OUR STORY

I’m Matt, the owner of Total Renovations Hawke’s Bay. I grew up in Hawke’s Bay and got into building straight after school, starting out as an apprentice and working across high-end new builds, schools, and commercial projects.

Over time, I found my real passion in renovating older homes. There’s something rewarding about restoring villas and bungalows and bringing them back to life while making them practical for modern living.

Today, I specialise in full home renovations, villa and bungalow restorations, and architectural builds. My focus is on delivering high-quality workmanship, clear communication, and a process that runs smoothly from start to finish.

At Total Renovations, we take pride in doing things properly. We work closely with our clients, follow structured systems like our quality control checklist, and keep you updated throughout the build so there are no surprises.

We have completed over 100 projects across Hawke’s Bay, building a reputation for being reliable, honest, and easy to work with.

Outside of work, I spend time with my wife and three kids, get involved in their sports, and enjoy being outdoors around Clive, whether that’s fishing, gardening, or riding motorbikes.

The Total Renovations Difference

When you choose Total Renovations for your building project, you are choosing a team that takes ownership of the entire process and delivers results you can rely on. We focus on doing the job right the first time, with clear communication and quality that lasts.

  • Proven Local Experience
    We have worked across Hawke’s Bay for years and understand the different types of homes in the region. From renovations in older properties to modern upgrades, we know what works and what lasts.
  • Designed Around You
    Every bathroom we build is tailored to your space, your needs, and your budget. We take the time to get the layout and functionality right so it works for everyday use.
  • Built to Last
    We use trusted materials and skilled trades to deliver a finish that not only looks great but stands up to daily wear. No shortcuts, no compromises.
  • Clear and Reliable Communication
    You will always know where your project is at. We keep timelines realistic, communicate openly, and make the process straightforward from start to finish.

Total Renovations Hawke’s Bay helps you complete your renovation with a clear plan, reliable timelines, and workmanship you can trust. We have been working across Hawke’s Bay since 2017, delivering renovations that improve how homes look, feel, and function.

As a local, family-owned business, we take pride in doing the job properly. We understand that renovations can be disruptive, so we focus on keeping the process straightforward, well-managed, and clearly communicated from start to finish.

Why Homeowners Choose Us

- Proven experience across a wide range of renovations
- Clear communication and reliable timelines
- High-quality workmanship that lasts
- A team that shows up and gets the job done properly

Meet Our People

Director / LPB

MATT FENN

Raised in Napier and now residing in Clive with my wife and 3 children, I embarked on my building career 10 years ago at a prominent local construction firm.

There, I gained invaluable experience working on diverse projects ranging from modest renovations to large commercial buildings, schools, and upscale custom homes.

Eager to focus my passion on renovation work, I joined forces with my father-in-law Peter Hill renovating homes around Hawkes Bay. Qualifying and becoming a Licensed Building Practitioner.

Since 2017 we have steadily grown our team and clientele. I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to do what I love with a great team behind me.

Project manager

ELIZA FENN

My role spans the day-to-day operations, client communication, and project coordination — making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes and that our clients feel informed and supported throughout their renovation journey.

I take pride in our personalised approach and the trust our clients place in us to bring their vision to life. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that values quality, integrity, and community.

When I’m not juggling schedules or meeting with clients, you’ll find me spending time with our three kids and enjoying the beauty of Hawke’s Bay.

Marketing / admin

MICHELLE

Michelle supports the team with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for learning. From admin to marketing, she helps keep everything running smoothly.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her kids. She's always wanted to learn to sing, inspired by those with naturally great voices.

Her favourite advice? "Treat others the way you'd like to be treated"

If she could master any skill instantly, it would be SEO. The perfect tool for driving growth in the digital space.

Foreman / carpenter

RUEBEN

Reuben began his career in construction as a roofer in Hawkes Bay and Fiji.

After gaining experience abroad in the UK with building labor and property maintenance, he returned to New Zealand to pursue a builder's apprenticeship, qualifying under the mentorship of Matt.

With his varied expertise as a craftsman, Reuben has been an invaluable team member ever since.

Reuben takes on our major renovations and bathroom projects as site forman.

CARPENTER

HEITIA

Heitia joined our team 4 years ago after working as an apprentice with a smaller one-man-band, eager to take on the challenge of major renovations.

In his time here, he has not only expanded his skills tremendously, but also enriched our company with his diligence and ingenuity. With his quick thinking and superb craftsmanship,

Heitia has proven himself a big asset over the past 4 years. You can find Heitia on our big renovations, bathrooms, and landscaping jobs.

In his spare time Heitia likes to spend time with his wife and son, gaming, and working on his own place in Napier.

CARPENTER / JOINER

LOUIS

Louis is a dedicated and hardworking builder who brings enthusiasm and a great sense of humour to the team. Always keen to learn and grow, he’s passionate about perfecting his craft on-site and being part of high-quality builds.

One skill Louis would love to pick up is playing the guitar — the ultimate party trick and a fun way to bring people together. The best advice he’s ever received? “Bite off more than you can chew, then chew like hell.” That sums up his go-for-it attitude perfectly.

If he could instantly become an expert in any field, it would be plumbing — a practical trade that pairs perfectly with building and adds even more versatility to the work he does.

CARPENTER

MATT M

With a passion for quality craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail, our carpenter brings energy and dedication to every project. Outside of work, he enjoys wakeboarding, mountain biking, and exploring new destinations through travel.

He’s always been fascinated by the thrill of flying and dreams of one day learning to pilot a helicopter or plane. When it comes to personal growth, the best advice he lives by is: "Discipline beats motivation and consistency is key."

If he could instantly master any skill, it would be the ability to speak multiple languages fluently — a gateway to connecting with people and cultures around the world.