Building a better New Zealand: What does that really mean?
At Viblock, we think a lot about building a better New Zealand. It’s a belief that better buildings come from better materials, better manufacturing and better decisions.
That means investing in products that last, efficient manufacturing, the people who make and use our products, and New Zealand’s ability to produce more of the materials we build with.
Our recent acquisition of Canterbury Clay Bricks reflects that commitment. It brings together two New Zealand manufacturers with shared values, complementary products and confidence in the future of local manufacturing.
Mangawhai Dune House | Architecture: Oto Group Architecture | Builder: Smith Construction | Bricklayer: DC Bricklayers | Featured Product: Canterbury Clay Custom Smooth Roman Red
New Zealand relies heavily on imported building materials. While global supply chains provide choice, they can also create uncertainty through shipping delays, changing markets and long lead times.
Strong local manufacturing gives customers another option. It supports skilled jobs, preserves specialist knowledge and creates more opportunities for the people making products to work closely with those designing and building with them.
That is one of the reasons we saw so much value in Canterbury Clay Bricks. The Darfield business has built a reputation for distinctive New Zealand-made clay bricks and specialist manufacturing expertise. Canterbury Clay will continue as its own brand, with continuity for its customers our immediate priority. Longer term, our ambition is to invest in capacity and strengthen local supply.
One One Two Park Terrace | Architecture: Common Architecture | Builder: The Woodsmith | Bricklayer: Slaney Masonry | Featured Product: Canterbury Clay CK68
Craft, precision and care
These three principles guide how we make products and support the people using them.
Craft is about combining lasting performance with design possibilities. From clay bricks and architectural concrete blocks to pavers and custom finishes, colour, texture, format and detail can all help bring a building’s character to life.
Precision is about making products that are consistent, reliable and fit for purpose. It also means continually improving our manufacturing processes to make efficient use of resources. Dimensional accuracy can make installation more straightforward, reduce avoidable waste and help builders deliver the intended finish.
Care means looking beyond the product itself. It includes helping customers choose suitable materials, providing practical technical and installation guidance, and looking for better ways to manufacture responsibly and efficiently.
Together, these principles support products and systems that work well in practice, not just on paper.
Building for generations
Buildings are long-term investments. Appearance and upfront cost matter, but so do durability, maintenance and performance over time. Good material decisions can make a difference for decades.
Project by R· B· Studio | Featured Products Structural 20 Series Carbon Black Honed | Photography Hazel Redmond
Projects such as Te Mata House and Ski House in Wānaka show how concrete and masonry can contribute to lasting, well-considered buildings. Thermal mass can also support indoor comfort when it is integrated with the right insulation, orientation and ventilation.
Project by Roberts Gray Architects | Featured Products Structural 20 Series and 390 Half Grey | Builder: Level Construction | Photography Simon Devitt
Long-term thinking extends to manufacturing. At Viblock’s Central Otago operation, selected concrete products incorporate aggregates recovered from historic gold-mining waste, giving an existing resource a new purpose. We continue to focus on using materials efficiently, reducing waste and improving our processes.
Better results come from working together
A successful building depends on more than choosing a good brick or block. Mortar colour, bond patterns, detailing and installation methods all influence the finished result.
Getting the manufacturer, designer, builder and installer involved early helps everyone understand what the project needs, resolve practical challenges and make informed decisions.
The aim is not simply to supply a product, but to give customers the guidance and confidence to achieve a better outcome.
For more practical advice, read our article Planning a Brick Home? Here’s What to Get Right Before Bricklaying Starts.
Investing in what comes next
Building a better New Zealand requires a long-term view: investing in manufacturing capability, backing skilled people and continually improving the products and support we provide.
Canterbury Clay brings valuable knowledge, an established range and its own identity to the wider business. Preserving that expertise today, and creating opportunities for investment in the future, is part of how we put our purpose into practice.
For Jim Hunter, General Manager of Viblock, the acquisition reflects a much broader commitment to the future of building in New Zealand.
“For us, building a better New Zealand is about more than the bricks and blocks we make. It’s about investing in local people and manufacturing expertise, creating products that stand the test of time, and helping our customers build with confidence. Bringing Canterbury Clay into the business is another step towards that vision.”
Jim Hunter | General Manager, Viblock
Build with confidence
Planning a project? From choosing the right materials to getting the details right, our team is here to help you make informed decisions and achieve better building outcomes.
Call us on 0800 842 562 or contact us through our website.
Further reading and resources