31st March 2014
South Canterbury Stonewood Homes now largest new home builder
One of Timaru’s biggest business success stories in recent years must surely be that of the Timaru Stonewood Homes
franchise. This rapidly growing company – headed by husband and wife Nigel and Amy Hollamby and Amy’s brother Chris
Karton – has taken just four years to become South Canterbury’s largest new home builder.
“In four years we have gone from building two houses to having 20 currently in construction,” Nigel Hollamby reflected.
“In those early days it was just the three of us, me the builder, Chris staring at a computer screen in the office, and
Amy working part time.” Now Stonewood Timaru employ a growing number of locals including a busy team in the office as
well as providing a lot of work for local suppliers and building sub-trades.
Nigel was making his comments at the opening of the company’s new showhome in the Gleniti subdivision which is the
extension of Dobson Street. This subdivision will eventually be full of homes built by Stonewood.
As well as being a stunning example of a light, sunny, well designed new home, the showhome has a number of innovative
environmental features – from thermally broken windows to photovoltaic power. “We use the power ourselves in the home to
dramatically reduce the power bills, and any we don’t use is exported back into the grid and we’re paid for it.”
Speaking at the opening, Stonewood Homes Managing Director Brent Mettrick had nothing but praise for the Timaru
franchise and its three owners. “Right from the start, they have been a model of what a good franchise should be. They
have listened to what we’ve said, done everything that’s been asked of them, and I can honestly say that in the four
years they’ve been operating we’ve never had a cross word” he explained.
“They follow the system, work hard, and now they’ve reaping the rewards. I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve done, and
it’s no surprise to me that they have been our number one franchise nationwide for the last two years.”
In formally opening the new showhome, Deputy Mayor Richard Lyon reiterated Brent’s comments, saying he could see why the
franchise had succeeded when they build beautiful homes like this. “I’m absolutely delighted to be here to see you open
this wonderful new home. I take my hat off to you – this is a credit to you all, and it is very pleasing for us in the
council to see such great things happening in our district.”
On a personal level however, the Deputy Mayor did see one potential drawback with the new showhome …”My wife has already
fallen in love with the house!”
ENDS