Creating the 2026/27 Outdoor Living Collection

Long before outdoor furniture appears in our showrooms, months of research, sourcing, planning and curation take place behind the scenes to create a collection designed specifically for New Zealand homes and lifestyles.

The process is far more considered than simply choosing individual furniture pieces. Every sofa, dining chair, coffee table, fabric and finishing detail is selected with a bigger picture in mind: helping our customers create outdoor spaces they genuinely love spending time in. We spoke with Jayne Cross-Hunter, Furniture Category Manager at McKenzie & Willis, on what went into planning the new 2026/27 Outdoor Living Collection.

It starts six months before summer

"The outdoor process really begins at the end of each outdoor season," says Jayne. "We start to look from February onwards for new outdoor furniture for the following summer, so it is really six months ahead."

An important part of creating our Outdoor Living Collection takes our team overseas, travelling internationally to source the very best pieces.

"We tend to catch up with existing suppliers and see new items that they have, and also we start to look for new pieces, maybe from new suppliers, new designs," Jayne explains.

"We meet, greet, see, feel and touch products, come up with a whole load of ideas, and then we spend the next two months talking to suppliers."

This hands-on approach allows the team to assess not only the visual appeal of a piece but also its quality, craftsmanship and suitability for New Zealand conditions.

Looking beyond individual pieces

When evaluating potential additions to the collection, Jayne is never looking at a sofa or dining table in isolation.

"We're considering not only a sofa and an armchair. We're considering the coffee table. We're considering the dining table. We're considering the fabrics," she says.

Every piece is viewed as part of a complete outdoor environment. The team carefully balances design trends with practicality, ensuring products feel current without becoming overly fashionable or short-lived.

"You've got to get something that can look good with New Zealand architecture, with New Zealand houses, and how people live and trends," Jayne says.

"We've seen very big trends over the last three to four years with a lot of wood going back into homes," she explains. "We've seen that trend come through to outdoor as well. Teak has been very popular over the last two years because people are making that link."

The result is an outdoor collection that feels relevant to how New Zealanders are living today while maintaining the timeless appeal that quality furniture should offer.

Creating a cohesive outdoor story

Once potential products have been identified, the selection process enters another important phase. Jayne and the team work closely together to refine the collection, ensuring every piece aligns with the McKenzie & Willis brand and contributes to a cohesive overall offering.

Sofas, armchairs, dining settings, coffee tables, cushions and fabrics all need to work together. Customer feedback, consultant insights and previous season learnings are carefully considered throughout the process.

"We specifically look at what will fit with the rest of our collection," Jayne says. "We bring several different brands together, but overall in our showrooms you see a theme to our outdoor collection."

This approach also gives customers greater flexibility when furnishing their outdoor spaces.

"You can mix and match the materials. You can mix and match the different brands that are available," she says. "It's about getting a cohesive outdoor story."

Rather than feeling restricted to a single suite or range, customers can confidently combine pieces from across the collection, knowing they have been selected to work harmoniously together.

From collection to inspiration

Once products have been selected, Jayne develops complete showroom schemes that demonstrate how collections can be styled and combined in real-life settings.

These displays help customers visualise possibilities for their own homes and see how different materials, finishes and furniture pieces work together. The goal is not simply to present individual products but to inspire complete outdoor living environments.

Whether it's a relaxed lounging area, a sophisticated entertaining space or a compact urban courtyard, the collection is designed to offer options that can be layered and personalised to suit different lifestyles.

As Jayne explains, creating a successful outdoor space is about finding pieces you genuinely connect with and enjoy living alongside.

Listening to what customers want

Customer feedback plays a significant role in shaping future collections.

"It's also listening to our staff and listening to the feedback that we get from customers, if there was something missing from the previous year's collection, and finding those pieces," says Jayne.

This ongoing dialogue helps ensure each new collection remains relevant, practical and aligned with the needs of New Zealand households.

Helping you create your ideal outdoor space

With outdoor living playing such an important role during the warmer months, every detail of the collection is carefully considered.

The aim is not simply to sell furniture. It's to help create spaces that support the way people want to live.

When you visit a McKenzie & Willis showroom, our consultants take the time to understand your home, climate, entertaining style, maintenance preferences and personal aesthetic.

From there, they can recommend furniture and layouts that feel genuinely suited to your lifestyle.

The ultimate goal is simple: creating an effortless transition from the demands of the day into a home and outdoor environment that feels welcoming, comfortable and uniquely yours.

Discover Outdoor Living at McKenzie & Willis

Whether you're planning a complete outdoor transformation or searching for the final piece to complete your space, our consultants are here to help.

Visit your nearest McKenzie & Willis showroom and explore a thoughtfully curated collection designed for New Zealand living, today and for many summers to come.