Drapes and Blindz Direct
about us
See the chronological journey that took us from modest beginnings to the premier producer of drapes and blinds in Taranaki.
About
Established in 1988, Drapes and Blindz Direct is proudly 100% Taranaki owned and operated.
Modest Beginnings
Blinds Direct (as it was then known) launches in a New Plymouth garage and serves the local community, producing blinds with a focus on quality not quantity.
The Passing of the Baton
Husband and wife duo, Paul and Belinda Hickford move home to New Plymouth to start a family and take over the operation from Belinda’s mother and stepfather. Paul with a background as an Electrical Sales Manager and Belinda bringing extensive Customer Service and Banking Industry experience to the business.
2004Leaving Home
The Hickford family expands and so does the business. “Extremely busy times” see them outgrow the garage and move the business into a leased commercial building.
2005Graduating to a Purpose-Built Factory and Showroom
The well-established team move into their own purpose-built factory and showroom in Westown to better utilise the excellent talent and industry knowledge they now have.
Rapid Growth
A new Taranaki family is introduced to the business — Mel and Nicki join as business partners. Mel brings construction and group home builder/project manager experience, while Nicki adds logistics experience gained at Tegel.
Continued Growth Prompts a Move to The Valley
Further growth results in a move to an even bigger factory at 69 Hurlstone Drive, Waiwhakaiho.
New Products now made in-house
The acquisition of another local business, 'Homemaker' drives a name change — Blindz Direct becomes Drapes and Blindz Direct. New technology is used to produce a greater range of made-to-order products, in-house right here in Taranaki.
Passing from family to family
April 2023 has brought about a passing of the baton and change for Drapes and Blindz Direct. With Paul & Belinda stepping out of the business and Mel & Nicki taking the reins fully.
The Team Keeps It Local
Present Day
The Drapes and Blindz Direct team continue to serve their local community with a hands-on approach to window dressings throughout Taranaki.
This means free in-home measuring and quoting, sharing of expert product knowledge and tailored advice for informed purchases, and expert installation of high-quality products.
Our Showroom
Visit our showroom and factory to touch and feel samples and discuss different options.
Free Measure & Quote
We come to your home and measure ourselves, leaving nothing to chance — free and easy.
Get in touch
Drop us a line and tell us what you’re after.
Drapes and Blindz Direct
Our team
Mel
General Manager, Director
NICKI
LOGISTICS MANAGER, Director
Dennis
Sales
Craig
Installer
Denise
Office Admin
Nat
Logistics & Admin
Free Measure & Quote
We come to your home and measure ourselves, leaving nothing to chance — free and easy.
