When Lynfield College in Central-West Auckland decided to gut and rebuild its A Block administration building, the school turned to a familiar partner. The refurbishment — spanning reception, meeting rooms, student services, careers, international departments and a health centre — required furniture solutions tailored to the distinct needs of each space.
| School | Lynfield College |
| Location | Central-West Auckland, NZ |
| Project Type | Administration block refurbishment |
| Scope | Reception, waiting area, meeting rooms, careers, international departments, student services and health centre |
| Sebel Contact | Michael Hellyer, Account Manager |
Lynfield College Business Manager Robert Skeen had worked with Business Develop Manager Michael Hellyer across many projects over the years. When the A Block refurbishment was confirmed, the existing relationship made the path forward straightforward.
The challenge was the diversity of needs across the building. Each department required a different approach — from the health centre, which needed to meet specific legal and health standards, to the counselling spaces, where privacy and confidentiality shaped every furniture decision.
Michael met individually with each faculty within the A Block to assess their needs before specifying any products. In counselling spaces, for example, conversations centred on whether tables and chairs or softer lounge seating would better serve the environment.
For the colour scheme, Robert trusted Michael to match the school’s existing look and feel. The new building’s neutral wall and carpet tones created the opportunity to introduce colour through soft seating, while keeping desks uniform across the building — a deliberate decision to futureproof the furniture while still adding warmth and character.
The project also came with logistical challenges. Delivery delays required flexibility from both parties, but the longstanding relationship between Sebel and the school meant those hurdles were navigated without disruption.
It makes life easy when you’ve got people who understand where we’re going, who want to be part of the Lynfield brand, and who want to see our success.
The refurbished A Block was delivered in April 2022 and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff and students. The variety of furniture across departments has been widely praised — and the quality and vibrancy of the spaces has encouraged better care and maintenance from students.
The school’s reputation for the project has spread, with a number of other schools visiting to see the building firsthand. Robert describes Sebel as Lynfield College’s strategic partner and preferred furniture supplier — a reflection of a relationship built on trust and consistency over many years.
“Michael is well known around the school and talks to the actual people who will be using the products. He knows how we think and understands our vision and direction. He’s seen as an extension of our faculty team.”
More on furniture built to last.
