The Smartway Story: Generations of Building Excellence in Wellington
The Spark: A Business Vision for a Better Building Experience
Howard’s upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship, inspired by his Dad’s work as a joiner and cabinet maker. Ann’s early foray into home improvement, notably re-papering the lounge, showcased her proactive approach and eye for detail. This shared foundation of valuing quality and client care is central to Smartway Builders.
However, Ann and Howard’s journey into the residential building industry wasn’t born from a love of simply “swinging a hammer.” They are, first and foremost, experienced business professionals who chose this industry with a clear purpose: to revolutionise the client experience. Their decision stemmed from years of frustration with the industry’s lack of professionalism when they run a successful renovation and resale business, a stark contrast to the client-focused businesses they came from.
They encountered a pervasive lack of common courtesy: tradespeople who ignored calls and emails, missed appointments, and displayed a general disregard for client service. The prevailing attitude seemed to be an indifference to client time, needs, and feedback. Building companies, in their experience, often failed to understand the importance of respect and clear communication.
Ann and Howard knew this had to change. They envisioned a tech-savvy, process-driven building company that would operate with integrity and deliver exceptional results. This vision led to the creation of Smartway Builders in 2011, a company built on a foundation of respect, professionalism, and client empowerment. Ann’s passion for equality and inclusion is also woven into the fabric of Smartway, ensuring a fair and supportive environment for both clients and employees.
Smartway Builders is committed to delivering on its promises. We prioritise clear communication regarding costs and expectations, and we uphold integrity and respect in every interaction. We leverage modern project management tools to ensure efficiency and transparency. We seek discerning clients who value a professional, collaborative approach and understand that achieving exceptional quality requires investment.
Our ultimate goal? To exceed your expectations so thoroughly that you’ll say, “WOW, that’s exactly what I wanted!” and become an advocate for the Smartway Builders difference.
Over 250 Years of Craftsmanship and Client Focus
Pre 1800
The Woolston Generations
The Woolston family’s story, which forms the foundation of Smartway Builders’ commitment to quality, begins in the early 1700s (and potentially even earlier) with a rich history in coachbuilding. These skilled artisans were masters of their trade, known for producing high-quality end products. To appreciate the era, consider that public conveyance by wagon in the UK was limited until the late 16th century, and even then, infrequent. However, by the mid-1700s, a fleet of stage-wagons regularly journeyed between London and Liverpool, departing from the Axe Inn, Aldermanbury, every Monday and Thursday, with travel times of ten days in summer and twelve in winter. Around the same period, three times a week, a “gang of horses” transported light goods and passengers from Lad’s Lane, London, to Liverpool, completing the journey by Monday evening. It’s conceivable that our ancestors, with their expertise in quality craftsmanship, played a role in constructing these vehicles. This dedication to precision and excellence has been passed down through generations and is now applied to our residential building projects.
1789 – 1856
Joseph Woolston
In London, Joseph Woolston established himself as a respected coach builder and coach painter. The extent of the Woolston family’s contribution to UK coach production is yet to be fully documented, but their participation is confirmed. The possibility remains that they built coaches for prominent figures, including monarchs like George IV, William IV, or Queen Victoria. It’s important to understand that coachbuilding was not merely a trade but a highly skilled art, with an emphasis on achieving superior quality. Affluent patrons expected, and received, paintwork so flawless it could serve as a mirror. This legacy of striving for perfection in every detail is a driving force behind Smartway Builders’ commitment to quality building.
1836 – 1875
George Woolston
In 1874, the Woolston family’s dedication to carpentry and joinery came to New Zealand with George Woolston. A qualified carpenter and joiner, George, then 38, arrived in Napier after an 84-day journey aboard the Winchester, bringing his wife and a remarkable nine children! The Winchester, for those with a passion for maritime history, was a Black Ball frigate, usually operating between London and Calcutta. Constructed in Sunderland by G Marshall in 1862, it flew the Marshall flag and boasted dimensions of 198ft in length, 36ft in width, and a weight of 1157 tons. Adding to the family’s ties to the building trades, a 2nd carpenter on the same ship eventually married a Woolston daughter. George Woolston’s expertise in carpentry and joinery became a vital part of the family’s legacy in home building.
1871 – 1938
Joseph Woolston
Joseph Woolston (the 2nd) followed in the family tradition and began his carpentry trade as soon as he was able. In 1896, he relocated to Wanganui and married in the same year. Notably, his wife’s father was also a carpenter, further solidifying the family’s connection to the craft. At the time of his move, Wanganui had a small population of only 5936, yet it presented significant opportunities for a skilled craftsman and entrepreneur. Around 1903, Joseph expanded his focus, buying property and constructing residential houses. He also transitioned into a large-scale contractor, undertaking substantial projects such as renovations of the high school, new baths, Cosmopolitan Club upgrades, and the construction of a new town hall, fire station, and orphanage. Demonstrating his commitment to the industry, Joseph was an early member of the Master Builders Association, attending the annual conference in 1912, just a decade after the association’s inception.
1898 – 1931
Leslie Woolston
The Woolston family’s commitment to building extended beyond residential construction. Leslie Woolston was actively involved in the design and construction of new roads and bridges in the Wanganui area. It’s unfortunate that his life was cut short, as he didn’t have the opportunity to witness his son, Ralph, continue the family’s tradition and become a highly skilled carpenter, joiner, and cabinetmaker. Leslie’s work in developing Wanganui’s infrastructure is a testament to the family’s diverse contributions to the building trades.
1923 – 1992
Ralph Woolston
Ralph Woolston trained as a carpenter and cabinet maker and dedicated many years to the building industry in Wellington. He completed his apprenticeship with Fletcher Construction and contributed to the war effort by helping to build transportable units for the troops. A skilled craftsman with a keen eye for detail, Ralph patiently endured his 2nd son Howard’s persistent curiosity about building techniques. Ralph’s extensive experience encompassed numerous new home builds, extensions, and renovations, including the construction of his own home in the Tawa area during the late 1940s and early 1950s. His expertise in carpentry and home building formed a strong foundation for Smartway Builders’ commitment to quality.
1954 – Present
Howard Woolston
Co-Owner of Smartway Builders, Howard Woolston brings a unique blend of expertise to the company. His extensive involvement in the building industry for many years is complemented by his university degree in accounting and years in corporate management, providing him with both an eye for detail in construction and a strong understanding of project logistics and finances. This combination enables him to effectively translate client desires into practical and budget-conscious residential building solutions.
The next generation is also deeply involved in the industry: Howard’s nephew, Karl Woolston, is a fully qualified and licensed builder specializing in new home construction in Auckland. This family tradition of quality home building continues to shape the New Zealand landscape.
Smartway Builders: A Vision for a Better Building Experience
Howard, along with his wife Ann, founded Smartway Builders in 2011 with a vision to raise the bar in the building industry. Frustrated by the lack of professionalism and client focus they experienced with other builders, they set out to create a company that prioritises:
- Quality Workmanship: Delivering exceptional results that exceed expectations.
- Clear Communication: Keeping clients informed and involved throughout the process.
- Integrity and Respect: Treating clients, their families, and their homes with the utmost respect.
Our Commitment to You
Smartway Builders is dedicated to providing a positive and stress-free building experience. We work closely with our clients, listening to their needs and ensuring their vision is brought to life. Our team of skilled and qualified builders shares our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“A very high standard and within expected timeframes.”
We found Smartway excellent to deal with. Throughout the entire process from the initial discussion right through to the code compliance their communication was excellent, prompt, to the point, answering all our questions in a timely manner and working with us through the build. We had to rework our project a number of times to meet our budget and Ann and Howard worked with us to get what we wanted within the budget we had.
We kept a close eye on our budget with Ann and Howard both excellent in clarifying any questions we had and their invoicing is clear as to what it covers and how much of the project costs remain. The quality of the work was excellent with Jade and his team completing the work to a very high standard and within expected timeframes. The fact that we started our project as the building material supply shortage was just beginning but they had the required materials available for our project speaks to their planning and experience in navigating the difficulties in building in the current market.
I would highly recommend them as a building company to work with on your project and in fact we have recommended them to friends and neighbours who have asked us about our renovations.
Lyndon and Nicola
GRENADA VILLAGE
“Left the site very tidy”
Smartway were so professional to deal with! Great service, very responsive, excellent standard of work and they left the site very tidy throughout.
One day a builder was carefully sweeping the stairs as they packed up for the day. I told him not to bother. “Cleanliness is next to godliness” he said and finished sweeping.
Steph
WAIKANAE