Our Timber Giants: Ellis & Burnand

Founded in 1891, Ellis & Burnand grew to become one of the most influential names in New Zealand’s timber industry. Renamed Ellis & Burnand Ltd in 1903, the company gained a reputation for pushing into previously inaccessible forested areas, thanks to the development of the North Island Main Trunk Line. By building bush tramways branching off the main railway, they were able to connect their sawmills directly to the rail network, an innovation that helped fuel their success. In 1905, the company’s head office relocated to Hamilton, marking a shift toward producing not just raw timber, but a wide range of timber products. This evolution reflected the growing demand for processed building materials as towns and cities expanded.

The flier featured here, dating to around 1903, lists the company’s partners, mill locations, and timber types available at the time, a snapshot of a thriving industry on the rise. Ellis & Burnand remained a key player for much of the 20th century before being acquired by Fletcher Holdings in 1980 and rebranded as PlaceMakers. From pioneering infrastructure to shaping our built environment, the legacy of Ellis & Burnand still resonates in Aotearoa’s architectural landscape today.

Contributed by Rowan Miller, Digital Delivery Librarian, Hamilton City Libraries. Explore more of our heritage collection online by scanning the QR code. For further information or to contribute information about the items highlighted, please contact archives@hcc.govt.nz quoting HCLE_00028.