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About us and our process

01 — The Vision

Every Connect Homes project begins with founder and director Nathan Finlay. Nathan identifies opportunities and sets the direction for each project, working closely with the architect to shape the initial concept. Together they develop the early vision of the home, how it sits on the land, the architectural form, and the overall feel of the build.

02 — The Refinement

Once the concept is formed, our in-house interior designer Dianne steps in to refine the product. She works closely with Nathan, the architect and Ruari, our director and construction manager, to develop the design further while balancing creativity with practicality. Materials, layout and interior details are carefully considered to ensure the home feels cohesive, functional and distinctive.

03 - The Build

With the design locked in, Ruari leads the construction process from plans through to completion. Working alongside our builders—Blain, Jesse, Joe, and Cadel—the team brings the design to life with careful attention to detail and craftsmanship throughout every stage of the build.

04 — The Connection

As the homes take shape, Danni leads sales and marketing, introducing the concepts to buyers and guiding them through the purchasing journey. Whether releasing homes off the plans or showcasing completed builds, the focus is on helping buyers connect with the design and supporting them through the process from first introduction to the finished home.

Founded in 2020 by Nathan Finlay, Connect Homes is the result of over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Nathan’s passion for innovation and rethinking traditional building processes drives the company’s vision to create homes that are unique and exclusive. We are pioneering a new way of building—moving away from the conventional small-scale approach to deliver something fresh, bold, and distinctive.

At Connect Homes, we focus on crafting homes that truly stand out. Every design is carefully considered, combining bold architectural features with high-quality New Zealand-made materials. With a dedicated team of four builders and two office staff, we push the process forward, ensuring efficiency and exceptional craftsmanship at every stage. This streamlined approach allows us to deliver homes faster without compromising the quality and attention to detail that make them extraordinary.

Our homes strike a balance of functionality, style, and innovation. Every detail is thoughtfully considered, ensuring that each home is something to be proud of, offering a distinctive living experience for those who want more than just a place to live.

Smarter design, lower bills, warmer homes, and walls that last a lifetime.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are engineered for maximum efficiency and strength. Each panel consists of a rigid foam core—usually expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyurethane—sandwiched between durable Coloursteel skins. This composite structure provides high R-values, meaning superior insulation with minimal thickness, and eliminates thermal bridging common in traditional timber or steel framing. The airtight design prevents heat loss and infiltration of cold air, while the continuous insulation layer allows for consistent indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. Precision manufacturing ensures every panel fits exactly as designed, cutting construction waste and improving structural integrity.

At Connect Homes, we choose SIPs because the science behind them delivers both performance and durability. The Coloursteel skins are coated with galvanised or Zincalume® finishes and finished with a custom paint system, offering excellent corrosion resistance and protection against New Zealand’s harsh climate. SIPs’ airtight, insulated panels also make homes healthier—controlled ventilation ensures proper airflow, reduces moisture accumulation, and prevents cold spots or drafts. With rising energy costs and a growing focus on sustainable living, SIP-built homes represent a future-proof, energy-efficient solution that combines structural strength, thermal science, and long-term financial and environmental benefits. Any excess material from our SIP panels is carefully recycled, reducing waste and making our homes significantly more sustainable than traditional builds.