more comfortable living environment. We work hard to make it simple for homeowners to understand what makes a good window as well as work with us from start to finish.”

Milestones and growth

There have been many turning points along the way.

The post-earthquake rebuilding in Christchurch created huge demand and new opportunities to serve both renovation and new-build markets.

In 2018, a partnership with Altus, one of New Zealand’s largest aluminium window companies, opened even more doors by giving NK Windows access to a wider network of customers and additional support for future growth.

Through all the change, one thing has stayed constant: our people.

“What I’m most proud of is the people,” says Martin. “The customers who come back to us time and time again, and the staff who’ve grown with the business. Some have been here for many years, and it’s rewarding to see them develop their skills and careers.”

Doing the right thing

Ask anyone at NK Windows what makes the company different and you will hear the same thing. We stay until the end.

“We’ve got a genuine ethos around doing the right thing by our customers,” says Martin. “We focus on delivering a really good window, a really good service, and we back that up with local support right through the life of your home.”

That local presence is part of what makes NK Windows special. Every product is New Zealand made and supported by a local team who can be there when you need them. More than just supplying great windows, we stand by them for decades.

Looking ahead

As NK Windows looks to the next 25 years, the focus is firmly on the future.

For Martin, the goal is clear.

“We want to keep lifting the standard of windows in New Zealand. Better windows mean better homes, homes that are warmer, healthier, and built to last.”

That means continuing to invest in people, technology, and education, helping more New Zealanders understand the real difference a high-performance window can make.

And while there is still work to do, NK Windows is proud to be leading the way.

A heartfelt thank you

This milestone belongs not just to NK Windows, but to everyone who has been part of the journey: our loyal customers, trusted suppliers, and dedicated team.

“It has not always been smooth sailing,” says Martin, “but it is about how you work together through the challenges, and staying friends at the end of it. We are very grateful for everyone who has helped shape NK Windows into what it is today.”

Here’s to 25 years of innovation, warmth, and trust, and to many more years of making warm windows simple for Kiwi homes.

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That is not luck. It is the quiet work of windows and doors doing their job, holding in warmth, keeping out noise and letting your home feel like home.

Choosing the right windows and doors is not just a design choice; it is an investment in how your home will live and breathe for decades.

Performance Comes Before Looks

A beautiful window means little if it leaks heat or moisture. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) sets the benchmark for energy efficiency in homes through Clause H1 of the Building Code.

In simple terms, H1 sets the minimum insulation levels your home must meet to stay warm and efficient. The latest update means:

• Six climate zones across New Zealand — from Northland’s mild weather to Central Otago’s frosts, each zone has its own performance requirements.
  
• Improved window design and glazing — frames and glass must work together to reduce heat loss and condensation.
  
• A focus on comfort and sustainability — the goal is to make homes healthier to live in and more cost-effective to heat.

You can see a clear breakdown of these standards in the

https://www.branz.co.nz/energy-efficiency/h1-faqs

It explains what each zone requires and why better windows make such a difference to comfort and energy bills.

To learn how energy-efficient window systems work in practice, visit Energy Efficient Windows and Doors.

It Is More Than Just Double Glazing

The glass, the frame, and the seal all matter and the way they are installed matters even more. The Window and Glass Association NZ reports that poor window systems can account for up to 40 percent of a home’s total heat loss. 

Look for verified R values and U values rather than marketing claims. A low U value means the window resists heat loss, and a higher R value means it insulates better. Those small numbers are what separate an average build from one that truly performs.

For a deeper look at glazing options, explore NK Windows’ Window and Door Glazing Guide, which explains how double and triple glazing improve energy performance and acoustic comfort.

Match the Frame to the Climate

No two parts of New Zealand are the same, and neither are their conditions. Aluminium is durable but conducts heat unless fitted with a thermal break. Timber breathes naturally but needs ongoing care. uPVC performs exceptionally in our changing weather, staying cool under summer sun and resisting salt air near the coast.

The MBIE Smarter Homes Guide notes that frame choice has one of the biggest impacts on how windows perform day to day.

Ask about how each system handles your wind zone, rainfall and UV exposure. These details decide how your home will feel after ten winters, not just the first one.
Learn more about modern uPVC Window Frames and why they suit New Zealand’s coastal and inland climates.

Warmth, Quiet and Everyday Comfort

Thermal performance is vital, but so is peace and quiet. The right glazing can make a home near a main road feel as calm as one in the countryside. Acoustic glass can cut external noise by 25 decibels or more.

Security and weather protection matter too. NZ Standard 4211:2008 sets testing requirements for air leakage, water penetration and strength under wind load. These standards ensure that when a southerly rolls in, your windows stand firm.

If noise is a concern, NK Window’s Noise Reduction Guide explains how glazing, seals and frame systems combine to create a quieter, more restful living environment.

Building for Warmth, Quiet and Comfort in Aotearoa

Windows and doors are not small details. They are the quiet guardians of your home’s comfort and peace. The right ones turn houses into sanctuaries, spaces that hold warmth through winter, filter light through summer and keep the world outside where it belongs.

When you choose, look for verified performance, trusted local standards and materials proven in our unique New Zealand climate.

Ask what the warranty covers, how long the seals are rated for and how easy it is to service or replace hardware in future. The best systems are the ones you never have to think about.

Read how professional installation supports long-term performance in Our Process.

Further Reading and References

• Glazing Options for Temperature Control
• MBIE Building Performance — Smarter Homes Guide 
• Window and Glass Association NZ — Quality and Performance

The post Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Windows and Doors appeared first on NK Windows – uPVC Windows & Doors.

Renovating with double glazing changes that. It transforms your home into a warmer, quieter, and more comfortable place to live. Here’s why it’s worth doing:

• Stay warm year-round: Double glazing traps heat inside, keeping your home cosy through winter and cooler in summer.
  
  
• Reduce power bills: Better insulation means less energy wasted on heating and cooling.
  
  
• Eliminate condensation: Dry windows stop mould, damp and related health issues.
  
  
• Block outside noise: The extra glass layer creates a quiet, peaceful home environment.
  
  
• Increase property value: Modern, energy-efficient windows appeal to future buyers.
  
  
• Low maintenance: uPVC frames resist rot, swelling and repainting, ideal for New Zealand’s climate.

A warmer home starts here

After the very first day of installation you feel the difference. The house feels warm, the air is still, and the chill that used to creep in through the windows has vanished. You no longer rush to turn on the heater in the morning or layer up just to feel comfortable.

That is what double glazing does. Two panes of glass with a sealed air gap keep warmth inside and block the cold outside, acting like insulation for your windows. According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), up to forty percent of a home’s heat loss happens through its windows and doors. Replacing old glass with modern systems is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

Every system is designed for New Zealand’s changing conditions, performing reliably through frost, rain, and strong winds. The warmth is instant and lasting, and you notice it from the moment you walk through the door. Learn how energy efficient windows make this difference in Kiwi homes.

Say goodbye to damp mornings

Every homeowner who has wiped a window dry before breakfast knows how frustrating condensation can be.  The BRANZ research team links poor ventilation and condensation with health problems like asthma and allergies, common in older Kiwi homes.

Double glazing stops this problem by keeping the inside glass closer to room temperature, which prevents condensation from forming. The result is a dry, healthy home that feels fresher and cleaner. With uPVC frames you also get materials that never rot, swell or need repainting, even through the dampest Canterbury winters.

Rediscover peace and quiet

When planning a home upgrade, most people focus on warmth and comfort but forget about noise. It is something we all get used to living with the constant hum of traffic, the roar of planes, or a neighbour’s lawn mower. Yet over time, it takes a toll, affecting how well we rest and unwind.

That is why sound control matters just as much as insulation. With double glazing, the difference is immediate. The extra layer of glass and air forms a barrier that softens outside noise and restores peace inside. Rooms feel calmer, conversations stay private, and nights are noticeably quieter.

The Window and Glass Association of New Zealand (WGANZ) reports that double glazing can reduce external noise by up to half compared with single glazing. It is not about silence but about balance, a comfortable, quiet home where the world outside fades into the background.

Built for New Zealand conditions

When improving your home, it is easy to focus on how things look, new paint, flooring, or fittings, but few people think about how their windows will cope with New Zealand’s unpredictable weather. Cold and damp in winter, hot and dry in summer, with coastal salt air in between, our climate is tough on materials.

That is why choosing the right window system matters. Many imported products are not made for these conditions. They can fade, warp, or corrode over time, leaving gaps that let in draughts and moisture. Modern uPVC systems are designed for New Zealand’s climate. They resist UV, salt and moisture while keeping their shape and finish for many years.

When paired with high performance double glazing, these windows stand up to the weather and make your home warmer and more energy efficient. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) highlights double glazing as one of the most effective ways to improve comfort and reduce heat loss, a smart choice for anyone refreshing their home for the future.

An upgrade that pays you back

Few home improvements deliver the same long term value as double glazing. It lowers power bills (you can check your estimated savings with our energy efficiency calculator), raises property value, and improves daily comfort. A warmer, quieter home means less time running heaters and more time enjoying the space you live in.

When installed correctly, double glazing ensures every window and door fits seamlessly, improving comfort, energy efficiency, and the overall feel of your home. It is a smart investment that continues to deliver benefits year after year.

Hear it from Kiwi homeowners

For many, the results speak for themselves.

“Our immediate thoughts were (our house no longer feels like its leaking heat). Exceptional products that significantly outperform our 15 year old double-glazed aluminium windows. No more condensation. Tilt & turn windows and doors means we can securely ventilate…and no longer run the risk of kids hitting their heads on an open window! I suggest you have a close look at glass options…to reduce summer overheating we opted for PerfomaTech206 on north and west faces. Standard Low E & Argon on all other windows”. – Phil Smith

“Can highly recommend NK Windows to anyone who wants high performance glazing on their house. Tani and the team were a pleasure to deal with, and accommodated all our requests. Easy and professional install, thanks again! I suggest you have a close look at glass options…to reduce summer overheating we opted for PerformaTech206 on north and west faces. Standard Low E & Argon on all other windows”. – Elena & Alex 

A home that feels right again

Choosing double glazing is about more than upgrading your windows. It is about creating a home that truly works for you, one that stays warm through winter, cool through summer, dry in every season, and peaceful no matter what is happening outside. It is comfort you can feel, value you can see, and a change that lasts for years to come.

External References for Further Reading:

• BRANZ – Moisture and Indoor Air Quality
  
• EECA – Energy Efficient Homes in New Zealand
  
• WGANZ – Double Glazing and Performance Standards

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Graeme Jacobs of Jacobs Architects isn’t just an architect, he’s a lifelong mountaineer, a member of the Canterbury Mountaineering Club, and someone deeply connected to the New Zealand backcountry. So, when the Backcountry Trust needed an architect to replace a failing alpine hut deep in the Lewis Pass area, Graeme was the perfect choice.

While his day-to-day work focuses on high-performance residential design – creating warm, airtight homes that approach Passive House standards – this project combined both his deep technical skills and his love of the outdoors. The result was Brass Monkey Hut, a modern, resilient tramping hut built in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine settings.

To help bring the vision to life, Graeme partnered with NK Windows to supply high-performance uPVC windows that could handle the harsh alpine conditions. With their proven thermal efficiency and robust construction, the windows played a key role in creating a warm, dry, and reliable space -no matter the weather outside.

A Better Backcountry Experience

The original hut had become uninhabitable in an unfortunate case of good intentions gone wrong. In an attempt to improve the existing space, someone had lined the walls with plywood. These modifications trapped moisture inside the walls, leading to serious mould growth. What had once been a basic but functional shelter became a serious health hazard, eventually forcing the Department of Conservation to close it.

Graeme knew that this new build had to do more. It had to be dry, warm, and reliable. It had to welcome tired trampers after a long hike and hold up to harsh alpine conditions, all while showcasing the incredible wild beauty around it.

Design Challenges and Considerations

Building in the backcountry is never simple. The site is remote, the weather is unpredictable, and everything must be flown in by helicopter. The hut was prefabricated offsite as panelised sections to make transport and assembly faster and safer. The design had to consider not just aesthetics and function, but logistics – weight limits for helicopters, what a team of builders could lift, and how everything could be assembled without machinery.

Wind was another big player. With strong gusts from both north and south, the building was narrowed to reduce exposure. Windows weren’t just punched in for light—they were part of a system. Designed to harness cross-ventilation and stack effect, the windows help regulate air flow, reduce condensation, and make sure even a cold, off-grid hut can feel warm and dry.

Warm Windows for Wild Places

When it came time to choose the windows for this project, Graeme knew what he needed: performance. With no heating source and a real need to avoid moisture problems, the windows had to do the heavy lifting in keeping the interior warm and condensation-free.

NK Windows’ uPVC windows with Metro performance glass ticked every box. With minimal thermal bridging, airtight seals, and multi-point locking systems, they offered the energy efficiency and durability this alpine build demanded.

The anthracite-coloured frames also looked stunning against the scoria cladding—a small but satisfying detail that helped the hut settle visually into the landscape.

Installation was made simpler thanks to the monobloc frame design. In Graeme’s words, “It just reverts your whole window install back to a standard New Zealand head flashing—it’s really, really simple.”

What Made It Meaningful: Passion, People, and Place

What truly set this project apart wasn’t just the technical challenge or the breathtaking location, it was the sense of purpose behind it.

It was a gift to the public, made possible by a generous bequest from someone who simply wanted to give back to the outdoors. That generosity lives on in Brass Monkey Hut, a place anyone will be able to experience—so long as they’re willing to make the journey into the heart of the mountains.

The hut is now owned, managed, and operated by the Backcountry Trust, ensuring it will continue to serve trampers and outdoor lovers for generations to come.

“Being part of the Brass Monkey Hut project was something really special for us. Many of our team are outdoorsy by nature—trampers, hunters, mountain bikers—so this wasn’t just another job. It was a chance to contribute to a space we could imagine ourselves using, and that makes it deeply meaningful. It was a unique build in a tough environment, and we’re incredibly proud our windows could help create a warm, dry, and lasting haven for fellow Kiwis exploring the backcountry.”

— Martin Ball | Director, NK Windows

And for Graeme, it was about more than just good design. “These things don’t happen without a team,” he said. From engineers and builders to window suppliers, everyone brought their best. The project became a shared vision, driven by people who genuinely cared about creating something that would last.

A special thanks must go to the build team, who lived and worked on site in tough alpine conditions to bring the hut to life: Matt Hewat, Shaun Jeffery, , Ryan Hart, Sam Dowd and Oli Jacobs.

Their skill, grit, and teamwork were instrumental in making the hut what it is today.

It’s a hut, yes. But it’s also a symbol of what’s possible when great design, premium materials, and a deep love of the outdoors come together.

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In this blog, we’re diving into some common myths and revealing the real facts behind them.

Myth 1: uPVC windows and doors turn yellow with time.

Reality: This concern did indeed exist in the past. However, rest assured that modern manufacturing techniques have addressed and resolved this issue. High-quality uPVC products now resist discolouration, ensuring they maintain their pristine appearance over the years.

Myth 2: uPVC windows are not suitable for extreme climates.

Reality: uPVC windows are renowned for their exceptional insulation properties, making them well-suited for both hot and cold climates. Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and temperature fluctuations, they retain their structural integrity without warping, cracking, or compromising their efficiency.

Myth 3: uPVC windows are not aesthetically pleasing.

Reality: While some may have held reservations about uPVC windows’ aesthetics in the past, today’s windows and doors are far from bland. With a diverse range of colours, styles, and finishes, modern uPVC windows perfectly complement the style of any home.

Myth 4: uPVC windows are not durable.

Reality: uPVC is a robust and long-lasting material that can endure extreme weather conditions. With a lifespan of 30 plus years, uPVC does not rot, rust, or corrode like wood or metal. Designed to withstand moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations, high-quality uPVC windows and doors prove their longevity.

Myth 5: uPVC doors and windows require regular maintenance.

Reality: Compared to wood windows, uPVC windows are relatively low-maintenance. There is no need for painting, staining, or sealing, requiring only occasional cleaning to keep them in prime condition.

Myth 6: uPVC windows are not environmentally friendly.

Reality: Though uPVC is a type of plastic, it is a recyclable material. Its reusability ensures that old uPVC products can be safely recycled into new high-quality new doors and windows multiple times.

In fact, the energy-efficient properties of uPVC windows contribute to reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions over their lifetime. This makes them a much more eco-friendly choice compared to other window materials.

Myth 7: uPVC windows are not secure.

Reality: Modern uPVC windows come equipped with multi-point locking systems and robust hardware, making them as secure as other window materials. Your peace of mind is paramount, and uPVC windows provide the necessary security for your home.

Myth 8: uPVC windows are expensive compared to wooden and aluminium doors and windows.

Reality: While uPVC windows may appear expensive initially, their extended lifespan makes them cost-effective in the long run. Their exceptional insulation properties ensure your home is warmer, drier and healthier, saving on power and heating costs. Their durability ensures they outlast wooden or aluminium windows, saving you money on maintenance and replacement costs.

With their enhanced aesthetics, durability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendliness, uPVC windows and doors stand as a grounded, reliable, and trustworthy choice for those seeking quality and long-term value. Embrace the innovation of uPVC and enjoy the benefits it brings to your home.

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