About Us
James Laver (Managing Director): James originally trained as a construction engineer at South Bank Polytechnic London. He then had a complete change in career path and trained as a bat-maker under Julian Millichamp at Millichanp & Hall in Somerset, UK in 1992. He took over from Julian as Production Manager/Senior Bat-Maker in 1994 and held this post until 1998.
James moved to NZ in 1998 with a view to set up a bat making company and after, establishing himself here, set up the company Laver & Wood Ltd in 1999. He bought out a minority shareholder in 2004, and Laver & Wood is now 100% owned by James and his family.
James became a New Zealand citizen and now lives in Waipawa, Central Hawkes Bay with his wife Nicola and sons Jonty and William.
James has personally made over 30 thousand bats in his career and is well versed in the needs of all levels of cricketer, from club to international players. Striving for perfection when making your bat is central to James philosophy and success.
Team Laver & Wood
Andy Sykes joins us fresh from the UK to take up the exciting new role running the Sales and Marketing side of the business. He brings a wealth of cricketing knowledge as well as the drive and determination to maintain the continual growth of the L&W brand. Any queries, questions or quandaries can be directed to Andy or James.
Kara Turfrey works part time in the office and takes care of the administrative/I.T. side of the business.
Ken Slater works part time in the workshop in our finishing and repairs section. Ken is a retired Physics teacher and spends many a good hour on the golf course enjoying his passion for a birdie! Ken is an accomplished woodworker and enjoys workshop life; his knack of getting around any problem is invaluable to the organisation.
Toby Richardson is working in the L&W workshop alongside James. Toby is a keen young cricketer who has joined us from college and is learning the trade of bat making.
Gau Sura is our web administrator. He lives in the United States of America and loves the Indoor Cricket League in Iowa!
We are situated on the main highway in Waipawa, Central Hawkes Bay, on the East Coast of the North Island, New Zealand.
-SPECIAL OFFERS
-BAT CARE
-SERVICES OFFERED
-PRODUCTS
Our Address
Laver & Wood Cricket Bats
61 Ruataniwha Street,
Waipawa, 4210
Central Hawkes Bay
New Zealand
Mobile Phone: +64 21 752 441
(NZ 021 752 441)
Phone: +64 6 857 5244
(NZ 06 857 5244)
This office and workshop opening hours Mon - Fri are between 8 am and 4 pm NZ time. Please give us a call if you are planning a visit to make sure there
will be someone here to help!
This is especially important if you are coming through in the winter as we vary the hours occasionally.
We wouldn't want you to be disappointed!