Woodsman - Family history. A real legacy.

April 2, 2025

Hand crafted in New Zealand (Since 1887)

As a family-run business has seen a lot over our five generations: two world wars, a Great Depression, economic upheaval, technological change and the arrival of new ways to heat New Zealand homes. Something that hasn’t changed though—and never will—is our commitment to outstanding craftsmanship. This mindset dates back to a 21 year old Christchurch tinsmith with exacting standards…

1887

THE TRAILBLAZER

William Henry Harris, 21, finishes his apprenticeship at Mr R. J. Whyte, Tin, Zinc and Ironworkers. He purchases the business with a partner, and then swiftly becomes the sole owner of W. H. Harris, Tinsmith.

1904

A HOUSEHOLD NAME

Now the largest tinsmithing business in Christchurch, W. H. Harris supplies all the South Island with tinware, packing canisters, hot-water boilers, tin baths, corrugated iron tanks and dairy equipment.

1929

THE SPARKS OF INNOVATION

With technological advances in the air and the Depression looming, a new venture beckoned. Now with three Harris sons also working in the company, the General Heating and Ventilating Company Ltd was formed, with W. H. Harris and two other shareholders.

1938

OUR FLAMES ARE DAMPENED

The combination of W. H. Harris Tinsmiths Ltd manufacturing ability with the latest in heating engineering technology proves powerful, with many notable contracts fulfilled for supplying and installing heating units. But war descends and the deaths of both William Harris and his son Leslie leave the company in some turmoil.

1960s

HOME FIRES

Harris Home Fires emerges from the stagnation of the war years to a diverse and ambitious manufacturing industry, one where quality New Zealand-made goods dominated a market once ruled by imports.

1980s

GENERATIONAL SUCCESS

Shoulder pads were in, and so were log burners. Now run by the fourth generation of the Harris family, brothers Evan and Peter, the company celebrates a centenary of business and continues to grow and improve the range.

1990s

WELCOME WOODSMAN

The Woodsman brand is introduced to New Zealand.

41 braddon st chch

2010s

FUTURE FORWARD THINKING

Helping New Zealand reach new standards of clean air emissions, our R&D investment ensures continued innovation, with new technologies

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2020s

WARMING HEARTS AND HOMES

Our proud family company continues to warm the hearts and homes of New Zealanders everywhere. Richard Harris is the sixth generation to guide our company, and the future looks bright (and warm)