For 120 years, McKenzie & Willis has been part of New Zealand homes, evolving with generations while remaining grounded in craftsmanship, quality, and a deep understanding of how people live.
The McKenzie & Willis story began in 1906, when Joseph Willis and R.S. McKenzie met by chance on a train and decided to go into business together. Starting as auctioneers and land agents, the company quickly found its place in furniture and homewares, laying the foundations for what would become one of New Zealand’s most recognised interiors destinations. In those early years, Christchurch was a very different place. Goods were transported by horse and cart, and retail was built on personal connections and trust, values that still sit at the heart of McKenzie & Willis today.
As New Zealand homes evolved, so too did McKenzie & Willis. By the mid-20th century and into the 1970s, the business had grown beyond Christchurch, expanding into new regions and broadening its offering. As the brand steadily built a presence across the country, it was a time of change, and McKenzie & Willis adapted with it, always focused on helping customers create homes that felt both beautiful and personal. Throughout this growth, strong relationships with New Zealand makers became a defining part of the business. Working alongside trusted, local brands, many of which continue today, such as Belle Interiors Collection, Kovacs and David Shaw, have ensured a continued commitment to quality craftsmanship and design that resonates with Kiwi homes.
More than a century on, McKenzie & Willis remains a family business. Today, Bill Willis and Tim Willis lead the company, representing the next generation and continuing a legacy of thoughtful evolution. Under their leadership, the brand has continued to balance tradition with innovation, expanding not just in size, but in offering. What began as furniture retail has evolved into a complete interiors experience, from expert design services to beds, home linens, and custom curtains and blinds.
Today, McKenzie & Willis stands as one of New Zealand’s leading interiors retailers, helping customers create considered, enduring spaces. With seven stores nationwide, including the recently relocated Wānaka showroom and our INHOME Curtains & Blinds service now available in Timaru and the wider South Canterbury region, the brand continues to make its expertise accessible across the country. At the same time, the business has deepened its focus on interior design, offering personalised guidance to help bring together every element of a home.
To mark this milestone, a commemorative book can be found in our showrooms that captures the story behind the brand. The book offers an in-depth look at the journey, tracing its beginnings, its evolution, and the people and moments that have shaped it over 120 years. More than a retrospective, it’s a celebration of the homes, relationships, and experiences built along the way. While much has changed since 1906, the essence of McKenzie & Willis remains the same: a passion for beautiful interiors, a commitment to quality, and a dedication to helping customers create spaces they love. We invite you to visit us in-store and read through our book, and discover the story behind McKenzie & Willis.
