Celebrating 100 years of Fletcher

From neighbourhoods to nations

In 2009 we’re celebrating 100 years of Fletcher, a tradition of imagination, hard work, and successful entrepreneurship that helped shape
a nation.

The Fletcher story began in Dunedin, New Zealand on 1 June 1909.  A recent arrival in the colony from Scotland, 22 year old joiner James Fletcher, in partnership with fellow joiner Albert Morris, won a contract to build a double bay villa at Broad Bay on the Otago Peninsula.  The contract was for ₤375, and the profit for James and Albert was just three shillings
and sixpence. 

James Fletcher was inspired by the opportunities of a rapidly developing country and encouraged his brothers William, Andrew and John to join him in New Zealand.  Within a decade, Fletcher Brothers Limited was established in each of New Zealand’s major cities.  Over the following decades, the Fletcher name was associated with the development of industries, with a particular focus on local building materials supply, and the creation of much of New Zealand’s built environment: residential properties, schools, universities, hospitals, commercial and industrial buildings, and major infrastructure projects that supported New Zealand’s national development.  It’s not a history without some setbacks – but overall the Fletcher story is a tribute to the spirit and commitment of the many thousands of New Zealanders who built an organisation that helped shape a nation.  It’s that contribution that this website celebrates.

One hundred years on, the Fletcher family of companies is established internationally as a major contributor to the development of neighbourhoods and nations.  The companies operate in New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific, Asia, North America and Europe. They have a combined annual turnover of
NZ$7.1 billion.

This year we’re celebrating our heritage, and looking forward to taking the Fletcher traditions into our second century.  This website gives you an overview of the history of the Fletcher companies, shares the stories of some of the people who contributed to the success of the company, and provides an insight into some of the qualities and values that have made the
company successful.