Welcome to Rose & Heather furniture makers
For many years Rose & Heather have created beautiful, individual pieces and settings for clients in New Zealand, Australia and around the globe.
Making use of timbers of fine grain and beauty, R&H produce unique items that stand alone, or as a collection of fine pieces at ease with one another.
Much of the company’s philosophy lies in the support of true craft and the use of structural detail employed in the construction as the decorative detail. “And When you show the way things are made, there is nothing to hide.”
Company History
Rose & Heather was established by Tim and Lucille Heather (nee Rose.) The company first started producing round tables from their workshop in Cleveland Rd. Parnell, Auckland in the late 70’s. Both had spent years overseas and had developed a keen eye for interiors and design. Originally producing a colonial design focusing on functionality and aesthetics, the company grew quickly.
With stores in Auckland and Christchurch by the 80’s, Maryjane Heather and Martin Bell, the second generation, joined the company and by the early 90’s expanded into Australia through the David Jones Department store chain. By the early 2000’s the company had its’ own stores in Sydney and Melbourne. The drive into Australia meant a much greater focus on Design and given the footing the company had already established in terms of standard and service, the foundations were set. From this came the Trenail Range, a range still available today.
During this time the company won two International Design Awards and two NZ Export Awards. Based on a catalogue that used almost exclusively NZ Ancient Swamp Kauri.
Since 2017 the company has used the internet to stay in contact with its’ Australian clients allowing Martin and Maryjane to focus on design development and production from their Auckland workshop. They regularly travel to Australia to personally deliver and install client orders and visit new projects.
In 2024 the Workshop and Showroom combined on one site and clients now have the opportunity to see first-hand and experience the craft that goes in to producing a Rose & Heather piece.
Today the company continues to export, primarily to Australia and whilst still using Ancient Kauri, it utilises it primarily for decorative tops and drawer faces of the cabinetry or for clients wishing to complement their existing R&H pieces. American White Ash now forms a significant volume of pieces and ties in beautifully with the cleaner lines of todays pieces.
The Team
“The R&H team is a collective of passionates striving to create beautiful, elegant pieces.”
Martin and Maryjane Bell (nee Heather) have a passion for designing and making pieces that will last a lifetime. The fine balance of form and functionality with a constant approach to standards is what makes the company what it is. “Our name for producing fine furniture has been earned over many years of consistent delivery of beautiful pieces.” There is a standard and consistency that means clients have confidence in creating their own collection of R&H favourites over what be 5 or 10 years.
MJ comments, “It makes a difference to our customers. They’re not just buying a beautiful piece of furniture. They’re buying from us because we have a provenance: there’s a strong thread of history entwined in the R&H story that sets us apart.” Martin and Maryjane are both based at the Onehunga site, focusing on production logistics, product design and development. You’ll see both in the showroom and on Workshop Open Days and regularly spend time in Australia on deliveries and client calls.
Brett is our Head Craftsman and has been with the company for 25 years. He oversees all products to completion and specialises in our Bespoke and Trenail work. Every piece he has crafted over the years bears his name.
Daisuke (Dai) heads our Newport department and is focused on ensuring the product is made to the standard that is R&H. Having completed his apprenticeship with the company means the pieces are made without compromise. Dai uses a number of Japanese traditional tools in many applications adding to the unique nature of every piece.
Annand leads our Trenail and New Product department. Having completed his apprenticeship with the company, he is meticulous in his attention to detail and the pride he takes in his work shines through each of his finished pieces. The great feature of Trenail is the craft over cabinetmaking skill required and a patience when taking the time to produce that timeless piece.
Steve leads our finishing and refurbishment programme. Steve first started as an apprentice with the company in 1994. After a 7 year sabbatical he has only recently returned to retake the role. Steves’ finishing and eye for colour is extraordinary and he has the responsibility for the feel and touch of each finished piece.
Roberto Firmino (Bertie) is our Workshop “Morale Officer.” Always a wagging response and happy to assist with product testing and site security!