Celebrating skilled master craftsmanship

from Nelson Magazine - May 2023

Home Style

Words: Amy Russ

Encouraging competition and the pursuit of excellence between, and from, its members, their employees and apprentices, the awards celebrate innovation within the joinery industry.

First held regionally in 2015, JADA was designed to help boost the confidence of local joinery companies prior to entering nationwide events. The awards recognise local excellence in joinery, innovation and design and encourage the use of best sustainable practices. Association secretary of Nelson Marlborough Master Joiners Philip Thompson, says the awards are about celebrating quality and innovation in the industry, of which entrants can then ‘celebrate’ with customers.

“Exterior and interior joinery are premium products, which require a level of protection to enhance the properties of the products. It is therefore important that you take your time in selecting who designs, manufactures and advises on care and maintenance. Master joiners bring that to the industry.”

Phil says, since its conception the awards have been going from strength to strength. The event has grown in numbers from just 14 entries in its first year to 192 entries in 2023. Entries are considered within the 17 categories by three carefully selected and independent judges. They are critiqued on the level of workmanship displayed, the use of materials, the complexity of the project, and its overall visual appeal. The winner of each category was announced and presented with an award at the Founders Park event which was attended by many joiners and designers from the local building industry.

Phil is proud of the level of craftsmanship being created in the region, saying that although a lot of the supply issues from recent years have subsided, the effects of an economic downturn is having an impact on the way people are choosing to spend their money.

“The industry is still busy, but we are seeing designers having to think outside of the box in the way projects are designed. There has been a continued ‘cutting of the cloth’ on customer aspirations and available spend. A designer needs to have a greater understanding of the products that are available and how to best optimise the use of materials. The good ones will get the formula right.”

The professionalism and the attention to detail in our region has been recognised both regionally and nationally over the years says Phil. In New Zealand, joinery is one of the few industries that has retained its apprenticeship tradition, says Phil.

“That is why apprentices and emerging designers are such a focus of the awards.”

Of special mention, Paul Dalzell was presented with the Long Service award for his 40 plus years in the industry. Kai Kruse from Nelson Pine Industries (NPIL) says Paul has been with the company since 1986; and prior to that, with Baigent. Overall he has amassed 42 plus years in the timber industry.

“As marketing manager for NPIL, Paul established customer accounts in Nelson and throughout New Zealand but also in Asia and North America, a number of these are customers of NPIL today. In the late 80s MDF was a ‘young product’ and little was known of its excellent qualities for furniture, doors and other building products. Paul participated in pioneering MDF for use in high-quality kitchen, cabinetry, skirtings, interior doors and alike. Paul enjoyed the collegial atmosphere in NPIL and is highly respected by many in the timber industry for his fair and professional attitude.”