The Origin of Winter Gardenz: From Inspiration to Innovation
Our Story: From Inspiration to Innovation — and a Clearer Focus for the Future
After building a successful advertising agency, entrepreneur and engineer John Herrick set out to find a new challenge — one where he could combine innovation, design, and real‑world impact. Inspiration came unexpectedly during a journey through Europe, and it would go on to shape the future of modern greenhouse design in New Zealand.
While travelling through Germany ahead of Oktoberfest, John visited a friend who proudly showed him his “Veenter Garden” — a compact home greenhouse attached to the side of his house. Unlike traditional glass structures, it used lightweight polycarbonate panels to protect vegetables through harsh winters. The durability, efficiency, and practicality of the design immediately stood out.
As his travels continued, John began to notice something else: backyard greenhouses had barely evolved in decades. The rise of supermarkets and convenience food had reduced the focus on growing at home, yet the opportunity for smarter, more modular, and more sustainable growing spaces was clear. From that moment, the idea of a modern, kitset greenhouse designed for everyday growers began to take shape.
Back in New Zealand, John turned concept into reality. After a year of prototyping, testing, and refinement, the first Winter Gardenz greenhouse was launched — combining durable materials, thoughtful engineering, and practical design suited to New Zealand conditions.
As the business grew, so did its scope. Winter Gardenz expanded beyond residential kitset greenhouses to deliver commercial and custom greenhouse solutions, including specialist structures for research, quarantine, and automated growing environments. Today, these large‑scale and bespoke projects remain a core part of what Winter Gardenz does best.
A new chapter, with a clearer focus
As demand continued to grow across both home and commercial markets, it became clear that the business would benefit from a more focused structure.
Winter Gardenz is now divided into two dedicated areas:
- Commercial and custom greenhouse projects, delivered directly under the Winter Gardenz name
- Kitset greenhouses, now sold through a new company — The Greenhouse Company
This change allows each part of the business to specialise, innovate, and better serve its customers — without compromising the values and quality that Winter Gardenz is known for.
Importantly, our kitset greenhouses remain the same trusted designs people have come to love, now supported by a dedicated brand and a new website, ghco.co.nz, launching soon. This platform will also introduce tunnel houses and new growing options currently in development.
Looking ahead
While the structure of the business has evolved, the foundations remain unchanged: quality materials, smart design, and a genuine commitment to helping people grow better.
Whether you’re planning a custom commercial project or exploring a kitset greenhouse for your own backyard, Winter Gardenz — and The Greenhouse Company — continue to build on the same passion that sparked it all.