Designed & Made in NZ
by good people for great kids

Hi, I’m Sebastián, originally from Argentina. I moved to New Zealand seven years ago with my partner, and we now have two children, Camilo and Muna, who were both born here. I’ve been working with solid timber and as a cabinetmaker for several years, and I really enjoy creating and building things with my hands. Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, playing basketball and spending time with my family.

Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m the Engineering Manager at Starex. I grew up here in Tauranga and went to Wellington University. I have traveled a bit but usually base myself in Tauranga. I haven’t come here with any particular skill set. I have been working with Starex on and off since 2014, in between study and travel. Each time back here at Starex I have learnt new jobs around the factory. This is the first time I’ve been taught how to weld. But any skills I have learnt, I’ve learnt it from Starex. When I’m not working, I enjoy playing the guitar and piano. My partner, Jolani and I like to go to the beach and travel around in our van when we can.

My name is Franco Cristobal Bustillos Rojas I’m from Chile, living in Tauranga South with my girlfriend. I am a Cabinet Maker & I come with a positive energy and attitude to learn and contribute to the team. I like to spend time in my workshop where I can create different things & I also like to swim in the pool and beat my own record! I love riding my bike on sunny days at the mount.

Hi my name is So Jung Yoon, you can call me Sophia. I am originally from Korea, I just moved here to Tauranga from Palmerston North to join the Starex team. I am a CAD Technician for Starex. When I am not working, normally I will be relaxing at home with some craft things, like knitting, drawing, and sometimes carving. Also, I love to experience new activities, so I want to learn surfing in Tauranga

Hi, I’m Dan I’m the Productivity Lead at Starex. I studied product design at Massey University and have been working for furniture manufacturing companies since. I love the manufacturing environment and the people that come with it. The Starex team are an amazing team of creative, fun and talented people. I’m passionate about ensuring that products are designed and built to last, which is what sets Starex apart. I love spending time with my family or friends, surfing, mountain biking and running. I also play guitar and currently have a fan base of four (my family). They assure me that I have excellent potential but for now I will stick to my day job at Starex.

Hi, I’m Jo! With over 27 years of experience in administration across a range of industries, I’ve been part of the Starex team since 2021. My role combines customer service with supporting our centre projects, and I enjoy helping our customers and being part of their journey as their projects take shape. I love working at Starex, being part of a great team and working under amazing management, all while contributing to a company that takes real pride in producing quality furniture for early learning centres.

Talofa lava, my name is Te’a and I am the Dispatcher at Starex. I am from Samoa and moved to New Zealand in 2001. My partner and I moved to Mount Maunganui in 2020 and live in Papamoa with our two boys. In my spare time I enjoy going to the beach, keeping fit and spending time with my family.

Hi I’m Zoe, you will find me in the Design Department at Starex. I have been working in the Interior Design Industry for the past 11 years. My career has predominantly been carried out overseas, however, it feels great to be back working and living in New Zealand. My passion is client relations: ensuring the project embodies the clients desired finish and function. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, downhill mountain biking and upcycling/DIY projects

Hi, I’m Taku and I’m the CNC Operator for Starex. I’m from Japan and I’ve been in the Bay of Plenty for nine years. In my spare time I like to go fishing, DIY and spend quality time with my family.

Hi, I’m Rhiarne. I’m from Taupo and I moved to Tauranga when I was 19. I have been and gone a few times but I’m now settled here. I have a giant dog, an Alaskan Malamute. We go hiking and biking together, I also enjoy being in my garden and cooking and baking. You will find me in Dispatch here at Starex.

Hi, I’m Kylie. We moved back from the UK two years ago, we are so happy and thankful to be back in New Zealand, and in the Bay. I am married to wife Deb with two adult children, who will always be my babies. I have been furniture making for over 20 years – in that time working on church furniture and architectural joinery. In our spare time when we are not working, we enjoy traveling and visiting friends and family around the Bay of Plenty. We are also trying to find time to work on our Reno!

Hey, I’m Hayley and I work in Sales and Marketing Support for Starex. I come with over 17 year’s experience working in Early Childhood Education, I am very excited to start a new journey alongside Starex and their team. I am originally from Whākatane, however now call Mount Maunganui home where my Husband, son, and our fur baby (cat) live.  In my spare time I enjoy reading a good book, whether that be a crime or thriller. I also enjoy keeping fit at the gym, and spending time with family and friends. As a family we love to take our caravan away and spend time at the beach, in winter you will find us on the mountain snowboarding.

Hi I’m Jhony Rodriguez, I was born in Uruguay, South America. I grew up in a large family with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. I have been in New Zealand for two years and have been working for Starex as a cabinet maker for 1 ½ years. Most days I enjoy surfing and running, but yoga is my passion. Painting and crafts are a hobby of mine and I love being outdoors with my friends. I also love the Shrek movie saga.

Hi, I’m Heike and I am the factory manager here at Starex. I am originally from Germany, where I studied Cabinet Making. I came to New Zealand 14 years ago and soon after my arrival in NZ I moved to sunny Mount Maunganui. I enjoy the diversity that my role provides as well as being able to learn and grow alongside the Starex team. In my spare time I love travelling, socialising with friends old and new, pottering around the garden and eating good food.

Hi, I’m Amanda and I love being part of the Starex ‘family’ and have been part of the office team working in accounts for the past 8 years. We have lots of fun and laughs between all the hard work being done! I have lived in Tauranga for the past 27 years. Family is the most important thing to me. I have 2 adult children and a gorgeous dog called Murphy. Most of our extended family live locally, so I feel very lucky to have lots of family support and fun family parties. I love to explore the great outdoors, walking, gardening, eating healthy food and spending lots of time with my children.

Hi, I’m Monique, the Operations Manager at Starex. I love being a part of a great team made up of amazing people, all with valuable skills. I live in Tauranga with my husband and our lovely Spoodle Pixie. We enjoy outdoor activities, travelling and catching up with family and friends.

Hi I’m Morrie and I was born in Taumarunui where I completed a Joinery Apprenticeship at the age of 17. Soon after my studies I spent my OE working in various roles from apartment renovations to working at the Sydney Art Gallery. I have been with Starex for 3 years where I am kept busy in the Assembly/Dispatch area. I love to tinker with old classic cars, renovate, play golf & fish. I am married with one son Keegan (15yrs) and we have a 17 year old dog called Ollie.

Hi I’m Elinor and I am a Mechanical Engineer from Sweden. I have a background in the telecom and retail industry but am now thrilled to have a role as a designer here at Starex. I love to create inspiring play areas for children and multi-functional furniture. I find my son and daughter my greatest source of inspiration. I met my kiwi husband on a surf trip to Costa Rica and we got married in Bali in 2011. I relocated from Sweden to NZ in 2018 and have embraced the kiwi lifestyle with everything it has to offer. I love to run, surf and sew and I once caught a shark on a hand line.

Hi, I’m James and I work in Marketing for Starex. My main passions are learning languages (especially Spanish) spending quality time with mates and of course, sport and Football! I love working with Starex because it is a company with strong values at the heart of what they do. I love being where the Starex magic happens and seeing the business grow. Muchas gracias!

Hi I’m Matt and I am a Managing Director of Starex. I wear a lot of hats around the factory ranging from site visits, designing and quoting products, overseeing production, staffing & working on the floor. In my spare time I love playing football with my local club Tauranga City. I enjoy being at home with family, throwing arrows at a dartboard and savouring the odd craft beer.

Hi I’m Steven and I am the Joinery Manager at Starex. I’m originally from Stratford in Taranaki. I’ve worked in the wooden furniture business since I was 18 as I always knew I wanted to work with wood. In my spare time I enjoy spending time at home with my wife and son.

Hi I’m Heinz and I have 43 years’ experience in the trade. The joinery department, I like to say, ‘is the place where all the ideas of the customers & design team form their final shape’. In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors, bush walks & camping in out of way places with my beautiful wife. 

Hi I’m Melissa and I am a Managing Director of Starex. My responsibilities are vast and can include managing of projects and the day to day running of Starex, photography of products and people and projects such as websites and catalogues. I like to create a fun workplace and enjoy working with the great people at Starex, I’m often found laughing lots (and loudly) & snorting occasionally! I love being a mum of 3 beautiful girls & 2 fur baby Cavalier King Charles spaniels and I have a keen interest in natural health.