Celebrating 40 years in Business!

Warwick Fabrics is a proud family-owned company, dedicated to sourcing premium-quality textiles and furnishings.

This year, we celebrate a significant milestone - 40 years in business.

It’s a time to honour our heritage and reflect on a remarkable journey of growth, innovation, and design excellence that has established us as one of the world’s leading textile wholesalers.

Our story begins

Warwick NZ was founded in 1985 by husband and wife team, Martin & Liz Irvine. At the time Martin was already immersed in the textile industry and was approached by the Australian company Thomas Warwick & Co. (as it was known then) to expand into the New Zealand market. With youthful enthusiasm (at the age of 29), the challenge was accepted, and so Warwick Fabrics NZ Ltd was born.

In the early days, the business operated from the Irvines’ home in Devonport. Martin fondly recalls the first container of velvet arriving from Belgium, delivered directly to their driveway. With limited space, half of the shipment had to be pre-sold. A target he successfully met, marking the start of many resourceful moments to come.

The first container of fabric being unloaded at Martin and Liz's home in Devonport. Half of it had to be presold to be able to fit the rest into their double garage.

Number one cutter! Martin on the fabric cutting bench.

Martin with Tom Warwick and Ron White at Warwick Australias headoffice.

Warwick New Zealand's opening promotion, Parachute. Featuring Liz and Martin on the front cover.

Liz showcasing our Parachute fabric.

Parachute, one of our first fabrics, followed by 'Masquerade', a colourwarp jacquard from America.

Our first display of Howe leather at the Auckland Furniture Fair. Howe leather was one of Warwick NZ's original products along with Crowsen linens.

Martin with our leather exhibit.

Crowson Linens.

"Warwick started as they have continued being innovative in the middle market"

One of their first fabrics was “Parachute,” a leather-look textile. Armed with samples in the boot of his car and surfboards on the roof, Martin travelled across the country in search of potential buyers. On this trip he made many strong customer relationships. Many of which remain today.

Growing with purpose

Within just six months, the business outgrew the home garage, prompting a move to the first warehouse and showroom on Wilkins Street, Freemans Bay. This was the first of several relocations, each marking a new chapter of expansion, ultimately leading to our current head office and flagship showroom in Mairangi Bay.

Today, Warwick has showrooms in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, serving both residential and commercial markets across the country.

The Wilkin Street office (The small awning downstairs).

The Prosford Street, Ponsonby office.

The Atlas Street warehouse.

The Mairangi Bay Head office being built in 1996.

Mairangi Bay Head office.

The Mairangi Bay warehouse - ready to fill with fabrics!

Playful marketing - a leather presentation invite.

New innovative brand campaigns launched in 2008.

Our innovative fabric Macrosuede - "A revolutionary man made suede so tactile, strong and sensual that it brings furniture to the centre of everyones attention".

An advertisment boasting Macrosuedes properties.

Weave Home, our finished goods brand introduced in 2017.

Weave Home, set up for showings in our Parnell showroom.

Thea presenting some of the International Brands that we sell exclusively in NZ. Brands such as GP & J Baker, Mulberry Home and Kravet and Elliott Clarke.

A Global Operation

Warwick NZ is part of the broader Warwick Fabrics group, with in-house design teams based in both Melbourne and New Zealand. Our export operations span more than 50 countries, reflecting our global reach and commitment to design excellence. In 1993, Warwick UK became the first Australian-owned company to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Export Achievement — a testament to the brand’s international impact.

The foundation of our success lies in our mission statement:

“We are committed to the growth of Warwick customers by providing brilliant client service, innovative designs & quality products.”

Over the decades, we’ve continually adapted, growing with the market and staying ahead of trends in both style and performance.

Family Future Focus

Today, Warwick remains a proudly family-run business. In New Zealand, Martin’s daughters, Hannah and Georgina, are part of the business operations, continuing the legacy of dedication and innovation into the next generation.

To our valued staff, customers and suppliers — thank you. Your loyalty, trust, and continued collaboration have shaped Warwick into the company we are today. As we look ahead, we remain committed to designing with energy, passion, and purpose.