About Us
Who we are and how we work with you
Ashburton Joinery Mastercraft Kitchens is owned by James Donaldson and Billy Nolan, both of whom are highly skilled joiners and take their role as caretakers of the legacy of one of Canterbury’s oldest continually trading businesses very seriously.
Along with their dedication to upholding the traditional values of the joiner’s craft, James and Billy sincerely believe that the secret to success is an unfailing devotion to going the extra mile to satisfy their customers. As they say, they’re not happy until you’re happy.
James Donaldson, Co-owner
James has designed hundreds of kitchens throughout Canterbury, with many of his designs featured in the Mastercraft Kitchens Look Book. Known for his ability to turn ideas into reality, James is passionate about creating spaces that inspire and delight.
Billy Nolan, Co-owner
Billy joined the business in 2011 and brings a wealth of experience in joinery and project management. His practical skills and industry knowledge help ensure every job runs smoothly from start to finish.
Our History
A proud Canterbury business since 1889
Ashburton Joinery’s long history dates back to the 1880’s and comes from two historic companies.
In 1889 William Collins, had newly arrived in New Zealand from England by way of the West Coast gold fields. He established W.H. Collins & Co. as a timber, hardware, and joinery business on West Street focusing on crafting high-quality timber products to serve the growing agricultural community’s needs for construction and infrastructure.
Over the decades, the company diversified beyond joinery to include timber yards and hardware retail, reflecting the changing demands of the region. By the mid-20th century, W.H. Collins & Co. was still known for its joinery expertise, with traditions like the ex-army siren that signalled the beginning and end of shifts at the workshop.
- In 1875 Joshua Tucker was appointed manager of the Ashburton branch of W. Montgomery and Co., Ltd., timber and coal merchants. He later took over the business himself, operating under his own name before it was eventually incorporated as Tuckers Limited. The business was involved in various activities, including timber sales and joinery, as noted by a former apprentice who started in 1909. Over the decades, Tuckers Limited expanded its operations and became a central part of the Ashburton community.
- The business remained in the Tucker family for many years, with family members like Joshua Lewis Tucker working there for decades (1937-1983). Beyond timber and joinery, the company developed into a prominent general mercantile, and eventually, a well-regarded sports store, selling a variety of goods including fishing tackle, rifles, and sports equipment.
- This led to Tuckers being purchased by Smiths City with the Joinery division later sold to Dick Hansen and Murray McFarlane and renamed Ashburton Joinery.
In 2002 the Collins and Lye family who by now owned the local Mitre10, sold the joinery part of their business to Ashburton Joinery. Ashburton Joinery is owned by James Donaldson and Billy Nolan, qualified joiners with over 50 years combined experience. James and Billy are proud to uphold the traditions of WH Collins and Tuckers Limited in the premium quality joinery they make today.
We’re your local
licensee.