Wayne Blanchfield
South Island manager
You can take the boy out of the south, but you can never truly take the south out of the boy.
Christchurch-born Wayne Blanchfield, Envelope’s South Island manager, comes from good southern stock. His parents hailed from the mighty West Coast, where hard work, loyalty and kindness go a long way. Wayne feels those values running strong in his veins and has found resonances with those at Envelope.
Growing up, his family had a significant influence on him, including Grandad Norm - though the homemade elderberry wine is still remembered for not appealing to his teenage tastes. And given that he also cites 1980s punk rock rebel Billy Idol as providing the soundtrack of his younger life, perhaps that is not surprising!
Wayne took an unusual career pathway in life, first completing an engineering trade and starting out as a drafting apprentice, which lead to 3D modelling and mechanical design. He enjoyed studying part-time, with architectural design remaining a lasting passion. Aside from a stint in London and a year in Melbourne, he was always going to be drawn back to the South Island.
In more recent years, his focus has been project management and leadership. He joined Envelope in 2025 at the helm of the South Island crew. It is “absolutely different” to any place he has ever worked before, he says, as the company’s ‘people first’ culture truly shapes its day-to-day operations.
Outside of work, Wayne enjoys tramping, fishing, skiing, and biking—and loves that his wife and teenagers share the same passions, meaning many weekends are spent exploring the great outdoors together.
He also loves getting into a Jack Reacher novel, perhaps with a local craft beer in hand. And whitebait, smoked brisket, and a cheeky gin are also high on the list when it comes to relaxing and refuelling.
Though he has travelled, Wayne’s favourite place in the world remains Aotearoa, New Zealand. So, if he ever feels the need to get his Rebel Yell on, you’ll likely find him out in the bush, camping or biking the trails of Central Otago, possibly with a stop or two at a winery.
It’s the good life in the south – and the only request Wayne might have? More, more, more!
Phone
+64 21 242 3814
