Innovation is often associated with breakthrough technologies, major research projects, or big disruptive ideas. But in the Timaru District, innovation is also showing up through everyday decisions that improve productivity, create value, and help local businesses compete well beyond our region.
That is one of the strengths of our local economy. Across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, logistics, and specialist supply, many of our productive businesses build innovation into the way they work.
Vendella is a great example of that mindset in action.
Based in Timaru, Vendella has grown to become a trusted supplier to New Zealand and Australia’s accommodation sector, supporting hotels, motels, holiday parks, student and staff accommodation, healthcare, aged care, and other accommodation providers with beds, bedding, furniture, linen, housekeeping, and in-room essentials. Their client base includes major accommodation brands and large organisations.
Vendellas focus is on fit-for-purpose products, comfort, service, sustainability, and ease of procurement has created a business model that helps accommodation providers deliver consistent guest experiences while also improving their own productivity.
That model has now travelled across the Tasman. Vendella’s expansion into Australia shows how a business built in Timaru can develop systems, relationships, and service standards that are scalable in a much larger market. With business growth accelerating, Australia is expected to exceed New Zealand turnover by the end of the year.
In our conversation with Luke Brodie and Wendy Wolhuter, one theme came through clear, at Vendella, innovation starts with customer pain points.
Rather than innovating only when markets shift or new technology appears, the team listens closely to the people using their products every day — from general managers and procurement teams through to housekeepers and on-site staff. Those conversations are brought back into the business, where different parts of the team work together to ask a simple but powerful question: what could we do differently to make this easier, faster, more sustainable, or more valuable for our customers?
Luke shares a great example of how technology and process improvement have refined bed supply, from higher-volume container shipments and reduced freight movements through to faster installation for accommodation providers. The result is innovation that reduces waste, supports better environmental outcomes, and helps customers avoid lost revenue from rooms sitting empty.
Vendella reminds us that innovation is not always about chasing the latest technology. Sometimes it is about creating a culture where every customer conversation, every process, and every product decision become an opportunity to do better.
And when that mindset becomes business as usual, the impact can be significant — for the business, for its customers, and for the wider Timaru District economy.
“What stands out about Vendella is that their innovation is grounded in understanding their customers and continuously improving how they deliver value. It demonstrates that world-class businesses do not need to be located in major centres to have a national and international impact.” Nigel Davenport, CEO, Venture Timaru
Vendella’s growth into Australia is a strong example of how South Canterbury companies are combining practical innovation, strong customer relationships, and operational excellence to compete successfully in larger markets.
Click this link to watch the video and hear more from Luke and Wendy about how Vendella is turning everyday problem-solving into growth.
