Welcome to Wagener - 3rd generation family business crafting Fireplaces in New Zealand since 1978
About Us - For more than 48 years, Wagener Stoves is a proud New Zealand owned & operated family business, building a reputation for its quality craftsmanship, innovation and trusted expertise in the heating industry.
Our journey began with Leon Kernot (Grandad) in a small back shed in the 1970's and was expanded and strengthened by Barry Kernot (Dad) and Ngaire McClure (Mum) who successfully grew the business and its product range over many years, recently retired. Today, the third generation, Troy Kernot, Kyle McClure, and Adam Kernot (Son's) proudly carry the Wagener legacy forward, combining decades of industry knowledge along with fresh ideas, energy and new products.
Over the years, we have developed extensive expertise through the manufacturing of our own Wagener Fireplaces and the design and production of the renowned Lion Wetback systems. This experience has helped establish Wagener as a trusted name in New Zealand.
Proudly New Zealand Made
At Wagener, we believe in quality products that are built to last. We are committed to manufacturing durable, serviceable fireplaces that will stand the test of time.
We proudly use New Zealand-produced steel in the construction of our fireboxes. Not only does this provide a superior product compared with so many imported, mass-produced alternatives, but it also helps reduce environmental impact by minimising international shipping and handling. Supporting Wagener means supporting New Zealand manufacturing, local jobs, and we all know this is what NZ needs at this point in time more than ever.
The Wagener Family of Products
At Wagener, you'll find a comprehensive range of fireplaces, including:
- Pipi RU, introduced in 2024, designed specifically for small homes and the growing tiny house rural market
- Sparky – Very popular compact Multi Fuel
- Sparky CA (Low Emmision Burner / Clean Air approved) and Sparky RU (Rural Wood Burner)
- Flair CA – Clean Air approved and Flair RU (Rural Wood Burner)
- CookTop Wagener Stove - The original Wagener with it's extra thick 8mm Cooking Top and wetback option
- Butler Multi – a high-performance hot water heater with it's 6kw wetback (or 2kw wetback or Dry options)
- Leon – Sparky's larger brother, a large fireplace for big spaces
- Fairburn Woodrange Cooker – a traditional slow-combustion multi fueled cooker with a full sized oven,Top cooking surface and wetback options for hot water heating
Continuing to Innovate
Innovation remains at the heart of Wagener Stoves. In 2025, Troy Kernot completed his first fireplace design after nine months of research and development, resulting in the launch of Flair.
Designed for modern Kiwi homes, Flair delivers heat output perfectly positioned between Sparky and Leon. It is available in two models:
- Flair CA – Clean Air approved.
- Flair RU – Rural Wood Burner.
Flair represents the continued evolution of the Wagener brand and our ongoing commitment to developing New Zealand-made heating solutions for future generations.
Something NEW and we are very excited.... watch this space 2027!
More Than Manufacturing
In addition to manufacturing, we operate a local retail heating showroom, providing fires, accessories, expert advice, and ongoing customer support both locally and nationally.
Through our nationwide network of dealers, customers throughout New Zealand can access our Wagener fireplaces, parts and accessories along with installation services.
Whether you're purchasing a new fire, sourcing parts, or seeking technical advice, our family team and dealer network are always here to help.
Wagener Stoves: Three generations, nearly five decades of experience, and a continued commitment to keeping New Zealand homes warm with quality products designed and built right here in New Zealand.
Best wishes from Troy, Kyle, Adam and the Team
