Next Level Joinery Ltd

Next Level Joinery Ltd Timber Joinery Specialists

A modern approach to timber door and window manufacturing.

Our fourth feature of the series is Stu Shirkie.For the past 12 years, Stu has been building 360 Glass, navigating the c...
03/09/2026

Our fourth feature of the series is Stu Shirkie.

For the past 12 years, Stu has been building 360 Glass, navigating the challenges that come with growing a trade business and keeping it sustainable along the way.

Swipe across to hear some of the biggest lessons Stu has learnt through that growth, and how the tougher market has changed the way he runs the business today.

360 Glass Ltd



What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt?

One of the biggest lessons Stu has learnt is that keeping work coming in isn’t enough on its own.

The work still needs to be charged at a level that leaves enough margin to properly support the business and make the cash flow worthwhile.

Otherwise, you can stay busy without really moving forward, and unforeseen costs can quickly start to hurt.

How has this changed the way you run your business?

As 360 Glass has grown, Stu has seen how quickly overheads and labour can start to weigh on the business when the market slows.

One of the biggest lessons has been the need to stay organised around every job, from programming the work properly to managing labour hours and making sure those costs are covered.

That extra attention to detail has become a big part of keeping the team productive and each job running the way it should.

For our third feature of the series, we have Henry McGarry Henry started his journey as a building operator back in 2017...
27/08/2026

For our third feature of the series, we have Henry McGarry

Henry started his journey as a building operator back in 2017, and like many builders across Auckland, the past couple of years have forced him to take a closer look at how the business operates and where things can be done better.

Swipe across to hear Henry’s perspective on the current market, the changes Concept has made, and why tighter processes and greater efficiency have become such a focus.

Concept Build Group

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt?

For Henry, one of the biggest learnings from the past couple of years has been the importance of taking a harder look at how the business is operating.

That’s meant cutting unnecessary expenditure and tightening up processes, because when the market gets tougher, it forces you to find better ways of doing things.

How has this changed the way you run your business?

Over the past couple of years, staying ahead of the pack has meant taking a much closer look at how Concept operates and where the business can become more efficient.

That’s meant reducing unnecessary overheads, building their network, tightening up processes and making sure the team understands exactly what’s required.

A big part of that has been understanding those processes from A to Z, so they can keep improving how the business runs in a tougher market.

Next up in the series, Nathan Reynolds.Nathan is part of a new generation of builders, and over the past nine years he’s...
19/08/2026

Next up in the series, Nathan Reynolds.

Nathan is part of a new generation of builders, and over the past nine years he’s been building Fortified Construction while navigating one of the toughest periods the industry has faced.

Swipe across to hear the hardest lesson Nathan has learnt running the business, and how it’s changed the way he operates today.

Fortified Construction



What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt?

There are no shortcuts to learning lessons like that.

A lot of the biggest lessons come from mistakes, and for Nathan, the real shift came from finding the source and understanding where things had gone wrong. And in his words: “Once we had a better understanding, it completely transformed our business.”

How has this changed the way you run your business?

“It completely changed our stress levels, on the day-to-day”

Understanding the numbers didn’t just change the way Nathan ran the business. It changed the pressure that came with running it.

Sometimes the biggest improvements to a business are the ones that give you more confidence and peace of mind.

First up in the series, Willie de Gruchy.For the past 17 years, Willie has built WG de Gruchy Construction into one of t...
13/08/2026

First up in the series, Willie de Gruchy.

For the past 17 years, Willie has built WG de Gruchy Construction into one of the most respected names in the high-end residential space, known for uncompromising standards and the way the business is run.

Swipe across to hear his story, his perspective on the industry, and some of the key lessons and advice he’s picked up over decades in construction.

WG de Gruchy Construction Ltd



What’s your background and how did you start your business?

For Willie, being a good builder isn’t just about the work you put your name to. It’s about what you pass on.

A lot of what he knows was taught to him by the builders before him, and he sees it as his responsibility to do the same for the next generation coming through.

What does the construction market look like for builders right now?

What advice would you give to young operators facing a tough market?

What makes you confident about the future?

For Willie, optimism isn’t about ignoring how tough the market can be. It’s about choosing not to get dragged down by it.

There’s always going to be uncertainty in the industry, but he’s learnt how important it is to surround yourself with positive people, focus on what you can control, and not let the negativity take over.

How important is time with family for switching off work?

How do you manage the stress of running a construction business?

Why are reliable subcontractors and trade partners so important?

Over the next three months, we're going to be sitting down with some of the best operators in the industry, ranging from...
11/08/2026

Over the next three months, we're going to be sitting down with some of the best operators in the industry, ranging from seasoned veterans to the newer guys making moves and building strong businesses in a challenging market.

There’s been plenty of doom and gloom around construction lately, and understandably so. Between rising costs, smaller margins, shifting client expectations and everything else happening around the industry, there’s a lot for builders to carry.

But we wanted to look at it from a different angle.

We want to hear from the people who have been through tough periods before, the ones adapting now, and the operators finding smarter ways to keep moving forward.

We’ll be talking about the lessons they’ve learnt, the changes they’ve made, the pressure that comes with running a building business, and why having the right people around you can make a real difference.

Because when the market gets tougher, good systems, good decisions and reliable partners matter more than ever.

Stay tuned.

Selecting the right timber is one of the first calls on any joinery project. It carries more weight than most people exp...
28/07/2026

Selecting the right timber is one of the first calls on any joinery project. It carries more weight than most people expect.

We work with a range of timbers, each with its own strengths. Here's a quick breakdown:

Accoya: Acetylated radiata pine. Highly stable and long-lasting, ideal for exposed joinery.

Abodo: Thermally modified radiata, grown and made in New Zealand. Durable and sustainable.

Western Red Cedar: naturally durable, light, and stable, with a warm tone that weathers to silvery grey.

Alaska Yellow Cedar: Dense, hard, and fine-grained. A solid pick for exterior work.

Finger-jointed Radiata Pine: Engineered for stability and grown locally. Dependable under a painted finish.

The right choice comes down to where it sits, how it's finished, and what it needs to do.

You can learn more about what timber would suit your project through our website or get in touch with us for a chat.

Metal and plastic are finite resources. Once they're used, that's it.As it grows, it absorbs and stores carbon. When it ...
26/07/2026

Metal and plastic are finite resources. Once they're used, that's it.

As it grows, it absorbs and stores carbon. When it comes from responsibly managed forests, the trees that are harvested are replanted, allowing the cycle to continue.

So, when you choose timber joinery, you’re not only considering how it looks or how long it will last. You’re also choosing a material that can be regrown and renewed for future generations.

21/07/2026

Join me and Dan from Abodo Wood as we chat through why he chose to replace his window sashes rather than complete a full retrofit.

A renovation and extension of an existing State House, designed to retain the character of the original home while impro...
19/07/2026

A renovation and extension of an existing State House, designed to retain the character of the original home while improving the way it works for modern family life.

Our joinery package included a multi-lite timber window, a custom awning window and several large sliding doors, all double glazed and detailed to complement both the original architecture and the new additions.

It was a pleasure working alongside Todd and the team at Neo Build Ltd., as well as Guy from Guy Tarrant Architects. The communication and attention to detail across the project made the entire process a great one to be part of.

Architect: Guy Tarrant Architects
Builder: Neo Build Ltd.

13/07/2026

After three stages, it's all come together.

Waka Huia has been in the works for a while now, and it's a project we're proud of and have been looking forward to sharing in full.

Builder: J R Hosking Carpenters and Co
Architect: Pac Studio

Address

7 Goldfield
Wairau Valley
0627

Opening Hours

Monday 6:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 6:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 6:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 6:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 6:30am - 3:30pm

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