About Aber

Aber Living is a leading New Zealand-based wholesale, distribution, and marketing business, specialising in home and lifestyle consumer goods. As category specialists, we support our customers by developing a deep understanding of market trends and consumer needs, supplying a range of branded and Private Label merchandise within an aligned portfolio of retail categories. We don’t stop at quality product solutions; we also offer comprehensive marketing and aftersales service. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our customers receive the best products and support, fostering long-term relationships and success. Connect with us to discover how Aber Living can enhance your product offerings and business growth.

Customer Focus with Expertise

Customer Focus with Expertise

As category specialists we support our customers by developing a deep understanding of market trends and consumer needs and supplying a range of branded and Private Label merchandise within an aligned portfolio of retail categories.

We distribute our product to all of New Zealand's leading appliance retailers, DIY hardware stores, and speciality retailers. We support these re-sellers with an extensive nationwide network of service agents to ensure products our reseller sells can receive after sale service.

We have a team of Category Managers who are specialised in their respective areas. They work closely with Head Office buyers, retail owners and managers to provide expert ranging advice. Their responsibility and involvement within the process encompasses procurement, sales and after sales service which we believe ensures customers receive the expert advice required to ensure our products achieve their sales objectives.

Our business categories currently are:

The Category managers are supported by sales representatives; a customer service team, technical services team, a marketing team and third-party merchandisers who ensure branches are well serviced.

Studying trends and demand in the New Zealand market and meeting those needs.

Studying trends and demand in the New Zealand market and meeting those needs.

Quality Control

Quality Control

We supply products that retail from $4.99 to $9,999. Regardless of the RRP we focus 100% on ensuring that all products meet or exceed safety and performance standards to ensure our product will meet both consumer specification requirements and expectations.

To do so we have internal Quality Assurance (QA) processes to ensure these objectives are met, these include:

  • Technical team with expertise in categories to oversee:
  • Product specification and testing
  • Regulatory compliance and auditing
  • Regular factory audits (independent) on both product quality and social responsibility
  • Independent Quality Inspection on all shipments
  • China based (Zhongshan) office for additional QA and logistics

Key elements of our business are to provide customers with products and agencies that are market leaders in their respective categories. To do so we focus heavily on product development & design and marketing.

Products are tested both independently and in house.

Products are tested both independently and in house.

Product Development & Design

Product Development & Design

We undertake a wide variety of design and product development work. In some cases we design new product from ground up investing in design, tooling and approvals; and in other cases we modify specification on products – but always with the focus on the product being suited to meet New Zealand market requirements in terms of performance and affordability.

Design and refinement of product.

Design and refinement of product.

Marketing

Marketing

Our primary focus is on the high-quality merchandising of our products supported with marketing campaigns to further endorse our brands and agencies in the hearts and minds of our NZ consumers.

Our experienced marketing team specialise in merchandising, packaging, developing promotional programmes, online marketing, events, and developing brand and product collateral such as brochures and Point of Sale.

We are further supported by local marketing agencies in areas of expertise such as digital and media.

As well as catalogues and social media, we support our brands at shows and events. Pictured here at Fieldays, 2023.

As well as catalogues and social media, we support our brands at shows and events. Pictured here at Fieldays, 2023.

Customer Services & Distribution

Customer Services & Distribution

We have a dedicated team of Customer Service representatives who are continually trained in our product and marketing developments.

We aim to provide personal and timely service to customers daily orders and enquiries. Whilst we have Key Performance Indicators to ensure we do provide the highest level of service, our customer service mantra is simple:

  • Make sure every call is answered promptly and professionally
  • Make sure all orders are processed with 100% accuracy and timeliness and product dispatched on the advised date. Should a date change, then the customer is advised
  • For all standard orders, orders received by 12pm, will be dispatched the same day; for orders after 12pm they will be dispatched the following day (if not earlier)
  • Make sure every enquiry is handled personally and promptly, and most importantly is resolved
  • To ensure availability and timely delivery of products we range, we operate a distribution warehouse in Hamilton (5,000sqm)
Customer Services & Distribution
After Sales Service & Warranty

After Sales Service & Warranty

We have a dedicated after sales service team reflecting the importance of continuing high service levels for our products in the field.

Our after sales service team supports our customers by offering:

  • Comprehensive warranty policies on all products
  • Over 100 service agents throughout New Zealand to assist with in-field service issues
  • In-house service bay (based in Hamilton)
  • Extensive spare part inventory
  • Integrated Service Tracking program
  • We understand the importance of providing our retail customers with full service from sourcing to supply to after sales service – this level of expert service is not always available in today’s environment.
Our in-house service bay.

Our in-house service bay.

Careers at Aber Living

Careers at Aber Living

At Aber Living, our passion for outdoor living is at the core of everything we do. We work tirelessly to provide New Zealanders with high-quality outdoor living and leisure products. Our brands, including Kiwi Camping, Gasmate, Charmate, and Kent, are household names. We also proudly distribute top international brands such as Oklahoma Joe’s Smokers, Heat Beads, Kamado Joe, Char-Broil, Masterbuilt, and Broil King.

Please visit the following link to view current opportunities at Aber Living and complete the online application process: Opportunities at Aber Living.

Careers at Aber Living

Our Team

Just like the products we bring New Zealand, we believe in only recruiting the best team members. When you call us we are here to help. Our core values are our guiding principals in everything we do. Professionalism, Agility, Innovation, Friendliness, Achievement, Empowerment.

  • Gregg Brown

    Gregg Brown

    Managing Director

    M 027 231 7966
    E [email protected]

    Gregg joined the family company in 1993 and became Chief Executive in 1997. Throughout this period the company has continued to grow, maintaining a strong involvement within the industry, striving to bring new innovation to its market sectors and develop an environment that supports its employees’ personal development.

  • Nicki Luxton

    Nicki Luxton

    National Sales Manager

    M 027 296 0868
    E [email protected]

    Nicki develops and maintains the all product ranges at Aber Living. She enjoys building relationships with key customers, striving to fulfil both their needs and those of the market.

  • Tim Harris

    Tim Harris

    Chief Operating Officer

    P 027 406 8750
    E [email protected]

  • Daniel Paki

    Daniel Paki

    Marketing Manager

    M 027 482 1207
    E [email protected]

Community Sponsorship

Aber Living is proud to support the organisations above. Donation organisations also include:

  • Kidney Kids
  • Hamilton Old Boys Hockey
  • Waikato Hockey
  • Tihoi Venture School
  • Burn Support
  • Heart Kids Foundation
  • St Paul’s Collegiate School
  • Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Day
  • Brain Injured Children Trust
  • Waikato Junior Golf

Our History

Alan Brown

Alan Brown

Alan Brown Energy Resources (Aber) was founded in 1980 by Alan Brown and originally specialised in automotive LPG and CNG equipment. When the Government removed subsidies for these products in the late 1980s the company downsized to 5 employees. The company was at a cross roads whether to sell and regenerate itself.

Alan’s son, Gregg, joined the company in 1993 and over the past 20 years Aber has transformed from an automotive equipment supplier, to be involved in wholesale / distribution, gas cylinder re-testing and appliance installation businesses, with the Group now employing over 30 staff nationwide.

Aber Holdings Limited (Aber) is a national wholesaler creating and distributes market-leading brands in the specialist home and lifestyle consumer goods categories. Aber was established in 1980 with now over 40 years’ experience in the wholesale and distribution business.

The company is separated into 3 trading divisions: Outdoor, Indoor and Leisure. As category specialists, we support our customers by developing a deep understanding of market trends and consumer needs and supplying a range of branded and private label merchandise within an aligned portfolio of retail categories.

Overall sales and marketing is managed by the Managing Director but each sales division having its own Category Manager and dedicated sales and purchasing support staff. The divisions are supported by functional teams such as Marketing, Customer Service, After Sales Service, Technical Support, Warehouse and Logistics.

Aber Living has been procuring products from overseas for the past 30 years and has secured strong agencies and trading relationships with international manufacturers all over the world. Today approximately 70% of our product is sourced from SE Asia, with the remainder from Australia, USA, Japan and Italy.

With the dominance of China in the manufacturing of household appliances, we have been sourcing products from China for the past 15 years. We are experienced in this sector and have good quality suppliers and strong internal QA systems to ensure our product meet and exceed the specifications of our customers. We have recently established an office in Zhongshan, China, to further improve our level of sourcing and QA from China.

While we represent several major agencies (REGENCY; CHAR-BROIL, SABER), we also develop and market our own products under brands names such as KENT; GASMATE, CHARMATE and KIWI CAMPING. These locally renowned brand names have been developed over a period of time with a particular design focus on specifications applicable to New Zealand’s market conditions. Additional to these agencies & brand we also supply products under House Brands to New Zealand’s leading retailers.

Supporting these products we have an extensive after-sales service program that results in a strong warranty program, extensive service agent network and internal staff training to ensure customers receive high-quality support when and if required.

We also support our industries by actively been involved with industry associations such as the Gas Association of NZ (GANZ); LPG Association of NZX (LPGA); Home Heating Association (HHA). Executives within the Aber Group sit on the boards or executive committees and these organisations as well as actively participate with matters such as regulatory standard-setting, where we interface with Governmental authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, formerly ERMA) and Energy Safety Service (ESS) on a regular basis.

Our products are sold through leading retail chains, direct sales channels, specialists, plumbing and building merchants.

Our team is committed to growing the NZ appliance market and leading the introduction of new products and technologies to the home and lifestyle markets.

Our Timeline

Aber Timeline

August 2023 – Broil King is added to Aber Living's portfolio of high-end brands.

August 2018 – Saber Barbecues is added to Aber Living's portfolio of high-end brands.

April 2018 – Aber Living Rebrand

In 2018 Aber underwent a rebrand to Aber Living. This new trading name reflected Aber’s developing portfolio of agencies and products and clearly defined the three categories – Outdoor, Indoor and Leisure. Our new strapline ‘Making Living Better’ reflects our desire to bring only the best, quality products to market and to improve New Zealanders’ lifestyles.

January 2017 – Aber Living begin to distribute Pour & Go, a water purification system.

January 2016 – Aber Living acquired Char-Broil as a partner and starts distributing throughout New Zealand.

June 2014 – Aber Living become exclusive distributors for Canadian based Regency Gas Fireplaces.

September 2013 – AberGas Reformation

After many years under a single banner, Aber Holdings Ltd is separating its gas equipment and consumer lifestyle product divisions into two new, stand-alone companies.

According to Aber Group Managing Director, Gregg Brown, the scale of growth in each business area permits formation of the new AberGas and re-focussed Aber Holdings entities, with their creation providing greater clarity to customers, suppliers and staff.

“The growth we have experienced over recent years in the gas utilisation and lifestyle product markets has been very positive. This, in combination with our acquisition of Tank Test Laboratories and of the Kiwi Camping Company, provides us with scale for stand-alone business in each area,” says Mr Brown. “Now is the right time to have AberGas and Aber Holdings focus on those markets.”

AberGas will now include both its traditional supply of gas equipment from leading international manufacturers and Tank Test Laboratories cylinder re-testing and refurbishment services.

“AberGas has proven its expertise in this field where we have been actively involved in both aspects of supply since 1980. It will continue concentrating on innovative gas utilisation solutions for business and for the New Zealand gas industry, of which Aber is such an integral part,” says Mr Brown. “It will also continue sourcing and developing the leading-edge gas equipment for which it is well known.”

“Aber Holdings is our wholesale business that focuses on the supply of consumer and lifestyle products, distributing leading brands such as Kiwi Camping, Kent, Gasmate, Paloma and Bonaire and other Aber brands already in the market.”

Both Aber Holdings Limited and AberGas Limited are owned 100% by Aber Investments Limited. Mr Brown does not expect the separation of Aber Holdings and AberGas to majorly impact customers and suppliers when the changes come into effect on 1 October this year.

“It will be business as usual with few discernible external changes. All staff across both businesses is being retained.”

Tank Test Laboratories operates IANZ (International Accreditation New Zealand) cylinder testing laboratories based in Manukau and Christchurch.

July 2012 – Aber purchases the Kiwi Camping, Halo Peak brands and Nikwax agency

Effective 2nd July 2012. Kiwi Camping has been developing quality products such as family tents, camping sleeping bags, folding chairs & lighting for over 20 years.

June 2011 – Aber Group Consolidation

Aber Investments Limited (AIL) was established as the holding company for the Aber Group of companies in June 2011. AIL is jointly owned by Gregg and Alan Brown’s respective Trusts. AIL owns 100% of its subsidiary companies, namely Aber Holdings Ltd; Tank Test Laboratories Ltd; AberInstall Ltd and Happy Home Ltd.

February 2010 – Tank Test Acquires Canterbury Cylinder Testing

Effective 1 Feb 2010, Tank Test Laboratories acquired Canterbury Cylinder testing from Rusell Bishop. The acqusition expanded Tank Test operations into the South Island.

October 2009 – Aber purchases the Kent brand

KENT is a heritage wood fire brand renowned for providing reliable, high quality, affordable heating appliances for the past 30 years.

July 2009 – Tank Test Labs sells its operations to Aber Holdings

The acquisition is seen as a further commitment and investment within the NZ gas industry by Aber.

2008 – Fisher distribution agency obtained

Happy Home formed and four separate business divisions created to focus on specific markets and products.

2005 – Aber Moved

Aber moved to current new-build premises in Mainstreet Place, Hamilton.

1999 – Aber obtained agencies for Paloma Continuous Flow Water Heaters, and Ruud Storage Water Heaters

Any final automotive conversion contracts were completed ready for market exit.

1998 – Patio Heaters were introduced along with Rasmussen log fire effect heaters

Aber secured distribution of Bonaire Ducted Warm Air Central Heating out of Australia and Emege Room Heaters out of Argentina.

1996 – Enhanced products now introduced

Enhanced products now introduced, close liaison with the Sitro Group in Australia increased range of Barbecues to include sophisticated Gas Grills.

1995 – Aber offices moved to Sunshine Avenue

Aber offices moved to Sunshine Avenue and we introduced the QCC safety valve to NZ and this quickly became the preferred valve for cabinet heaters.

1990 – New products introduced to offset losses in the declining automotive business

Cabinet Heaters, 45kg and 9kg Cylinders, Regulators, Flat Top Barbecues, Burners and Hose Assemblies.

1988 – Aber purchased Stuart Manufacturing

Aber purchased Stuart Manufacturing, Dunedin manufacturer of electric heaters and exported mainly to Australia. Also purchased Tudor Roofing, Christchurch manufacturer of copper roof tiles. Both companies were sold in 1991. Aber became Alan Brown Energy Resources (1988) Ltd and Brown family retained full ownership.

1986 – The automotive conversion business experienced a steep decline

The automotive conversion business experienced a steep decline due to the removal of Govt subsidies. Nevertheless, Aber converted 500 public vehicles and 400 police vehicles up to this period. Aber opened a South Island Warehouse in Christchurch and a lower North Island Warehouse in Petone.

1982 – Aber appointed IMPCO Carburetion agent for NZ

Carburetion agent for NZ Business focussed mainly on vehicle conversion market, supplying tanks, cylinders and carburetors. First two warehouses located on Sandwich Rd, Hamilton, then larger store based at Perclo Place, with offices.

1981 – Alan Brown Energy Resources Limited (Aber)

In 1981, Alan Brown Energy Resources Limited (Aber) was set-up by Alan Brown focussed on the supply of LPG/CNG carburetion equipment for NZ vehicles.

1979 – LPG Equipment Services

Supplying Gas Plant Equipment, Gauges, Vaporisers and Hoses to Shell, BP and Rockgas, and Motor Accessories to Repco.

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