It's hard to believe another year has flown bye, and what a crazy busy year it has been for the team. 

Firstly we need to say a massive thank you to all our clients. We have many returning customers and this means the world to a small family business, so our upmost appreciation. We do not only have our private clients, but also designers, architects, builders, engineers that we work closely alongside. We are lucky to have had such positive experiences alongside other crafts people and this collaboration, teamwork and support from one another onsite and behind the scenes makes everyones job easier and produces an awesome end result for the consumer. Team work makes the dream work as they say. As we have mentioned in a previous blog, we don't do any formal advertisement, we rely on your word of mouth, written and verbal recommendations, so again thank you.

We can't say it has been the easiest of years, we have had to roll along the tides of the ongoing spin off's from covid, the ever escalating price rises on timber and hardware, delays on materials, timeline changes on larger on site jobs. It's been quite a challenge but we feel like hopefully this era has peaked and we are excited for the jobs we have already scheduled in for 2024. In the words of Sean "we're still surviving" !

With 18 months now completed in the new workshop and the purchase of some additional big toys for the team to use, we are now fully set up for larger scale projects, both on space and equipment. We have completed everything from single pieces of bespoke cabinetry through to completing the full scope of works for both new architectural builds and large scale renovations. More on what we can crank out in 2024 further down our years recap.

As of September we have had another new employee start, bringing our small but mighty team up to 5 on the factory floor and Simon working wonders behind the scenes. Gary already has significant Cabinetry and Joinery years under his belt and is cranking out the good stuff. One thing we don't compromise on here, is quality, and it's great to have another team member slot in and have the passion like we do. Our established crew are ever growing in knowledge and experience, thats the fuel of customised pieces, always problem solving and creating new and exciting things which drives creativity. We are proud of our team and lucky to have them.

What have been the highlights.... Well when we asked Sean (Joint owner and cabinet maker, the one you see on site visits and introductory discussions) he said its all been great (but he really really loves what he does!). Always the favourites are making very unique one off high end pieces that are not financially limiting, but each piece has its own reason for being made and is always created from beautiful timber and makes a difference to the customers life, so all is great. The lowlights.. we do have a story but that's not what this is about (or maybe for another day) so lets focus of on the good stuff. 

Where is 2024 taking us... As mentioned earlier we have a much bigger workspace, team and set up, so we can master craft so much more. We hope to produce more high end kitchens, previously mainly focusing of bespoke additions to new Kitchens, we can now do the whole works. So lock us in for you kitchen Reno projects or new builds. We have designers who we can link you with or work alongside if needed also.

Many people forget we do a significant amount of new timber joinery alongside our cabinetry work. It's pretty satisfying seeing large bi-fold windows or doors being installed, or beautiful heritage style sash windows, it really brings builds to life. We do external and interior doors, classic, modern and barn style. The list goes on. We hope to link with more architects and builders (so spread the word) to collaborate on in the joinery arm of the business. 

Maybe one day we may even get the show room up and running! Finding time to design, create and fill a show room and shop is still beyond our current capacity, but hopefully not forever. In this Digital age we probably need to be more social media savvy and share more pictures of our work for the world to see (well New Zealand), and speaking of NZ, remember our geographical location maybe Christchurch however we have completed work for many South Island locations and happy to broaden on this further. 

As the door closes to mark the year break, the boss sprang to the van and a churred his team mates. I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, Thank you to all our customers, a Merry Christmas and great night.

We have truly been overwhelmed by the continued support over this last year, certainly keeping us busy. We love what we do and can’t wait to get back at it after a much needed break. Saying that, there is no rest for the wicked when there is master crafting to be done! So, we will be back in the Workshop on the 8th Jan 2024!! We can’t wait to see all our old customers and welcome the new. Chur for now, and don’t forget to flick through those NY dreams & aspirations. The Podo Team.