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Our History
Our Story – A Legacy of Quality Awnings and Canopies
At Shades Direct, our journey began over two decades ago when Ken Lanning founded Shades Direct Limited. With a passion for outdoor comfort and aesthetics, he built a business centred around giant umbrellas and shade sails. These early innovations laid the foundation for our commitment to top-quality awnings and canopies.

The Evolution – Leading the Market with Outsider and Clearspan Awnings
In 2006, Ken’s son, Scott Lanning, joined the company, bringing fresh energy and vision. Together, they expanded their reach, focusing on the greater Auckland area. Over the years, they spearheaded the development of our star products – the Outsider Awning and the Clearspan Awning. These awnings have set industry benchmarks for quality and have emerged as market leaders.

Our Present and Nationwide Reach
Nationwide Service and Happy Customers
Today, Shades Direct proudly serves 17 regions across New Zealand, offering a diverse range of shading solutions, including Clearspan, Outsider, Outdoor Screens, and Folding Arm Awnings. With a customer base exceeding 1,000 happy clients annually, our commitment to quality remains unwavering.

See us next at

That's a wrap in Hawke's Bay! Massive three days. Next stop: Wellington!

See us next at @hnrystadium from this Friday to Sunday 🏡🪴
WIN one of 10 DOUBLE PASSES to the Wellington Home and Garden Show 2026! 

Share the fun and tag your Show buddy below to be in to WIN!

And for an extra chance in the draw, respond as 'going' to the event on Facebook!

Winners drawn on Wednesday 2nd September 2026. 

Friday (4 Sep) 10am-5pm
Saturday (5 Sep) 10-5pm
Sunday (6 Sep) 10am-4pm

Adults $8
Senior Special $4 ( Friday Only)
Under 16 Free

We'll see you there!

#homeandgardenshow #wintickets
🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME IN WELLINGTON! 🎉

The countdown to the Wellington Home and Garden Show is on, and we’re heating things up with an epic giveaway!

One lucky winner will win an @oonihq 2 pizza oven plus the ultimate day at the Show!

An Ooni Karu 2 Pizza Oven – hello homemade pizzas!
A Family Pass to the Wellington Home and Garden Show
A $50 voucher to spend on food or coffee at the Show, take a break and put your feet up!

To be in to WIN:
✨ Click “Going” on the Wellington Home Show event https://www.facebook.com/share/19SSqAodLg/
🍕 Tag who you’d invite over for a pizza night in the comments (each tag is a separate entry so tag away.

Winner announced Thursday 3rd of September.

Good luck! 🍕🤞 And we’ll see you at the Wellington Home and Garden Show! 🏡✨

#win #wellington #homeandgardenshow
WIN one of 10 DOUBLE PASSES to the Hawke's Bay Home and Garden Show 2026! 

Share the fun and tag your Show buddy below to be in to WIN!

And for an extra chance in the draw, respond as 'going' to the event on Facebook!

Winners drawn on Wednesday 26th August 2026. 

Friday (28 Aug) 10am-5pm
Saturday (29 Aug) 10-5pm
Sunday (30 Aug) 10am-4pm

Adults $8
Senior Special $4 ( Friday Only)
Under 16 Free

We'll see you there!

#homeandgardenshow #wintickets
Calling all Wellington folks with a project on the go!

Thinking about renovating? Maybe wondering how to get started, what’s possible or where to begin? Come and chat to the team at @nzproudhomes at the Wellington Home & Garden Show, 4–6 September.

They’ll be offering free 15-minute consultations all weekend, so bring along your plans, photos or ideas and get some practical advice from their experienced renovation builders.

🍕 Plus, they’ll have a competition at their stand to win a pizza oven worth $800!

And if you have a consultation at the Show, you’ll also get access to an exclusive Home & Garden Show offer. How good!

📍 Wellington Home & Garden Show
📅 4–6 September

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