Our Story

NZ Trade Group supports more than 450 electrical businesses across New Zealand with industry-leading software, strong supplier partnerships, and practical business support. Our nationwide team works from Auckland and Christchurch to deliver trusted guidance every day. We continue to evolve, and back sparkies to run smarter, stronger businesses.

This year brings major milestones with the launch of The Puzzle Factory Podcast and the introduction of our sixth pillar, the Advisory Service. Membership surpasses 450 as more businesses join the network. New partnerships with Sharp Signs, Q Card, and Kauri Wealth strengthen the value we deliver to members nationwide.

Membership grows beyond 350 as regional development strengthens and representation increases across every part of the electrical industry. Systems and support structures continue expanding to meet member needs. The network gains momentum as partnerships deepen and nationwide presence grows stronger throughout the year.

A revitalised CPD framework launches, offering expanded training and coaching opportunities for members. Our Christchurch Member & Supplier Conference attracts more than 500 attendees, marking our largest event yet. The year celebrates progress, collaboration, and stronger industry connection across the NZ Trade Group community.

Expansion continues with new Regional Managers and Katipolt Trainers joining the team to support members across the country. The organisation grows to 20 staff and passes a major milestone of 250+ member businesses. Increased capability strengthens service delivery and supports the growing demand for trusted industry guidance and connection.

NZ Trade Group celebrates 15 years supporting electrical businesses across New Zealand. Key partnerships with suppliers, training providers, and business support partners are renewed. Development on Katipolt accelerates to maintain its position as the industry’s leading software platform, supported by a collaborative roadmap with J. A. Russell Ltd and Radcliffe Electrical.

COVID-19 brings major challenges, and NZ Trade Group responds with online forums, training, and practical support for business continuity. Partners assist with employment and policy guidance throughout a difficult year. Membership continues to grow, our first South Island Regional Manager joins the team, and nationwide membership reaches 150.

Katipolt software development accelerates as new features roll out across the network, replacing our old System Fox software. Investment grows in an in-house engineering team focused on ongoing innovation. A larger BDM team and business coach strengthen support for members as national membership reaches 120 electrical businesses across New Zealand.

Development begins on our next generation of job management software, designed with third-party developers to meet growing member needs. Katipolt launches exclusively for our NZ Trade Group members, strengthening business systems nationwide. The team grows to six full-time staff and membership reaches 80, including a growing South Island presence.

The team expands with a dedicated Marketing Manager and BDM to support national recruitment and member engagement. Membership doubles from 25 to 50 electrical businesses as awareness grows. NZ Trade Group hosts its first member conference in Auckland, bringing the network together to collaborate and share industry insights.

Membership reaches 25 businesses and a strong culture of sharing advice, documentation, and support becomes central to the group. Sparkies connect openly about challenges and opportunities in a trusted environment. The network expands further into Northland and the Waikato as growth steadily increases across the country.

Supplier agreements with major suppliers and distributors ensure members access competitive pricing and quality materials through J. A. Russell Ltd. The focus shifts to strengthening community and building nationwide relationships with wholesalers and suppliers. Development begins on the first quoting and job management system, System Fox version one.

NZ Trade Group is created to support a small group of Auckland-based sparkies seeking stronger business support and better purchasing power. The concept is presented to J. A. Russell Ltd, forming the foundation for a long-term partnership. This marks the beginning of a collaborative, member-focused network.