NZD Is Sliding. Will Furniture Prices Jump? Here’s Our Take for Kiwi Homes

When the New Zealand dollar drops, a lot of things get pricier behind the scenes: timber and hardware are usually paid in foreign currencies, shipping is often USD-linked, and even warehousing can edge up—costs that matter whether you’re furnishing a new build in Auckland or refreshing a family home in Christchurch.. That’s why you’ll hear talk of “price rises coming” across retail whenever the NZD slides.

The short answer to the big question — will furniture prices go up? — is: they can, especially for businesses that buy purely on the open market and book spot freight. But at Oak Furniture Store, we’ve spent years building a model that cushions these swings for Kiwi households from the North Island to the South Island. Here’s how that plays out for you.

How OFS Stays Ahead (the part that matters most)

1) We run our own manufacturing line

Owning the production process gives us control where it counts. We plan timber purchases sensibly, schedule runs in advance, and keep quality consistent rather than chasing quick fixes when exchange rates move. That means fewer abrupt price changes and better continuity on the pieces Kiwis actually want — from solid wood dining tables to chest of drawers and entertainment units. It also means our finish, joinery, and hardware choices aren’t quietly downgraded to save a few dollars. The product stays the product.

2) We’ve built a resilient supply chain across AU, NZ, and CN

Freight volatility hurts most when you have to move small, irregular shipments. We consolidate containers, use reliable partners in Australia, New Zealand, and China, and time departures to minimise bottlenecks. The payoff is practical: more stable landed costs, clearer ETAs, and steadier availability for popular lines like dining tables, dining chairs, and solid oak storage.

Curious how this works end-to-end? Read our short explainer: From Tree to Table: The Global Journey Behind Our Solid Wood.

3) We’re a mature business that absorbs shocks first

Currency cycles, freight spikes, and pandemic hangovers—we’ve worked through them all since 2014. That history matters. It lets us take a longer view: we forward-order materials, secure production slots early, and use selective hedging rather than reacting to every dip in the NZD. On the logistics side, we consolidate containers, re-sequence sailings when needed, and balance inventory between the North and South Island so popular lines stay available across New Zealand. What we don’t do is “fix” costs by thinning panels or downgrading joinery. Product integrity comes first; any adjustment happens around the product, not inside it.

4) Product comes first — always

If you’ve shopped with us, you already know this. We prioritise build quality, not marketing spin. Solid oak panels where they should be, runners that glide, joinery that lasts, and proportions that suit NZ and AU homes. When external costs rise, many brands trim specifications to hold a sticker price. We don’t. We’d rather protect the integrity of the piece you’ll live with for years.

So… should you buy now or wait?

If you’re considering a dining table, a set of dining chairs, or a chest of drawers, the best move is simply to check current availability and lead times. Because we plan production ahead, our core ranges tend to stay in stock even through choppy periods. If a particular finish or size is on your wish list — natural solid oak in a family-size table, or a low, wide set of drawers — locking it in ensures you get the exact spec you want. Waiting for the currency to bounce is a gamble; choosing a well-built, solid wood piece you’ll use daily isn’t.

What won’t change (even if the NZD does)

• Material integrity. Solid wood means solid wood. No stealth swaps.
• Usability. Drawers should run smoothly, doors should sit square, and surfaces should wear well.
• Honest timelines. If freight timing shifts, we’ll tell you early and keep you updated.

Quick FAQs for Kiwi Shoppers

1) Does a weaker NZD always mean higher furniture prices in NZ?
Not always. It raises landed cost pressure, but retailers with own manufacturing and planned logistics can cushion it. We adjust only when necessary and explain changes clearly.

Are your prices GST-inclusive?
Yes. GST-inclusive pricing as standard, so what you see is what you pay across New Zealand.

Do you deliver to the South Island and rural addresses?
We offer nationwide delivery across the North and South Island, with clear ETAs and options for rural delivery. Check our full FAQ page for details.

Can I view pieces before ordering?
Yes—visit our Auckland showroom. Our team can help with finishes, measurements, and NZ floor plan fit.

What This Means for You

A softer NZD puts pressure on imported costs across the market. Our vertical control, established AU/NZ/CN logistics, and product-first approach absorb more of that pressure so you don’t have to. Start with the anchor piece for your space—often the dining table or TV unit—then match storage by tone and scale. Solid wood pieces in natural finishes are easy to build around and designed to last, which is the real value in a choppy currency cycle.

If you’d like help with stock, lead times, or sizing for NZ floor plans, tell us the room and how many people you need to seat. We’ll keep it straightforward.

Popular starting points: solid oak dining table · dining chairs · chest of drawers · TV/entertainment unit · sideboard