DStevens Celebrates 70 Years of Construction

A LEGACY BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP

DStevens was founded in 1955 by Derek Stevens in Christchurch, where his passion for quality craftsmanship laid the foundation for our success. With a pocketful of pennies, Derek would use a public phone booth across the road from his house each morning to coordinate projects, embodying the resourcefulness and determination that remain hallmarks of DStevens today.

Derek worked hard to establish the company in a competitive Christchurch industry undertaking major construction projects that included high-end housing and commercial work by expanding his team to 12 skilled carpenters.

In 1966, Derek and his family relocated to Gisborne, starting afresh in a new community. Our first major project in Gisborne, the construction and interior fit-out of Kaiti Mall, was a pivotal moment that solidified DStevens as a trusted name locally and laid the foundation for its growth into a leading construction and joinery firm in the region.

GROWING WITH GISBORNE

DStevens is proud to have been part of Gisborne’s growth for over six decades, contributing to projects that define the community—from residential homes to large-scale commercial and education developments. Over the years, we’ve expanded our services to meet the needs of our clients, including the addition of Rylock aluminium windows and doors, Louvretec, and establishing a comprehensive interior design service.

We’ve remained a family business, with Derek’s son Peter Stevens taking the helm as Managing Director in 1998. Under Peter’s leadership, DStevens has embraced innovation while maintaining the values of quality and service instilled by his father. Today, the company continues to lead with a focus on collaboration, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROJECTS

At the heart of DStevens is our incredible team. Over the past 70 years, we’ve trained well over 100 apprentices, investing in the development of local talent and passing down the skills and knowledge that define our work. At every level, our team’s dedication has been instrumental in building a reputation for quality. Our team’s passion for their craft is evident in every project, whether it’s a bespoke kitchen, a new family home, a large commercial building, or a set of new windows and doors.

We also take pride in the relationships we’ve built—with clients, architects, suppliers, and subcontractors. These partnerships have allowed us to deliver award-winning projects and build trust within our community.