AHI Carrier expands New Zealand operations with investment

AHI Carrier is expanding its New Zealand operation with a multi-million-dollar investment in facilities, staff and products as demand rises for energy-efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems in commercial and residential buildings.

The expansion includes an upgrade of the Auckland head office, with a new training centre, showroom and upgraded Totaline store. The company is also adding facilities in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin to broaden its national presence.

In Wellington, the new site includes warehouse and logistics space, a showroom, training centre, event space and a Totaline parts and accessories operation. In Dunedin, AHI Carrier has added a Totaline store to its local branch, while a new Christchurch hub is due to open in new premises.

The investment is part of a broader push to strengthen AHI Carrier's position in a market where businesses are under pressure to cut energy use and emissions. The company is also increasing headcount and recruiting more senior staff and technical specialists.

"As the company that invented modern air conditioning in 1902, we continue to evolve and innovate, and the HVAC&R market is entering a more competitive phase because of changing customer needs and a greater focus on energy efficiency. As energy costs rise and climate concerns grow, AHI Carrier is committed to helping New Zealand companies reduce their carbon footprint through smart, efficient HVAC&R technologies," said Gary Felstead, General Manager of AHI Carrier.

Commercial focus

AHI Carrier is offering newer commercial systems in New Zealand, including the Carrier AquaSnap 61AQ heat pump, as customers look for ways to improve building efficiency and support internal emissions targets. It also points to growing interest in natural refrigerants and control systems that help businesses manage energy use.

Hamish Flynn, National Commercial Manager, said the New Zealand business draws on Carrier's broader research and development work.

"We enable our local commercial customers to manage their energy use more effectively and meet sustainability targets with solutions like natural refrigerant and intelligent control systems. Solutions like these are key to our goal of helping customers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in line with New Zealand's 2030 target, while keeping on track for the 2050 carbon-neutral target," said Flynn.

The expansion reflects broader changes in the building services market, as landlords, developers and occupiers pay closer attention to operating costs and environmental performance. Heating and cooling systems remain among the largest energy loads in many buildings, making them a key focus for retrofit and new-build projects.

Residential push

Alongside its commercial work, AHI Carrier is seeking to grow its share of the residential market. It has launched the Ambi by Carrier heat pump and is promoting the Carrier Blue Hot Water Heat Pump as households look for lower running costs from heating and hot water systems.

Felstead said the residential market in New Zealand has been relatively slow-moving, with brands often offering similar products, but argued that changing efficiency standards are beginning to influence consumer choices.

"In a traditionally passive market like New Zealand, where every brand is doing something similar, Carrier combines global innovation with local expertise to give customers heating and cooling solutions tailored to modern households. Products like the Ambi by Carrier and the Carrier Blue Hot Water Heat Pump meet evolving energy efficiency standards with the goal of supporting New Zealand's transition to a low-emissions economy," said Felstead.

Partner network

The company is also building a Partner Authorised Installer network to deepen ties with contractors and installers across the country. That includes working with hot water specialists as heat pump water heating gains wider attention.

The network is intended to support closer cooperation across sales, installation and service. AHI Carrier has linked the initiative to its "Air with Care" philosophy, which it says guides its approach to partner relationships and customer support.

"Our goal is to create a culture of trust, support and shared success with our partners. By investing in people, facilities and training, we're ensuring the industry has the support it needs to deliver the best outcomes for consumers," said Felstead.

AHI Carrier said its recent market repositioning had led to growth in lead generation, a larger quote pipeline and a rise in market share.