about us.

Our aim is simple: Create healthy spaces to protect and improve the well-being of current and future generations whatever the weather. Thus we provide shade and shelter structures that also enhance the appearance of outdoor spaces.

Providing enrichment and wellbeing through creating outdoor shade and shelter

To shelter 4 million people

Humble, Hungry and Smart

Sheltering people from the elements since 1964

Shade Systems’ heritage is woven through the decades by a family of makers and innovators, with roots stretching down family trees over 80 years to pre-WWII. Our story began in Dargaville with our founder Mr S.R. Suckling. He began his trade making tents and other outdoor products before going on to start his own company in 1964.

S.R. Suckling Canvas Goods & Manufacturing was passed to our founders’ sons in 1976 and is now in the hands of a 3rd generation of shademakers, expertly weaving and innovating shade for the generations to come.

Shade Systems has gone from strength to strength. We produce shade structures all over New Zealand and for international customers, exporting our products globally. From the canvas tents tailored by Mr S.R. Suckling long ago for the war effort, to the canopies and shades that now shelter our children and families from the elements, our shade is built for generations.

Over the years, the name on our door may have changed but people and family have always been at the heart of everything we do.