Arrowtown based shade expert Suncraft NZ has again caught the attention of the Advanced Textile Association of NZ awards judges winning the 2024 retractable awnings category for the second successive year.

“It is good to get recognition from the industry and we also won the highly commended award in our sector once more which has added further to our profile,” says co-owner Kate Grubb.

She says following last year’s awards there was a definite raised awareness from potential clients in the United States about the company’s high-quality European shade systems.

“An article was published in the US and there have been lots of enquiries which points to a possible new market for us in the future.”

Kate and her husband Josef Fruhmann established their venture in Arrowtown five years ago as the exclusive distributor of the Austrian manufactured Soliday products in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.

“Interest around Central Otago in our retractable shades for both commercial and residential properties is continuing to grow particularly in Wanaka while further afield we are excited to be part of the new high-end project 269 in Auckland’s Parnell,” she says. “It is a wonderful area for people to gather and eat and drink at some fantastic vendors and two of our motorised retractable shades will be installed there by summer.”

While motorised shade systems are Suncraft NZ’s most popular products which are purpose designed for places such as wineries, cafés, restaurants and hotels

they also promote a range of systems that can be attached to existing structures.

“The wave shaped Soliday RAFF system is perfect for shading pergolas, winter gardens, under glass roofs and outdoor areas,” says Kate, “while another option is the Soliday Flex which is a manually operated retractable sail very easy to put up and down. These products are very easy to retro fit to any structure.”

Stylish Solutions

Suncraft NZ’s outdoor furniture range is sourced from Soliday in Austria and Central Otago clients love the modular concept.

“We were overwhelmed at the Wanaka Show this year with people wanting to know more about the different furniture options, “ says co-owner Kate Grubb.

“It’s very comfortable, looks cool and is strong enough not to blow away. There’s nothing quite like it on the market and we have recently received a new selection of stock in time for summer. The European style range features quality water repellent fabric and offers multifunction stylish solutions.”

Kate says they welcome visitors to the Arrowtown showroom to view both their shade systems and furniture.