Black Forest Investments NZ Limited

At Black Forest Investments NZ Limited, we honour the invaluable insight and leadership of our founding Director, Graeme Black, whose vision helped shape the company from its inception. Graeme’s contribution remains at the heart of our business, and we acknowledge his passing in 2023 with deep respect.

Black Forest Investments is a New Zealand-based company specialising in the importation and wholesale distribution of premium hardwood decking from Indonesia and South America, as well as an extensive range of plywood sourced from China and Indonesia.

All our imported products are FSC® accredited, aligning with the Charter requirements of NZITTG, of which we are a proud and active member. This accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable, ethical sourcing and responsible forestry practices.

We are committed to becoming a long-term, trusted supplier of high-quality building products in the New Zealand market. Through strong partnerships with leading international manufacturers — including several exclusive supply agreements — we ensure consistent product availability and reliability.

Our leadership team includes:

• Paul Kiesanowski, Independent Chairman

• Malcolm Hudson, Director

• Paul Elsmore, Chief Executive Officer – With over four decades of experience in the timber and plywood sector across Southeast Asia, Paul brings unparalleled industry knowledge. Formerly the CEO of Simmonds Lumber Group for 26 years, Paul played a pivotal role in expanding operations across Australia and New Zealand, establishing enduring supplier relationships and a deep understanding of legality standards and product specifications.

• Rodney Chan, Chief Financial Officer – A Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years’ experience, Rodney spent 15 years at Deutsche Bank Australia, specialising in capital markets and corporate taxation. Since returning to New Zealand, he has served as CFO across multiple sectors and currently sits on the board of Low Impact, a company dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions both locally and abroad.

Our company is further strengthened by a team of seasoned sales executives, each with deep experience servicing the New Zealand building supply chain and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction.

Mission Statement
“To grow our presence in the New Zealand market as a wholesale importing business, dedicated to supplying high-quality, legally sourced products — certified under FSC® — to the New Zealand merchant sector.”

Our Core Values
Employees | Customer Service | Innovation | Integrity | Profitability

At Black Forest Investments, we are committed to delivering excellence and integrity in all that we do. We look forward to building strong, collaborative partnerships with our customers and stakeholders well into the future.

Please note: Black Forest Investments NZ Limited is an independent entity and is not affiliated with the Simmonds Lumber Group.

CEO – Paul Elsmore: paul@blackforestnz.com

CFO – Rodney Chan: admin@blackforestnz.com

NZ Sales Manager – Trenton Webley: trenton@blackforestnz.com

Senior Sales Executive – Ross Everard: ross@blackforestnz.com

Office Manager – Cindy Chan: sales@blackforestnz.com