Our History

2001

First system installed, by Lyall and Lewis Smith. They established a relationship with Firebird who produce diesel boilers in Ireland and their longest-serving supplier.

2002

Working out of their Dads shed on February 15^th Central Heating New Zealand was established. In June, Central Heating New Zealand attended their first Home Show in Christchurch. 30 systems were sold during the following 12 months.

2003

Central Heating New Zealand leased premises were set up at 11F Parkhouse Road. Lyall’s and Lewis’ wives, Mel and Lynda, and two additional employees joined the heating family. Central Heating New Zealand’s first underfloor heating system was installed.

2004

The first salesperson was employed and joined the heating family.

2005

Central Heating New Zealand switched to supplying De’Longhi radiators. Distribution to the Trade market in South Island commenced. They moved residence to 11A Parkhouse Road and the heating family grew to 10 employees.

2007

The first design engineer was employed, giving a step up on the heating designs. Central Heating New Zealand started their supply of wood pellet boilers and established the Multitubo pipe system in New Zealand.

2008

Central Heating New Zealand training centre was established to upskill plumbers from around New Zealand. They switched to supplying Baxi Gas Boilers and the very first Geothermal Heating System was installed.

2010

Central Heating New Zealand supply of Baxi Commercial Gas Boilers, underfloor heating, and radiators into commercial projects across New Zealand began to rapidly grow.

2011

On February 11, 9am, Lyall and Lewis received a building permit for a new purpose-built showroom, offices, and warehouse. At 1pm Christchurch was hit with a 6.3 magnitude earthquake, which badly damaged buildings throughout Christchurch. Instantly the building permit was revoked until new strengthening regulations had been decided. By November they moved to Pilkington Way to the purpose-built showroom, office, and warehouse. The heating family had grown to 30 staff members.

2012

Central Heating New Zealand supplied a cascade of 6 x Baxi boilers 900kW to BP House Wellington.

2013

Central Heating New Zealand supplied MIT and WELTEC Polytechs with boilers and radiators for training apprentice plumbers.

2014

Central Heating New Zealand partnered with suppliers such as Chofu who produce ‘Air-to-Water Heat Pumps’ in Japan and Variotherm who produce ‘Quick reaction Underfloor Heating’ in Austria.

2015-16

Central Heating New Zealand designed and supplied 25 school underfloor heating systems across New Zealand.

2016-17

Central Heating New Zealand partnered with ‘The Block NZ’ for two years in a row, providing radiators for the builds and helping educate New Zealander’s about central heating.

2018

Central Heating New Zealand became the preferred supplier of warm water heating products to major plumbing merchant chains.

2019

In June, Central Heating New Zealand joint venture with Rinnai New Zealand, the market leader in instantaneous hot water appliances and gas fireplaces. Due to a stroke Lewis Smith, founding partner, stepped down from company duties. 1,000 plumbers went through Central Heating New Zealand's Training Academy since its inception.

2020

The heating family has grown to nearly 50 staff members; they have completed 10,000 residential projects and over 1,000 commercial projects. Their vision to change the way Kiwis think about comfort in their homes with warm water central heating still compelling the team forward.