End of era for woodworking King

Peter King standing in front of his collection of old woodworking tools in his family museum. PHOTO/FILE

A woodworking company will close its doors next month, after 131 years of service in Wairarapa.

After taking the reins of the family business in 1976, fourth-generation woodworker Peter King is retiring, citing ill health as one of the reasons for selling up.

He said the business had not found a buyer after several months on the market and if no buyer was found by November 30, assets would need to be sold separately.

Under King’s management, the company became well known in the region for the design and manufacture of solid timber kitchens and joinery.

The company, now located on Broadway in Carterton, was founded by King’s great-grandfather, Daniel Thomas “DT” King in 1887.

“I am of course saddened that such a long family heritage must come to an end, but my health has to be a priority,” King said.

Much of the equipment used by the company in the early days, along with staff photos and other memorabilia, is housed in a small family museum alongside the company’s Carterton office, which he said would remain open after the business is closed.

He said his company helped introduce timbers such as blackwood, elm and macrocarpa to the commercial market and had become distinguished within the industry for using sustainable plantation species – something which wasn’t common practice at the time.

“The Kings’ legacy and solid wooden joinery, made from timber from sustainable sources, has been the focus of my working life.”

He and his wife, Annette had made great friendships with architects, kitchen and bathroom retailers and fellow joiners over the years, “but our biggest shout-out must be to our wonderful customers and talented staff”.

“They have shared our love of natural timber and have been the lifeblood of our business.

“I would also like to thank the Carterton community. It has been hugely supportive of our business and family through the generations.”