From small beginnings in 1987, in a town of only 450 people, Tuapeka started its incredible growth almost immediately through a strong work ethic and a caring community. Today, Tuapeka is over 500 staff strong and are the market leaders in the promotional industry.
OUR
HISTORY
“Tuapeka Gold Print was founded by Jim & Karyl Robertson in Lawrence, Central Otago, with Jim printing gold foil business cards on their kitchen table. The company name combined the rich history of gold discovery in the Tuapeka region and the gold foil used to print the business cards. ”
“With the business growing, the product range grew to include pens and other products to meet increasing customer demands. These products became Trends Collection.”
“Tuapeka became the largest supplier in New Zealand for branded pens. ”
“Annual Pen sales grew to over 12 million pens. ”
“Brad Houghton joined the Tuapeka team as a shareholder and director, bringing his experience in international business and engineering skillset to the company. Together, they set about turning the company’s plans for expansion into a reality.”
“The company was running out of room in Lawrence, with Jim and Brad looking for larger premises locally and further afield. ”
“A devastating snowstorm tore through the town of Lawrence, buckling the roof trusses of the Tuapeka Gold Print warehouse, making it unusable. With time of the essence, an urgent stock transfer to Dunedin was undertaken.”
“Greg Jolly was introduced as CEO. Under his leadership, he was charged with realising the company vision, building on the strategic plan with a focus on growth and innovation. The timing was right to execute the first step of purchasing space in Dunedin and making it fit for purpose.”
“The Board of Directors was established with Paul Moodie, senior partner at Findex, heading up the board as independent chair. Paul provides objective oversight of the board with valuable expertise in finance, company culture and a disciplined approach to strategy.”
“With the Fairfield factory renovations complete, the company moved its entire operation to the new site. Not wanting to lose experienced staff, a shuttle was provided for Lawrence staff to get to the new location. ”
“After only a year of operation at the Fairfield site, the company needed more space. A factory extension and warehouse totaling 2400m2 was built to accommodate the company’s rapid growth.”
“For the first time, Trends Collection wins APPA’s Best Supplier award in Australia, just three years after entering the Australian market.”
“The company’s sales had grown 300% since moving to Dunedin, and Tuapeka Gold Print had become the largest supplier of branded promotional products in Australia and New Zealand.”
“Tuapeka won Best Medium Exporter at the Otago Business Awards, was runner-up in the Best Medium Exporter nationally, and ranked seventh in the Deloitte Fast 50 Master of Growth Index. ”
“The company rebranded Trends Collection to TRENDS, with a cleaner, modern look and a new website.”
“Covid-19 hit. Tuapeka saw disruption on a scale that had never been seen before. Covid went from a disaster to becoming a defining moment in the company’s history. With a dedicated and hardworking team, the company emerged from Covid with improved efficiency and significant sales growth.”
“TRENDS won APPA’s Best Supplier, Best Supplier – People’s Choice, and Best Decorator awards in Australia, establishing the company as the largest and best promotional products supplier in Australia.”
“TRENDS won APPA’s Best Supplier – People’s Choice, Most Innovative Marketing Tool, Innovative Branding Process & Digital Innovation awards at the APPA Awards in Australia.”
“The company has over 500 employees across its head office and factory in Dunedin, its office and warehouse in Auckland, and its Philippines office. Construction of an 8000sqm warehouse is underway in Fairfield Dunedin and new production facilities are in the planning phases estimated to begin in 2024. When finished, it will be the second-largest facility of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.”