Our Yarn
The story behind Continuous Group (sort of).
Discover how we got here
The Continuous Group of companies has grown from the very deepest New Zealand roots. Nurtured on grass-roots values and a passion for keeping Kiwi houses and our environment safe, it is no surprise that we go from strength to strength.
1991
Continuous Spouting Auckland opens its doors for the very first time
Originally called The Spouting Specialists Ltd, Richard and Liz Mabin start operating from a single car garage in Gillies Ave. Their one machine is towed by a 1965 Hillman Super Minx station wagon and they make it work with the help of Colin Warn, their first installer.
World Wide Web is launched
Tim Berners-Lee introduces WWW to the public on August 6, 1991. The World Wide Web (WWW) is what most people today consider the "Internet". The Internet as a whole had hundreds of people who helped develop the standards and technologies that make it what it is today.
1992
Continuous Spouting expands into the Waikato
David Fish opens up operations in the Waikato, with his area soon encompassing the Bay of Plenty.
New NZ Voting System
Kiwis voted on a change with our voting system. MMP won and is still here today.
1993
South Island opens for business
Hec McQuarrie establishes Canterbury Continuous Spouting in Christchurch and begins building a strong reputation for honest, quality workmanship.
British Lions thrashed
The Lions were thrashed 38-10 by Waikato in Hamilton on June 30, 1993 — a record defeat against provincial opposition. Warren Gatland was the home side’s hooker and final try scorer.
1994
A New Zealand First
Continuous designs and commissions the manufacture of the very first fully portable ¼ Round (Quartz) machines in NZ
Once Were Warriors hits the screens
The brutal realism of this film stirs controversy in NZ, but launches Lee Tamahori’s Hollywood directing career and pulls in audiences both locally and worldwide, becoming New Zealand’s highest-grossing film to that date.
1995
Continuous Spouting spreads to the west of the North Island and to the top of the South Island
Opportunity arises for Hamish Fraser to start up Continuous Spouting in the Taranaki/Palmerston North region. Pete Hoare opens up the Top Of The South from Nelson.
Mullet craze takes over NZ
Mullet - New Zealand men not having a mullet are executed on the spot for treason. Secondly all women over the age of 12 were given the option to have stunning mullets that contain strange magical properties and mullety glory for many generations.
1996
Continuous Spouting Wellington opens its doors and operations expand into Otago
Ewan Matheson opens the doors of Continuous Spouting Wellington. Hec further grows the South Island business into Otago, managing it remotely from Christchurch.
Auckland's first premises
In the same year, Continuous Spouting in Auckland buy their first real premises based in Penrose, employing their first staff.
The year is topped off with the exciting introduction of the very first portable 140mm fascia machines into New Zealand.
1997
Continuous covers the North Island
Continuous Spouting Northland is started up by Brendan Shaw, based initially in Waipu, moving in time to Whangarei, but covering the whole northern region.
In addition, Darrell & Brendon Back join the Continuous team in the Taranaki region and Mark & Kim Innes take over the Waikato/BOP area from Dave Mariner.
Sky Tower opens
The tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, Sky Tower in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, opens after two-and-a-half years of construction
1998
South Island spreads
Canterbury Continuous Spouting further expand its operations to include offices in Ashburton and Cromwell.
Continuous get innovative with a world first
Continuous designs and commissions the first portable 125mm ½ Round machine in the world. This new profile reinforces “Continuous” as the market leader with beautiful architectural products.
1999
More world firsts and Hawkes Bay opens
Following the success of the 125mm ½ Round machine, Continuous designs and commissions the first portable 150mm ½ Round machine in the world, alongside the first Colorcote® 80mm downpipe machine with diecast bends. At the same time Dugald Hamilton grows his business to encompass the Hawkes Bay region as well as Gisborne.
Auckland build their current premises
In the same year, Continuous Spouting Auckland build new and substantial office and warehouse buildings in Takanini, where they remain based today.
2000
Otago Continuous Spouting launched
Otago is run independently from Canterbury. In the hands of local people and resources, it quickly expands its operations into Central Otago
Y2K
While many were ready to party "like it was 1999," many others predicted catastrophe at the end of the year from a small assumption made long ago when computers were first being programmed.
2002
Fascia goes south...
Continuous introduce coloursteel fascia to the South Island market. As with the first fascia machines, these are mobile producing a bevelled 140mm profile.
NCEA introduced
After a five year overhaul of New Zealand’s secondary school qualifications system , NCEA Level 1 is introduced in an effort to provide a more accurate picture of a student's achievement. By the end of 2004, Levels 2 and 3 are introduced and a decade later, more students are leaving school with qualifications and NCEA is accepted both in New Zealand and overseas by most employers and universities.
2003
Another advancement in innovation
Auckland manufacture New Zealand’s first 65mm & 100mm roll formed downpipe machines.
Trade Me takes off
It all started with Sam Morgan’s frustrating effort to buy a second-hand heater to warm his Wellington flat. By the mid-2000s, Trade Me was fundamentally changing the way we buy and sell all manner of stuff, cars & houses as well as look for jobs & flatmates
2004
New owners in Northland
Colin & Bevan Warn take over the Northland Region from Brendan Shaw. Remember Colin Warn – our very first installer? Bevan is still with us today contracting in the Auckland region – that’s 20 years’ experience up his sleeve
Facebook launch
On February 4, 2004, Zuckerberg launched "TheFacebook". Membership was initially restricted to students of Harvard College. Dustin Moskovitz, Andrew McCollum, and Chris Hughes joined Zuckerberg to help manage the growth of the site. It became available successively to most universities in the US and Canada.
2005
Innovation spreads south
With the popularity of coloured downpipes – Canterbury build a second downpipe machine offering both 65 and 80mm diameter
Maori TV celebrates its 1st anniversary
After early setbacks, Maori Television starts its journey to establish itself today as a bulwark not only for the Maori language but also for high-quality broadcasting in general.
2006
Continuous keep growing
180mm in-house fascia machines introduced to the market as another option to the construction industry.
Dairy Dominates
Poor returns for lamb and improving prices for milk influence an enormous change in the livestock population of New Zealand – the country that once lived off the sheep’s back now starts to depend on the cow’s udder.
2007
Premises for South Island operations built and a new face for Wellington
Hec takes back the reins of Otago Continuous Spouting and builds their “mothership” for all South Island operations – large offices and warehousing in the famous IZONE subdivision in Rolleston, Christchurch.
Scott Johnston takes over Continuous Wellington and steadily grows his market share to include the Wairarapa and Palmerston North regions.
Kiwisaver launched
Michael Cullen’s big plan to turn New Zealand into a nation of savers, with the help of a little “nudge” in the right direction, began in July 2007. Within a month, 130,000 members are in the scheme and fewer than 6000 opt out. Six years later, almost 2.2 million New Zealanders will have KiwiSaver accounts, with a combined total of $17 billion invested.
2008
Another notch in Auckland’s belt
Auckland offer 140 and 180mm fascia panel
Free Trade with China
Prime Minister Helen Clark leads a large entourage of dignitaries and business leaders to Beijing for the signing of the first free-trade agreement between China and a developed country.
2009
A new Northland
Roger Talbot first joined us as a 16 year old schoolboy - his journey has taken him from first training grounds in Auckland to first installer with Continuous Guttering UK… then all the way home again where he and his wife Karen own and successfully manage the entire Northland region.
First NZ Winter Games held
The inaugural New Zealand Winter Games is held in Otago with 816 athletes from 41 nations participating in 51 events across 7 disciplines. Canada won the Team Trophy on points accumulated from medals won during the games. The United States finished second and Japan third, with New Zealand finishing in sixth place.
2011
Canterbury and Otago Continuous become one
For the first time since its foundations, Canterbury and Otago Continuous Spouting become one company under the umbrella of Canterbury Continuous, thus cementing a firm foundation for all South Island operations (excluding the Top of the South).
Earthquakes ravage Christchurch
One hundred and eighty-five lives lost, $40 billion worth of damage, entire suburbs that were once home to over 7,800 households forcibly abandoned because of land damage, 80% of the central business district razed, 220 heritage buildings bowled. Over the 2 ½ years from the first earthquake Cantabrians will endure more than 11,000 aftershocks and the effects of the destruction in Christchurch ripple through the country.
2012
Continuous Group founded
With the success of all of our New Zealand companies entrenched in more than two decades of experience, the Continuous Group is formed. This new “Mother Company” enables our people to operate and market themselves as a national brand and continue to thrive as leaders in the industry.
East Coast make-over
Wiremu Armitage takes over the Hawkes Bay region while Michael Christophers makes his mark as the new owner of Gisborne…. both regions continue to enjoy a steady growth.
2013
A change for CWBOP
Mark & Kim Innes hand over the reins of Continuous Waikato and Bay of Plenty to Alison Cary & Tony Crookston. Operating out of Cambridge, Alison and Tony put to good use their years of experience installing and managing in this industry.
First legal gay marriages
New Zealand’s first gay weddings took place on August 19 when this country became the first in the Asia-Pacific region and the 13th globally to make same-sex marriage legal. The reform came 27 years after New Zealand legalised homosexuality.
2014
Continuous Go Global
As business booms in New Zealand, the Continuous Group take their search to the United Kingdom for great people to join us. Our participation at the Working International Expos in Dublin & Manchester, alongside the likes of the Fletcher Group and Fulton Hogan, further validates our great group of companies. Passionate people who continue to “go the extra mile” with the practicality, reliability and honesty of our origins.
The Rockstar Economy
The New Zealand economy rocked and was given the accolade in 2014, economists saying it was the world's “rockstar” performer of that year.
2015
Aluminium replaces steel
Continuous convert our entire spouting and downpipe bracket range from Galvanised steel to Aluminium. The longevity of aluminium will ensure our customers receive the ultimate product for our island nation
Selfie RIP
39 people died while taking a selfie, the same year Disney banned selfie sticks from all its theme parks worldwide
2016
CG enters Hawke’s Bay and Wellington
Roofworkz Wellington and Rooftech Hawkes bay join with Continuous Group bringing over 50 years experience to our national team and enhancing our nationwide service.
Kiwis decide to Flag it
Two New Zealand flag referendums were held by the New Zealand Government in November/December 2015 and March 2016 and resulted in the retention of the current flag of New Zealand.
2017
CG sets up bracket and component manufacture
After years of outsourcing our bracket and component manufacturing, Continuous Group Manufacturing is formed and multi server machinery is purchased, installed and now produces locally made product for all of our licensees.
Jacindamania takes over New Zealand
Jacinda Adern was elected New Zealands 40th Prime Minister.
2018
CG welcomes Matt & Aaron
With years of experience in the construction industry, Matt Dalton and Aaron Hall purchase Waikato and Bay of plenty areas.
Winning most improved licensee in their first year and fulfilling the glorious mullet tradition of 1995.
Largest wave in NZ history
A wave of about 24 metres (79 ft) height, the highest ever recorded, is observed near Campbell Island south of New Zealand; the previous record wave in 2012 was about 22 metres (72 ft).
2019
Nationwide deal with Selleys
More innovations from Continuous with a nationwide deal with Selleys premium silicones providing the best UV warranty in the market.
Another product that meets the CG ethos. “Tested quality products last the distance”
NZ Hunter Adventures
Continuous Group become the main sponsor of NZ Hunter Adventures.
See what this means to the producer and presenter Willey Duley by watching the video above.
2020
New licensee for Taranaki & Whanganui / Manawatu
New Licensee is signed for the Taranaki and Whanganui/Manawatu areas. Geoff Milligan (Former Installer for Continuous Auckland) and Julia Milligan (Former marketing manager for Continuous Group) get some skin in the game and are loving the new challenges.
COVID-19 hits
Covid 19 shuts down NZ. Initially Kiwis go mad and buy up crazy amounts of toilet paper. But then we get our act together, as great New Zealanders and, we all manage bloody well through a tough time.
2021
“Continuous” celebrate their 30th year in business
In 1991, Continuous Spouting began, with two blokes committed to providing a better rainwater system for New Zealand’s homes.
30 years later, the industry we’ve pioneered has flourished. The vast majority of all new homes built now include a continuous metal spouting system. But, that doesn’t mean our work is done. We continue to set the standard in the industry with new innovations, to deliver better, longer lasting rainwater systems. It’s not about sales gimmicks. We’re committed to product improvements that make a meaningful difference to our customers.
30 years in, we’re still New Zealand’s benchmark for quality rainwater systems. And that’s a promise you can rely on.
36th America’s cup hosted in NZ
The 36th America’s Cup (AC36) was delivered successfully, at a time when very few other events could take place anywhere in the world because of the global pandemic. Nearly 280,000 people attended the event in person, and the broadcast made Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand look incredible the world over. As an event, AC36 enhanced New Zealand’s reputation as a destination and as a place to host major events.
2022
South Island continues to be in “Great hands”
After 30 years, owner Ian (Hec) McQuarrie sells his business. Hec was involved in every aspect of his business including Continuous Group head office where he continues to work today.
The new owner Pete Cox started with “Continuous” as an installer and then as owner of our Southland Licensed area. His knowledge from the coal face to managing a CG license made him the perfect fit to continue Hec’s legacy, make it his own and build on the success of the greater South Island region.
Traffic lights used to shape how you live!
Remember the ol “Traffic light” system for Covid.
Thankfully in 2022 this system was scrapped along with vaccine mandates for border and Corrections workers, and the closure of the last MIQ facilities.
Was all this just a bad dream?
2023
More innovation from Continuous Group
With NZ’s largest range of spouting profiles, our customers and friendly specifiers wanted even more!
Introducing the Halo 200 spouting. This profile brings the outstanding design of our Halo half-round profile, in our largest capacity to take on any weather. The Halo 200 profile, is a favourite for high-end residential builds with large roof coverage, as its larger size can cope with additional water capture, while its stunning aesthetics compliment almost any house design.
The great New Zealand “Bug of the Year” competition
Ngaru huruhuru, the native bee – our first Bug of the Year winner in 2023
Did you know that insects, spiders, and other “bugs” make up well over half of Aotearoa New Zealand’s animal diversity and that most of them are found nowhere else on planet Earth? These creatures keep our crops and flowers pollinated, our soils aerated, our streams and forests healthy, our waste decomposed and our backyards buzzing. It’s time for Kiwis to give some attention to bugs of Aotearoa!
2024
”Plus 1” joins the family
QUARTZ PLUS 185MM
Kiwis love our “Quartz” spouting profile, in 2024 we installed 221,946 metres to kiwi homes, bach’s and sheds.
We decided to give it a big brother (Or sister) and named it “Quartz Plus”. Same popular shape but 52% bigger water capacity, Think Danny DeVito/Arnold Schwarzenegger (not quite but you get picture).
Top 10 quote of the year
“You’ve got enough room out there for like three rugby fields.” Ruby Tui to King Charles, referring to the Buckingham Palace gardens.
2025
Thanks for reading “Our Yarn”.
Proud to be kiwi owned and operated.
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