29/09/2026
Mike and Wendy Pollett are officially celebrating 50 years in business!
Through all the changes, challenges, and triumphs over the last five decades, Mike and Wendy’s passion and commitment have never wavered. Pollett's would like to extend a massive thank you to our amazing customers, partners, and friends. We couldn't have reached this golden anniversary without your loyal support.
Here is a little bit of history of how it all started: Mike served his apprenticeship as a cabinet maker at E.J. Treachers in Havelock North. Mike started his own business in 1975 (and married the same year) from a rented house in Campbell Street. The shed at the back of that property is where Mike set up his business. He borrowed $800 from family, sold his car, and purchased machinery. After one year, he outgrew the shed and rented a large workshop at 31 Campbell Street, just down the road. His business made furniture, mainly for the domestic market, including Hammond organ cabinets and video cabinets, and started making caskets in 1979.
By the early '80s, Pollett Furniture moved into the commercial market, in particular, boardroom furniture and executive suites. The share market crashed in 1987. It was very difficult for Mike and Wendy, but they carried on until the early '90s, moving away from manufacturing and focusing on retail with a shop in Carlyle Street. As the market improved, they outgrew that location and purchased 11 Carnegie Road in 1993.
Still focusing on retail, Mike saw an advantage to manufacturing their own product. Mike and Wendy dug deep to invest in their business, building and extending the current premises to accommodate a factory and CNC machine to produce office desking. Today we have two CNCs and two edge banders. There is no doubt that Mike and Wendy have been through some very tough times, but also some very special times. Having toughed out 50 years is something to be proud of. There are not many buildings in Napier and Hastings that don’t have a piece of Pollett Furniture in them today.