Our FOUNDATIONS
We’ve been building for a long time – and we still love it!
DStevens was built on family values that remain just as strong today as when our founder, Derek Stevens, started the business in 1955. These values are the foundation of everything we do, guiding our approach to every project and ensuring that we deliver not just buildings, but lasting legacies for our clients and community.
Our commitment to trust, craftsmanship, people, and the environment continues to shape our work, making sure that each project reflects the trust and dedication that have defined us for generations.
Trust
We are committed to creating spaces that resonate with people and foster a sense of belonging. Our promise is to deliver with transparency, starting by listening closely to understand your vision.
Environment
Sustainability is a core priority in everything we do. We focus on creating built solutions that benefit both you and the planet, ensuring a positive impact on the environment.
Craftsmanship
Our reputation is built on delivering exceptional construction quality and client service. We plan meticulously and pay close attention to every detail, ensuring we meet the highest standards.
People
We care for people and build strong, lasting relationships. Much of our work comes from repeat clients, reflecting the trust they place in us.
Our PRIORITIES
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We believe sustainable buildings have the potential to help cities, communities and the environment to flourish, and the individuals within them to thrive.
We’re working with our clients to identify the environmental potential and set goals to reduce the construction impact of each project; we then seek out practical means by which to deliver these goals.
Recognising the wide range of environments that the building industry impacts, DStevens remains committed to careful planning and execution of each phase of a project. We’ve implemented sustainable construction methods in commercial buildings, residential projects and civic and education facilities.
Through Trees That Count, we are helping to grow a more resilient and diverse Aotearoa by funding the planting of native trees in Tairāwhiti Gisborne. And we’re doing our best to conduct business in an ethical and responsible way.
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DStevens is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace to ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of each day.
We make safety a priority on our premises and at all project sites. We also require active participation by everyone, including subcontractors, to adequately plan the work we are carrying out and to act safely at all times.
We believe that an empowered culture of health and safety amongst our people, subcontractors, clients and wider project team, is what drives success.
Our policy is to take all practicable steps to comply with the New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) and relevant regulations, and all other codes of practice and guidelines applying to our business operations.
We are proud to hold SiteWise Gold accreditation by Site Safe New Zealand, certifying our health and safety capabilities, processes, and our strong commitment to creating a culture of safety in the workplace is among the very best in New Zealand.
Our Story
DStevens had its humble beginnings in the Christchurch suburb of Cashmere. Founded in 1955 by the late Derek Stevens, the company quickly built a reputation for quality construction, delivering high-end housing and commercial projects while growing a skilled team of carpenters.
In 1966, Derek and his family relocated to Gisborne and set about establishing DStevens as a premier construction and joinery company in the region. One of the company’s early major projects was the high-profile development of Kaiti Mall.
In 1970, DStevens expanded its services to include the fabrication and installation of Rylock aluminium windows and doors. Over the following years, Rylock Gisborne became a valued part of the business, delivering aluminium joinery for homes, schools, commercial buildings, and community projects throughout Tairāwhiti. In 2026, DStevens closed Rylock Gisborne after more than five decades representing the Rylock brand in Gisborne.
In 2001, DStevens broadened its offering again, becoming the local provider and installer for Louvretec opening roofs and sun louvres. Louvretec remains an important part of the business today, creating outdoor living and architectural shading solutions across the region.
Today, DStevens works with clients across Tairāwhiti to deliver construction, joinery, interiors, and Louvretec projects with exceptional care, quality, and craftsmanship.
Built on Trusted Relationships
DStevens works with a range of trusted industry organisations, suppliers, and specialist partners to support the quality, safety, and professionalism of the work we deliver across Tairāwhiti.
Our long-standing industry relationships help ensure our clients benefit from proven systems, experienced tradespeople, trusted products, and up-to-date building practices across every stage of a project.