New City, New Opportunities: Wayne Shuker Leads Urban Group’s Christchurch Expansion

During his time with Urban Group, Wayne Shuker has taken chances, supported others, and valued being part of a company that genuinely cares about its people and customers.

Unprecedented Times

Nearly five years ago, Wayne joined Urban Group’s Levin team, following a decade working in land surveying. He knew straight away that he’d found a great fit. Just days before Wayne was due to start at Urban Group, the first Covid lockdown was announced - talk about timing! It was a stressful time for everyone, but Wayne clearly remembers the call from CEO Fergus Stewart, reassuring him that his job was safe and he’d be on the payroll until he could start work properly. That phone call set the tone for everything he’s experienced since—Urban Group is a company that sticks to its word and genuinely looks after people.

Nurturing a Culture of Support

Wayne began his career in customer service, where his exceptional attention to detail and leadership abilities quickly became evident. He advanced to a role as a Customer Service team leader, where he continues to excel. He loves the team culture and the way everyone goes out of their way to help—both each other and their customers. “It feels like family here,” he says. “There’s always support, and everyone works together to make sure we get the best result.”

Seizing Opportunities

Fast forward to this year, and during a team meeting, it was announced that the company was looking to open a Christchurch facility and they were looking for someone to lead the new branch. Before Wayne had even thought it through, his hand was up! His wife had been considering postgraduate study, but the only option was in Christchurch. “I thought, here’s her chance,” he remembers. “Then afterwards, I thought, what have I done?!” After talking it over as a family, they decided to go for it, and now, with their twin boys settled in their new school and his wife ready to start studying, the whole family is excited about their new city.

Upholding Values - A Commitment to People and Service

For Wayne, the family-first values that mean so much to him are the same ones he sees every day at Urban Group. “From day one, I could see they genuinely care about people. They’re upfront, honest, and really supportive. If you make a mistake, you own it, and the team helps you fix it - though you might have to shout everyone doughnuts!”

That honesty and trust carry through to his customer relationships, too. “We have a trusting relationship, if a mistake is made, there’s no hiding from it or shifting the blame. I like the fact we all appreciate that mistakes occur but if you deal with them early, and learn from them, it’s better for everyone.”

Wayne takes a lot of pride in his work and always strives to do the best job possible - whether that’s supporting his team, looking after customers, or even loading a trailer. In his previous job as a land surveyor, he knew the quality of his work had huge implications for the people relying on it. He’s brought that same level of responsibility to Urban Group, and it’s one of the many reasons his customers trust him.

Looking Ahead

Now, as he gets ready to introduce Urban Group to more South Island customers, Wayne is excited about what’s ahead. “I’m so proud of the quality of our products and the craftsmanship that goes into them. We make gates, fences, and decking that last, and we back that up with incredible service. It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about finding the right solutions for people and making sure they get exactly what they need.”

With the new Christchurch branch opening on 17th February, South Island customers will benefit from faster, more affordable service. Until now, all orders had to be shipped from Auckland or Levin, adding extra costs, time, and risk of freight damage. Having a local branch means better pricing, quicker turnaround times, and more efficient service.

For Wayne, it’s all about rolling up his sleeves and making it happen. “Whatever’s needed - helping customers, supporting the sales team, or making sure deliveries go smoothly - I’m happy to do it.” With his passion, work ethic, and Urban Group’s commitment to quality, Christchurch is in great hands.