Due to the intense sun strike which pours into the west side of the home from early Spring right through to Autumn the owners were having to close the west-facing curtains in the living area in the early afternoon every day to prevent the sun from damaging furniture and turning the home into a giant oven.

When 0800 Sunshade’s Waikato Licensee, Don Buchanan, was approached to find a solution it became apparent that providing shade to the west side of the house would not only stop the sun strike but add value to the home and significantly improve the owner’s use of their outdoors.

The two shade sails were uniquely designed using 0800 Sunshade’s software which analyses and calculates where the sun will be at certain times of the day and then indicates exactly what areas need shade protection. 

From there Don took measurements and designed the exact sizes and shapes of shade sails required. 

The end result was not only a thrilled customer but a stunning custom-built finish which provides a unique point of difference to the home.

Don takes over the 0800 Sunshade License from Mark and Clare Lempriere, effective immediately.

Don also holds the 0800 Sunshade Licence for the Waikato. He has a proven track record in designing shade solutions and installing 0800 Sunshade products which include shade sails, shade structures, umbrellas, awnings and outdoor screens for preschools, schools, homes, businesses, retailer and clubs.

With Don’s background in building and school property management and his success in developing the Waikato region for 0800 Sunshade, the Company is delighted that Don has taken up the Bay of Plenty Licence.

“Going forward the Bay of Plenty can expect nothing but the best customer service from Don and 0800 Sunshade on all things weather protection,” says 0800 Sunshade managing director, Mike König.

“At 0800 Sunshade we pride ourselves on our professionalism and integrity in everything we do while delivering exceptional customers service and unrivalled weather protection products,” says Mike.  

“Don epitomises all these values”.

As the Bay of Plenty has some of the highest sunshine hours and temperatures in the country, the region is one of the most important territories for 0800 Sunshade.

The Company intends to commit more resources to ensure the region receives an improved service.

“Given 0800 Sunshade’s commitment to service we would be grateful to hear any feedback our Bay of Plenty customers have on our past and current service offering by emailing us at info@sunshade.co.nz, ” says Mike.

Canvasland’s winning entry for the US awards was a 5.0 metre high inflatable T-Rex which was designed and manufactured especially for the Waikato Museum which was looking for an outstanding, eye catching structure that would attract attention.

This was an inflatable which was completely designed and manufactured in house. 

Canvaslands success at these awards is a great coup for the industry in New Zealand.  It proves that we have the skills and high calibre of workmanship to create and manufacture products of a world class standard.

This years IFAI competition included 33 categories and received a total of 385 entries from 16 countries.  The New Zealand based OFPANZ awards received over 40 entries from around the country.

Earlier in the year Canvasland  was also awarded “Awards for Excellence” at the Outdoor Fabrics Products Association of NZ award ceremony held in Nelson.  Again, the T-Rex inflatable took honours in the “Inflatables” category and a large PVC awning won the “General” category.

This goes to show that when you are looking for quality, or for that special project, 0800 Sunshade will deliver!

Opiki School entered this clip into the competition and the Cancer Society judges were very impressed with the catchy and creative way the SunSmart messages were presented.

Kerry Hocquard, Manawatu Cancer Society Sunsmart Advisor expressed her thanks to 0800 Sunshade for the support of the SunSmart Schools Accreditation Programme.

“The $2000 donation towards sunshade products goes a long way towards making the school a safer SunSmart environment for students and teachers alike,” says Kerry.

Opiki School can put the prize towards any of 0800 Sunshade products which include shade sails, shade structures, awnings, outdoor screens, umbrellas, or a Shade Marquee© for school events and galas.

All of 0800 Sunshades shade sails and shade structures offer excellent protection from UV radiation and meet the requirements of the Cancer Society of New Zealand and Australian Cancer Council’s ‘SunSmart Schools’ accreditation policy.

So Opiki School can be assured of the best protection from the sun available on the market.

From the team at 0800 Sunshade ….”A HUGE congratulations to Opiki School!”

Korongata TKR - Old Timber Poles

On a routine service call to Korongata Te Kohanga Reo 0800 Sunshade  Hawkes’ Bay Licensee, Mark Hannan, found the old timber poles holding up the facility’s large shade sails had warped.  This can occur with timber poles over time and cause them to bow and splinter posing a risk to the playground, the sunshades and of course to any children playing near them. 

Mark took his concerns to Korongata TKR’s management and after careful consideration of their budget and needs Mark recommended the timber poles be replaced with new steel poles reinforced at ground level with concrete.   

The existing shade sails, while nearly 10 years old, Mark found to still be in good condition and providing high levels of UV protection.  This, in itself, says a lot for the quality of the shade sails made by 0800 Sunshade.

Therefore, given Korangata TKR’s budget Mark suggested the shade sails were not replaced but the tension simply checked and tightened. 

The result has been a much safer environment for Korongata’s most precious assets - their children.

Korongata TKR - New Steel Poles With Protective Pole Pads