Every sports facility has its own story, the drawings pinned up in an architect’s office, the NZ made equipment, the construction site humming with activity, the first whistle echoing in a finished gym. For us here at Gymleader, the journey from plan to play is one we know inside out. Our role isn’t simply delivering equipment; it’s making sure every stage aligns so schools, councils, and communities can open their doors on time with safe, functional spaces.
Early coordination
The process starts long before equipment arrives on site. We review plans, identify structural requirements, and work with architects and builders to lock in the right fixings and clearances. Timing is critical, for example, mounting brackets before wall linings or installing systems before new floor finishes are laid. These early steps prevent costly rework and keep programmes on track.
Design, customisation, and fabrication
Once specifications are confirmed, our team will translate them into shop drawings and begin fabrication at our Auckland workshop. Components are cut, welded, galvanised or powder-coated, and checked before assembly. Because we manufacture locally, lead times are significantly shorter than importing, where an overseas system might take 12–14 weeks; our workshop can often deliver a complex ceiling-hung basketball system in about five.
Crucially, the process is built for customisation and flexibility. We size to your space, adapt fixing details to substrates and structure, and tune clearances and spans to work neatly around overhead infrastructure such as lighting, HVAC, and cable trays. The result is an installation that fits first time and performs as designed.
Working with the build
No two fit-outs are the same. Site access, programme sequencing, and the location of building services all affect how equipment is installed. Our project managers coordinate directly with other trades to integrate installation with the build. By staying close to the programme, we ensure equipment is commissioned, delivered at the right time, and installed safely, without disrupting the wider project.
Installation and commissioning
When it’s time to install, our crews bring decades of practical experience. Whether it’s fold-down basketball hoops, motorised divider curtains, retractable bleachers, or ceiling-hung basketball systems, every component is fitted, tested, and commissioned to specification. This attention to detail means that when students and staff step into their new gym, the equipment operates smoothly, safely, and reliably from day one.
Support after handover
A successful fit-out doesn’t end at handover. We provide servicing, parts, and maintenance guidance to facilities teams. Because we manufacture locally, support is close at hand, with replacement parts and technical expertise available quickly, helping equipment perform for years.
From first drawings to the sound of play on opening day, the fit-out process is a collaboration between architects, contractors, schools, and suppliers. Our role is to connect the moving parts, manufacturing locally, coordinating on-site, and delivering equipment built for New Zealand spaces.
