Bunnings NZ revenue up 12.6pc to $865m

Wesfarmers generated about A$1.22 billion in total sales from its New Zealand businesses, which include Bunnings, and A$58.96 billion from Australia. Photo / NZME.

The New Zealand operations of big-box DIY, hardware, home improvement, outdoor living and garden chain Bunnings pushed up revenue 12.6 per cent to make $865.3 million in the December 31, 2014 half year.

Jacqui Coombes, general manager, has just released the result describing revenue growth as strong.

Sales growth was achieved in North Island and South Island stores, she said.

"The good trading performance is a direct outcome of a strategic agenda, targeting long-term value creation by strengthening core business elements and focusing on multiple growth drivers," Coombes said.

The chain is wholly owned by ASX-listed company Wesfarmers.

"We continue to invest in our business for the future. Good progress is being made on our growth drivers, delivering more customer value and better customer experiences, extending our brand reach, merchandising innovation and expanding our commercial business."

A company statement said that during the latest six months, new trade centres in Hornby and Avondale were opened.

Construction of a new Bunnings Warehouse in New Lynn was well progressed and there are plans to open more stores as the business continues to invest for the long term, it said.

At the end of 2014 Bunnings employed over 3700 staff who it refers to as team members across 24 warehouses, 20 small format stores and five trade centres.

Its most controversial new store is in Auckland's Arch Hill where residents have won many important concessions in an attempt to minimise the effects of the controversial new store on their Auckland neighbourhood.

Nearby houses will be checked for structural damage from the building work, summer trading hours will be limited, loud speaker use will be controlled and traffic slowed by a proposed raised roadway to soften the mega-store's arrival.

Construction work is yet to begin there.