Our History

Nestled below the Port Hills of Christchurch, Pakworld is a New Zealand family-owned print packaging company. Founded over forty years ago in 1980 by Bill Flett, his passion for print continues to flow through the company veins. We are proud to follow in his footsteps.

1980

1980

With years of experience in the printing industry behind him, Bill Flett takes on the role of manager at Andrews & Baty, a commercial and packaging print company. When the owner has to sell the business due to illness, Bill is asked if he'd like to buy the business.

1980

November 1980

November 1980

With little time to do his due diligence, Bill bites the bullet, raises the finance and goes from manager to business owner within a week.  Inspired by a local business called Music World, Bill decides to call his new company Pakworld.

November 1980

1981

1981

Pakworld is the target of a random arson attack and burns to the ground. Bill has to re-establish his business and starts printing boxes. One of Pakworld's biggest customers at that time was Lane Walker Hosiery Division. Starting with haberdashery boxes, Pakworld expanded into a suit, hosiery and thermal clothing packaging.

1981

1985 - 1989

1985 - 1989

Chris Flett completes his printing apprenticeship at Pakworld. His love of travelling sees him head offshore, working at printing companies to hone his skills and pay for his travel adventures. Meanwhile, Jonathan Flett starts working full-time at Pakworld in 1989 after completing his printing apprenticeship. Tony Blazey also starts his career at Pakworld during this time.

1985 - 1989

1990s

1990s

Other long-term team members join the firm, including National Sales Manager Adam Smith. Pakworld transitions from a family-owned and run business to a family of skilled tradespeople. Treating the team like family is core to the culture of Pakworld and remains so to this day.

1990s

2002

2002

Bill decides the time is right to semi-retire. Chris and Jonathan buy the business, see an opportunity to focus 100% on print cardboard packaging and invest heavily in print technology to make their vision come true. Their commitment to print packaging and folded cartons sees the company rapidly grow.

2002

2000

2000

Pakworld wins the first Gold Pride in Print Award. During the next few years, Pakworld wins another 14 gold awards, silver awards and bronze awards.

2000

2007

2007

Pakworld are the front-page feature in Heidelberg News, the first New Zealand print company to be featured in this international print industry publication.

2007

2016 - 2018

2016 - 2018

Chris and Jonathan decide it's time for another investor to take the company to the next level. Two years to the day that they decide to sell, Pakworld is bought by Tumblar, a family-owned business and one of their biggest customers. From one family to another, Tumblar continues the commitment to family values and passion for perfect packaging solutions.

2016 - 2018