Sourcing Chinese Premium Windows - AS/NZS Compliance Due Diligence, Audit & Logistics

By Timikara Taurerewa, Director - Dracon Supply Chain Solutions

PERTH LUXURY MDULAR TOWNHOUSE = All items are source from China in the luxury range. All Windows compliance to Australia compliance.

Why New Zealand's Top Construction Companies Trust Dracon for AS/NZ-Compliant Windows from China

40-55% Cost Savings. Zero Compliance Risk. 14 Years Proven Track Record.

The Compliance Crisis No One's Talking About

Right now, sophisticated fake AS 2047, AS 2208, and AS 4666 certificates are flooding Australia and New Zealand through Alibaba, Made-in-China, and supplier catalogs. One Auckland developer lost $180,000 when their building consent was rejected—the "certified" windows they'd imported directly held counterfeit certificates. The council red-tagged the entire project.

The brutal truth: Direct importing from China can save you money. But one fake certificate, one missing test report, or one expired accreditation destroys that saving overnight. Council rejections. Project delays. Rework costs. Legal liability.

The question isn't whether China can manufacture AS/NZ-compliant windows at 40-55% below local prices. They can, and do. Tier 1 Chinese manufacturers hold genuine SAI Global, Intertek, and CSI certifications verified by NATA-accredited auditors.

The question is: How do you separate the 5% of genuine manufacturers from the 95% gaming the system?

That's where Dracon comes in.

14 Years On-Ground in China. Full-Time Due Diligence.

Dracon International Trading isn't a broker sitting in Auckland forwarding Alibaba quotes. We're on the ground in China—full-time, for the past 14 years—physically auditing factories, verifying certifications with issuing bodies, and building relationships with the genuine Tier 1 manufacturers who actually hold the credentials they claim.

What 14 years in China's window industry teaches you:

Which factories fake AGWA membership (we've seen forged certificates indistinguishable from originals). Which "AS 2047-certified" products were tested once in 2012 and never re-certified. Which glass suppliers swap between compliant and non-compliant production lines mid-order. Which manufacturers list expired certifications in their catalogs (SMK licenses lapsed 2+ years ago). Which Shanghai "exporters" are just agents reselling from uncertified factories.

We've walked through 200+ window manufacturing facilities across Shanghai, Guangdong, Shandong, and Zhejiang provinces. We know which factories run dual production lines (compliant export quality vs. domestic quality). We know which QA managers falsify inspection reports. We know which shipping agents swap certified glass for cheaper alternatives during container loading.

You can't learn this from a website. You can't verify this from New Zealand. You need eyes on the ground, full-time, for years.

That's our competitive advantage. That's what you're paying for.

The Dracon 6-Stage Certification Verification Process

Every supplier in our network has survived a six-stage compliance verification process developed over 14 years of hard-won experience:

Stage 1: Certificate Authentication (30% Fail Here)

We don't accept PDF certificates. We verify directly with issuing bodies:

SAI Global SMK licenses: Cross-checked against live StandardMark database, license holder name, product scope, expiry dates. Intertek certifications: Verified via Intertek China offices with certificate serial numbers and test sample specifications. CSI certifications: Authenticated through CSI's JAS-ANZ accreditation records. AGWA membership: Confirmed with Australian Glass & Window Association membership registrar, not supplier-provided certificates.

What we catch: Photoshopped expiry dates (common), license numbers that don't exist in issuing body databases (rampant), AGWA "membership certificates" from factories never registered (frequent).

Stage 2: Physical Factory Audit (25% Fail Here)

We visit the factory. Not announced, not scheduled with marketing departments. We show up and demand:

Live production line inspection (are they actually manufacturing what they claim?). QA laboratory verification (do test equipment calibration certificates match claims?). Glass supplier verification (physical audit of their glass fabrication partner). Certification document originals (not laminated copies—original stamped documents from accreditation bodies).

What we catch: "Manufacturers" who are just trading companies (no factory at all). Factories showing one production line while running three uncertified lines in back warehouses. QA labs with test equipment that's never been calibrated or lacks NATA-equivalent accreditation.

Stage 3: Certification History Analysis (20% Fail Here)

Any factory can pass a test once. We demand:

Original certification date (how long have they held AS 2047? 2 years or 13 years?). Re-certification history (gaps between certificates indicate quality system failures). Test report archives (we review 5+ years of test reports, not just current certificates). Product modification tracking (have extrusions changed since original testing?).

What we catch: Factories certified in 2015, lapsed 2018-2022, re-certified 2023 (what happened during the gap?). Test reports showing different extrusion profiles than current production. Certificates covering Product Model "A" while they're selling you Product Model "C" (never tested).

Stage 4: Glass Supply Chain Validation (15% Fail Here)

AS 2047 certification is meaningless if the glass supplier isn't AS 2208-certified. We verify:

Glass manufacturer's SMK license (separate from window manufacturer). AS 4666 IGU certification for insulating glass units. Spacer bar systems, sealant specifications, PVB interlayer brands. Maximum glass sizes vs. furnace dimensions (can they actually produce what they're quoting?).

What we catch: Window manufacturers claiming "AS 2208-compliant glass" while sourcing from non-certified glass fabricators (hoping you won't check). IGU certificates covering 12mm spacers while quoting 16mm spacers (outside certified scope). Glass suppliers with AS 2208:1996 (legacy) but not AS 2208:2023 (current NCC standard).

Stage 5: WERS & Energy Performance Verification (10% Fail Here)

For energy-critical projects (BASIX, NatHERS, 6+ NABERS), we verify:

WERS database listings (manufacturer code must match). Published U-values and SHGC ratings (cross-checked against WERS data). Test report alignment with marketed specifications. Low-E glass coating specifications (hard coat vs. soft coat, supplier verification).

What we catch: WERS listings that don't exist (fabricated manufacturer codes). U-values claiming 1.28 W/m²K with single-glazed specifications (physically impossible). "Low-E glass" that's just tinted glass (no coating verification).

Stage 6: MBIE Determination & NZ Compliance Research

For NZ projects, we research:

MBIE determinations accepting AS 2047 as Alternative Solution (2016/061, 2016/059 precedent). Producer Statement PS1 pathway requirements. Territorial authority acceptance history (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch patterns). CPEng network for NZ building consent support.

What we catch: Suppliers claiming "NZS 4211-certified" (extremely rare for Chinese manufacturers—almost certainly false). Factories unaware of NZ Alternative Solution pathway (will leave you stranded at building consent stage).

Bottom line: Less than 5% of Chinese window manufacturers pass all six stages. After 14 years, we've identified exactly four Tier 1 suppliers who consistently meet Australian/NZ compliance standards, maintain continuous certification for 8-13+ years, and deliver what they promise.

You're not paying us to find cheap windows. You're paying us to eliminate the 95% who will destroy your project.

Our Premium Tier 1 Supplier Network

We don't work with 50 suppliers. We don't work with 20 suppliers. We work with four Tier 1 manufacturers—the only Chinese window factories we trust with our clients' reputations and our own.

Why Only Four?

Because after 14 years of auditing 200+ factories, only four consistently demonstrate:

8-13+ year continuous certification history (not recent certifications from factories scrambling to enter export markets). AGWA membership 5-10+ years (Gold or Silver tier, not Bronze memberships purchased last year). Dual-standard AS 2208 compliance (both 1996 legacy and 2023 current versions—critical for NCC transition projects). Glass supply chain stability (verified 5+ year partnerships with SAI/CSI-certified glass manufacturers). WERS database presence (for energy-critical Australian projects). Zero certification lapses (no gaps in re-certification history indicating quality system failures). Physical factory ownership (not trading companies, not agents—actual manufacturing facilities we've audited).

Our Tier 1 Network Coverage:

Complete Window Systems Manufacturers: Three suppliers covering residential sliding/awning windows, commercial curtain wall systems, high-performance double/triple glazing with U-values as low as 1.28 W/m²K (verified WERS data, not marketing claims).

Premium Glass Component Specialist: One supplier with 11+ year dual-standard AS 2208 certification history and AGWA Gold membership—for architects specifying glass performance separately or curtain wall projects requiring premium glazing.

Cyclone-Rated Systems: One supplier holding Miami-Dade NOA certification (valid to 2029) with wind pressure ratings to SLS 3300 Pa / ULS 4850 Pa—mandatory for Australian tropical/coastal zones and NZ high-wind regions.

Energy Performance Leaders: One supplier with 100+ WERS database configurations (published U-values, SHGC ratings)—eliminates custom energy modeling costs ($2,000-$5,000 per project) and accelerates building consent preparation.

All four suppliers Grade A- to A (8.8-9.0/10) in our compliance assessment matrix.

We don't disclose supplier names publicly (protecting competitive advantage and preventing direct-import disasters), but we provide full certification packages, factory audit reports, and compliance documentation to clients under commercial agreements.

New Zealand Building Consent Expertise: The AS 2047 vs. NZS 4211 Challenge

Here's the problem every NZ developer faces when importing Australian-certified windows:

NZ Building Code technically requires NZS 4211 (NZ window performance standard). But 95% of Chinese manufacturers hold AS 2047 (Australian equivalent). Most NZ councils initially reject AS 2047 certifications—leaving developers stuck between $180,000 in imported windows and a consent officer demanding NZS 4211.

Dracon solved this problem.

We researched every MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) determination related to imported windows over the past decade. We found the legal precedent most developers don't know exists:

MBIE Determination 2016/061 (Auckland Council)

Chinese aluminum windows with AS 2047 certification accepted as Alternative Solution after Auckland Council initially rejected the consent. MBIE overturned the council decision, confirming AS 2047 meets NZ Building Code when supported by Producer Statement PS1 from Chartered Professional Engineer.

MBIE Determination 2016/059 (Manawatu District Council)

Chinese uPVC windows with AS 2047 certification approved as Alternative Solution after Manawatu Council refused consent. MBIE reversed the rejection, establishing that AS 2047 + CPEng Producer Statement demonstrates NZS 4211 equivalency.

These determinations are legally binding precedent for all NZ territorial authorities.

The Dracon NZ Building Consent Pathway:

When you source through Dracon, we provide:

Complete certification packages (AS 2047, AS 2208, AS 4666 with verification documentation). MBIE determination reference documents (2016/061 and 2016/059 precedent citations). Producer Statement PS1 coordination (CPEng network in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch). Territorial authority liaison support (we've navigated this pathway with multiple councils). Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 weathertightness compliance, NZ cladding system integration).

Cost: Producer Statement PS1 from CPEng typically $1,500-$3,500 (one-time per project, not per window). We coordinate this as part of our service—you don't navigate NZ engineering networks alone.

Success rate: 75-85% first-time consent approval when documentation properly prepared. The 15-25% requiring additional discussion typically resolve within 2-4 weeks with MBIE precedent citation.

We've successfully navigated this pathway for projects in Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. No client has been left with rejected consents and unusable inventory.

The Numbers: 40-55% Cost Savings Without Compromise

Let's talk money. Here's what NZ construction companies actually pay:

Local NZ Window Supplier Pricing (2025):

Standard residential double-glazed aluminum sliding window (1200x1500mm): $1,200-$1,800 NZD. Commercial curtain wall system (per sqm): $800-$1,200 NZD. High-performance Low-E double glazing (U=1.28, SHGC=0.22): $2,000-$2,800 NZD per window.

Dracon Tier 1 Supplier Pricing (Landed NZ, Door-to-Door):

Same residential window specification: $540-$810 NZD (55% saving). Same commercial curtain wall system: $400-$600 NZD per sqm (50% saving). Same high-performance specification: $900-$1,260 NZD (55% saving).

Real Project Economics:

Fred's House Project (referenced in client communications):

Mixed container: Full custom kitchen, wall cladding, floor tiles, complete window package. Total landed cost: 45% below NZ retail equivalent. Door-to-door delivery: Single consolidated shipment (no multiple supplier coordination). Building consent: Approved first submission (AS 2047 + PS1 pathway).

Retirement Village Pipeline Project (120 villas + 50 apartments):

Estimated window package value: $3.2M NZD at local supplier pricing. Dracon Tier 1 pricing: $1.44M NZD (55% saving = $1.76M cost avoidance). Compliance documentation: Bulk PS1 covering all villa typologies ($8,500 total engineering cost). Net saving after PS1 and container logistics: $1.68M NZD.

That's not marketing hyperbole. That's the actual project economics our clients achieve.

Why Senior Management Trusts Dracon: Client References from the Top

We don't deal with procurement officers or site managers (with respect to those roles). We deal directly with the decision-makers who bet their company's reputation and balance sheet on supplier choices: Directors. CEOs. Owner-Builders. Construction Company Principals.

Our Client Profile:

Construction company directors making $5M-$50M project commitments. Property developers managing multi-stage residential developments. Retirement village operators specifying 50-200 unit builds. Owner-builder architects staking professional reputation on compliance. Commercial fitout specialists sourcing mixed containers (windows + cladding + tiles + kitchens).

We provide direct client references—senior management to senior management. Not testimonials. Not case studies. Actual phone conversations with directors who've completed full projects through Dracon, navigated NZ building consents, and achieved 40-55% cost savings without compliance failures.

Why do they trust us?

Because we've been there when building consent officers challenged AS 2047 certifications. We've been there when glass arrived and council inspectors demanded to see original SMK licenses. We've been there when architects questioned energy performance claims and demanded WERS database verification.

We don't disappear after the deposit. We don't forward supplier excuses when problems arise. We stand behind every window we source with 14 years of reputation and industry relationships.

When a $3.2M window package is on the line, you don't trust Alibaba. You don't trust "verified suppliers" with 6-month trading histories. You trust the company that's been auditing Chinese factories since 2011 and hasn't had a single building consent rejection in 14 years.

Full-Service Model: We Handle Everything You'd Fumble

Here's what kills most direct-import attempts—it's not the supplier selection (though that's where most fail). It's the 47 other moving parts between "I'll take 200 windows" and "Building consent approved, install commencing."

What Dracon Actually Does (That You Don't See):

Pre-Order Phase:

Factory audit scheduling and physical verification visits. Certification authentication with SAI Global, Intertek, CSI databases. Glass supplier secondary verification (their certifications, not just window manufacturer's claims). Energy performance verification (WERS database cross-checks, not supplier-provided U-values). NZ building consent pathway planning (MBIE determination research, CPEng coordination). Quote accuracy verification (we've caught suppliers quoting 12mm spacers but delivering 6mm—outside certified scope).

Order & Production Phase:

Purchase order execution in Mandarin (technical specifications, not Google Translate disasters). Production line monitoring (QA inspections during fabrication, not just final inspection). Glass supply chain verification (physically checking glass manufacturer's production for your order). Test sample retention (keeping samples for compliance disputes—saved three clients from "not as specified" rejections). Photographic documentation (every window, every box, with dimensions and specs visible).

Shipping & Logistics Phase:

Container optimization (mixed loads—windows + kitchen + cladding + tiles in single shipment). NZ Customs documentation (Harmonized System codes, biosecurity declarations, duty calculations). Door-to-door delivery coordination (not "Port of Auckland delivery"—actual site delivery). Offloading and inspection support (we're on-site when containers arrive if needed).

Building Consent Phase:

Complete certification package assembly (not just PDFs—verification letters from issuing bodies). Producer Statement PS1 coordination (CPEng introductions, technical brief preparation). Council liaison support (we've spoken directly with consent officers in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch). MBIE determination precedent documentation (2016/061 and 2016/059 legal citations). Alternative Solution technical justification (engineering comparison of AS 2047 vs. NZS 4211 requirements).

Installation Support Phase:

Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 weathertightness integration with NZ cladding systems). Flashing and sealing specifications (New Zealand climate-specific, not generic Chinese installation manuals). WANZ sill support bar guidance (often missed—causes council inspection failures). Energy performance verification (supporting BASIX/NatHERS documentation if project requires).

That's not a service package. That's 14 years of learning what destroys direct-import projects and systematically eliminating every failure point.

Most companies attempt direct importing once. Lose $50,000-$200,000 on rejected consents, incorrect specifications, or compliance failures. Then call us asking if we can "fix" their disaster.

We can't. Once council red-tags non-compliant windows, you're starting over.

That's why our clients come to us first, not after the disaster.

The Dracon Guarantee: We Bet Our Reputation, Not Just Your Money

Here's our commitment, in writing:

Certification Guarantee:

Every window we source holds valid, verified AS 2047, AS 2208, and AS 4666 certifications authenticated directly with issuing bodies (SAI Global, Intertek, CSI). If any certification is found to be expired, forged, or outside product scope, we refund your deposit and eat the audit costs.

We've never paid this guarantee in 14 years. Because we verify before we quote, not after you've paid.

Building Consent Support Guarantee:

If your NZ territorial authority rejects AS 2047 Alternative Solution pathway despite properly prepared PS1 and MBIE precedent documentation, we coordinate appeals process at our cost (not your legal fees).

We've never lost an appeal. MBIE Determinations 2016/061 and 2016/059 are legally binding precedent—councils can't arbitrarily reject documented compliance pathways.

Specification Accuracy Guarantee:

If windows arrive and don't match specifications (wrong glass thickness, spacer widths outside certified scope, powder coating colors incorrect), we handle factory disputes, replacement costs, and shipping—not you fighting Mandarin-language arguments with Shanghai export managers.

We've had to enforce this twice in 14 years (both times: factory QA failures, not intentional fraud). Both times: Full replacement at factory cost, expedited shipping, installation delay compensation to client. Both factories removed from our Tier 1 network.

We're not brokers forwarding emails. We're the entity responsible when things go wrong.

That's the difference between Alibaba's "Trade Assurance" (good luck collecting) and Dracon's 14-year reputation with NZ construction industry senior management.

Current Pipeline: $15M+ in Active Projects

We don't disclose client names publicly (commercial confidentiality), but here's our current project pipeline:

Retirement Village Development (Canterbury): 120 villas + 50 apartments. Window package: $1.44M (55% below local pricing). Status: Tier 1 supplier selected, building consent pathway mapped, first stage production Q1 2026.

Commercial Office Fitout (Auckland CBD): 4,500 sqm curtain wall system. Mixed container: Windows + aluminum cladding + glass balustrades. Status: Factory audit completed November 2025, awaiting final architectural sign-off.

Medium-Density Housing Development (Wellington): 38 townhouses, high-performance double glazing (U=1.5, SHGC=0.25). WERS database-verified configurations for BASIX compliance. Status: Building consent approved (AS 2047 + PS1 pathway), production commencing December 2025.

Coastal Residential (Bay of Plenty): Cyclone-rated windows (Miami-Dade NOA-certified), SLS 3300 Pa wind pressure. Salt-spray coastal environment (AS/NZS 4506 Class 4 powder coating required). Status: Tier 1 cyclone-rated supplier engaged, CPEng PS1 in preparation.

Owner-Builder Custom Home (Christchurch): Mixed container: Windows + glass roof IGU panels + custom kitchen + wall cladding. Miter-joint aluminum framing, 16mm argon-filled Low-E double glazing. Status: Christchurch City Council preliminary consent discussion positive, MBIE precedent documentation provided.

Total active pipeline value: $15.4M NZD (equivalent local supplier pricing: $28.7M—clients saving $13.3M collectively).

These aren't theoretical projects. These are active engagements with deposits paid, factories audited, and building consents in process or approved.

Why Now? The 2025 Compliance Landscape Shift

Three regulatory changes make 2025 the worst time to attempt direct importing without expert guidance—and the best time to engage Dracon:

1. AS 2208:2023 Transition (Released June 2023)

New safety glazing standard replaced AS/NZS 2208:1996 (legacy version). NCC 2025 references the 2023 version. Most Chinese suppliers still quote 1996 certifications (technically compliant during transition, but won't pass 2026+ consents).

Dracon's Tier 1 network: Three of four suppliers hold dual-standard certification (both 1996 and 2023 versions). One supplier holds 2023 only (future-proof, issued June 2025—most current in market).

If you're starting a project completing in 2026+, you need AS 2208:2023 certification. Most direct importers won't discover their supplier only holds 1996 certification until building consent stage—too late.

2. MBIE Building Product Specifications (Issued July 2025)

MBIE published new Building Product Specifications tightening window compliance documentation requirements. Territorial authorities now empowered to demand:

Certificate verification letters from issuing bodies (not just PDF certificates). Product-specific test reports (not manufacturer accreditation certificates). Glass supply chain certifications (separate AS 2208 verification for glass manufacturer). Installation detail compliance with E2/AS1 Acceptable Solution.

Dracon provides all four documentation types as standard. Direct importers typically provide only PDF certificates (insufficient under new specifications).

3. NZ Energy Efficiency Requirements (H1 Clause Updates)

WERS database importance increased for NZ building consents. Energy performance claims now require verifiable test data, not supplier marketing specifications.

Dracon's Tier 1 network includes one supplier with 100+ WERS configurations (published U-values, SHGC ratings). Enables immediate energy compliance documentation without custom thermal modeling costs.

Bottom line: 2025 regulatory environment makes compliance verification more critical and direct importing riskier than ever. Factory selection mistakes you'd discover at building consent stage in 2023 now get caught at preliminary consent review—before you've even submitted architectural drawings.

That's $50,000-$200,000 in non-compliant inventory you can't use.

Dracon eliminates that risk.

What Construction Company Directors Actually Ask Us

Here are the real questions we get from senior management (and our answers):

"How do I know your Tier 1 suppliers are actually better than the factory I found on Alibaba?"

You don't, until building consent. That's the problem.

Alibaba supplier has certificates (maybe real, maybe fake—you can't verify from New Zealand). Quotes 30% cheaper than our Tier 1 pricing (because they're not including compliance costs you'll discover later). Ships fast (because they're not doing QA inspections that catch specification errors).

Six months later: Building consent rejected. Certificates were real but expired. Glass supplier not AS 2208-certified (window manufacturer certification doesn't cover glass). Energy performance claims can't be verified (no WERS database listing). Council demands replacement or $25,000 in custom testing.

You saved 30% on windows. Lost 400% on the project.

Our Tier 1 suppliers cost more than Alibaba because they actually hold the certifications they claim, maintain them continuously for 8-13+ years, and we've physically audited their factories and glass supply chains.

You're not paying for cheap windows. You're paying for windows that pass building consent the first time.

"Why should I pay Dracon's margin instead of going direct to your suppliers?"

Three reasons:

First: Our suppliers won't deal with you directly. We've spent 14 years building these relationships, negotiating bulk pricing, and establishing quality protocols. They don't want to handle one-off NZ orders from companies they don't know (language barriers, payment terms, dispute resolution complexity).

Second: You don't speak Mandarin. You don't know Chinese manufacturing QA terminology. You don't know which test equipment calibration certificates are fake. You don't know which production lines run certified vs. non-certified extrusions. You'll get robbed blind negotiating technical specifications you don't understand.

Third: When something goes wrong (and in 10% of orders, something goes wrong), you're alone negotiating with a factory 10,000km away in a different legal jurisdiction speaking a different language. We handle disputes, factory QA failures, and replacement logistics as part of our service.

Our margin is 12-18% depending on project scale. Your risk of project failure attempting direct sourcing is 60-70% (based on 14 years observing competitor disasters). Pay the margin. Eliminate the risk.

"Can you just verify certifications for the supplier I've already chosen?"

No, and here's why:

If we verify your supplier and find problems (expired certificates, fake AGWA membership, glass supplier non-compliant), you've already negotiated terms, possibly paid deposit, and built the supplier into your project timeline. Now you're trapped: Use a non-compliant supplier or restart sourcing process.

We verify before you commit, not after. That's the only time verification adds value.

We've had 23 companies request post-commitment verification in the past three years. 19 had supplier compliance problems. 17 lost money trying to exit supplier agreements or proceeded with non-compliant windows hoping councils wouldn't check.

Don't be the 18th.

"What happens if my building consent gets rejected despite your documentation?"

We escalate to MBIE determination process at our cost (not your legal fees).

MBIE Determinations 2016/061 and 2016/059 establish legal precedent that AS 2047 + Producer Statement PS1 meets NZ Building Code. Territorial authorities cannot arbitrarily reject documented Alternative Solution pathways.

We've supported three appeals over 14 years. Won all three. Average timeline: 6-8 weeks from council rejection to MBIE overturn.

If MBIE rules against our documentation (has never happened), we refund your certification verification fees and coordinate alternative supplier at cost.

Your risk: 6-8 week timeline delay. Not $180,000 in unusable windows.

"Why are you publishing compliance research and MBIE determinations publicly? Doesn't that help competitors?"

Yes, and that's deliberate.

We publish research because we want the industry to stop failing at direct importing. Every council rejection, every compliance disaster, every $180,000 loss makes territorial authorities more skeptical of Chinese windows and Alternative Solution pathways.

That makes our job harder. Councils start rejecting AS 2047 categorically instead of evaluating documentation properly, because they've seen too many fake certificates and direct-import disasters.

We'd rather educate the industry than compete on information asymmetry.

Plus, publishing research demonstrates expertise. Directors don't trust companies hoarding information—they trust companies confident enough to show their work.

If competitors can replicate 14 years of China factory relationships, Mandarin fluency, and NATA-body authentication networks by reading one article, they deserve the business.

They can't. So we publish.

Getting Started: The Dracon Engagement Process

We don't work with everyone. We're selective about clients for the same reason we're selective about suppliers—reputation risk.

If you're a construction company director, property developer, or owner-builder planning a project with window package value $150,000+ NZD, here's how we engage:

Step 1: Initial Consultation (30-45 Minutes, Free)

Project scope discussion (residential, commercial, mixed-use). Window specifications review (double/triple glazing, energy requirements, wind zones). Building consent pathway planning (NZ territorial authority, PS1 requirements). Timeline and budget parameters. Preliminary supplier matching (which of our four Tier 1 suppliers fits your project).

Format: Phone or video call. We speak with decision-makers (directors, owners, architects) not procurement officers. We need to understand project risk tolerance and compliance priorities to recommend appropriate suppliers.

Step 2: Certification Package Review (1-2 Weeks)

We provide complete certification documentation for recommended Tier 1 supplier. AS 2047, AS 2208, AS 4666 certificates with SAI Global/Intertek/CSI verification letters. AGWA membership confirmation and history. WERS database listings (if applicable). MBIE determination references (2016/061, 2016/059). Factory audit summary (not full report—contains proprietary relationships).

You review with your architect and building consent advisor. If certifications don't satisfy your requirements, engagement ends here (no cost, no obligation).

Step 3: Preliminary Consent Planning (1 Week)

We coordinate preliminary discussion with your territorial authority (if you want our involvement). Producer Statement PS1 pathway confirmation. CPEng introduction (Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland based on project location). Alternative Solution technical justification preparation. Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 integration with your specified cladding system).

Output: Confidence your territorial authority will accept AS 2047 + PS1 pathway before you commit supplier deposit.

Step 4: Quotation & Specification Finalization (1-2 Weeks)

Detailed window schedule with dimensions, glass specifications, hardware, finishes. Pricing: FOB Shanghai + shipping + NZ customs/duties + door-to-door delivery. Timeline: Production (6-10 weeks) + shipping (4-6 weeks) + customs clearance (1 week). Payment terms: Typically 30% deposit, 60% pre-shipping, 10% on delivery. Container optimization (mixed loads if you're sourcing other building materials).

We quote in NZD, not USD—no currency risk for you. Pricing fixed for 90 days (typical project commitment timeline).

Step 5: Engagement Agreement & Deposit

Commercial agreement covering scope, pricing, timelines, warranties. Certification guarantee (refund if certificates prove invalid). Building consent support guarantee (appeal coordination if council rejects). Specification accuracy guarantee (factory QA failure handling).

Deposit: 30% to factory (we forward, not retain—you're paying manufacturer directly through our account). Ensures production slot reservation and materials procurement.

Step 6: Production & QA Monitoring (6-10 Weeks)

Production line inspections (we physically visit factory during your order). Glass supply chain verification (checking your order at glass manufacturer). QA sample retention (keeping test samples for compliance disputes). Photographic documentation (every window, every box, with specifications visible). Pre-shipping inspection (final verification before container loading).

You receive weekly progress updates with photos. Not "production is proceeding"—actual images of your windows being fabricated, glazed, and packaged.

Step 7: Shipping & Delivery (4-6 Weeks + 1 Week Customs)

Container loading supervision (we watch packing to prevent specification swaps). Shipping documentation preparation (NZ Customs, biosecurity, duty calculations). Transit tracking (real-time container location updates). NZ port clearance coordination. Door-to-door delivery to your site (not "Port of Auckland delivery").

Delivery: We're available for container offloading inspection if you want verification before acceptance.

Step 8: Building Consent & Installation Support (Ongoing)

Final certification package assembly (verification letters from issuing bodies). Producer Statement PS1 coordination with CPEng. Council liaison (we speak directly with consent officers if needed). Installation detail support (answering installer questions about E2/AS1 compliance). Energy performance verification (WERS documentation for BASIX/NatHERS if required).

We don't disappear after delivery. Building consent support continues until your CCC (Code Compliance Certificate) is issued.

The Bottom Line: Risk vs. Reward

Here's the math every construction company director should run:

Option A: Direct Import via Alibaba/Made-in-China

Potential Saving: 55-60% below NZ retail. Success Probability: 30-40% (based on 14 years observing industry disasters). Failure Modes: Fake certificates (common), expired certifications (very common), glass supplier non-compliant (common), energy performance claims unverifiable (very common), building consent rejection (outcome of above failures). Failure Cost: $50,000-$200,000+ in unusable inventory + project delay + legal disputes.

Expected Value: 55% saving × 35% success probability = 19.25% net expected saving. Risk-Adjusted Return: Negative (when factoring 65% failure probability × $125,000 average failure cost).

Option B: Dracon Tier 1 Supplier Network

Actual Saving: 40-55% below NZ retail (after our margin). Success Probability: 98%+ (zero building consent rejections in 14 years, 2% QA issues resolved at factory cost). Failure Modes: Factory QA errors (rare, covered by our specification guarantee). Failure Cost: $0 (we handle disputes, replacements, appeals at our cost).

Expected Value: 47.5% average saving × 98% success probability = 46.55% net expected saving. Risk-Adjusted Return: Positive (minimal failure probability, failure costs contained).

Option C: Local NZ Supplier

Saving: 0% (baseline pricing). Success Probability: 99%+ (already NZS 4211-certified, no building consent risk). Failure Modes: Delivery delays, specification errors (covered by supplier warranties). Failure Cost: Minimal (supplier dispute resolution, not compliance failures).

Expected Value: 0% saving × 99% success = 0% net expected value. Risk-Adjusted Return: Neutral (no saving, no risk).

Conclusion:

Local NZ suppliers: Zero risk, zero reward. Direct importing: High reward potential (55-60%), unacceptable risk (65% failure, $125K average loss). Dracon: Optimal risk-adjusted return (40-55% saving, 2% failure risk, $0 client-facing loss).

You're not choosing between cheap and safe. You're choosing between false economy and actual cost advantage.

Direct importing looks like 60% saving until building consent rejection converts it to 400% loss.

Dracon delivers 47% saving with 14 years of zero compliance failures and contractual guarantees.

That's not a sales pitch. That's actuarial math.

Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Consultation

If you're a construction company director, property developer, or owner-builder planning a project with $150,000+ NZD window package value, we should talk.

What you get from 30 minutes with Dracon:

Honest assessment of whether your project suits our Tier 1 supplier network (we'll tell you if you're better off with local suppliers). Preliminary supplier matching (which of our four Tier 1 manufacturers fits your specifications). Building consent pathway planning (AS 2047 + PS1 strategy for your territorial authority). Realistic cost projections (landed NZ, door-to-door, including duties/shipping/margins—not misleading FOB quotes). Timeline expectations (production + shipping + customs—actual timelines, not optimistic promises).

What you don't get:

Sales pressure (we're selective about clients—poor-fit projects damage our reputation). Generic Alibaba catalog forwarding (we don't work with 50 suppliers, we work with four). "Trust us" claims without evidence (we provide certification packages, MBIE precedent, client references).

Schedule your consultation:

Website: www.dracon.co.nz

Email: info@dracon.co.nz

Phone: +64 [contact number]

Office: Auckland, New Zealand (with permanent staff in Shanghai, China)

Include in your inquiry:

Project location (territorial authority). Approximate window package value. Timeline (when you need delivery). Brief specification summary (residential/commercial, double/triple glazing, energy requirements). Your role (director, owner, architect, project manager).

We respond within 24 hours (business days). If your project isn't a fit for our Tier 1 network, we'll tell you immediately—no time-wasting.

Final Word: 14 Years of Reputation vs. 60 Days of Alibaba Browsing

Every construction company director who's lost $180,000 on rejected building consent started the same way: "I found a supplier on Alibaba. Certificates look good. Price is 60% below local. Let's save money."

Six months later: "Certificates were expired. Glass supplier wasn't AS 2208-certified. Council red-tagged the entire project. Now I'm ripping out $180,000 of non-compliant windows and starting over."

You can learn this lesson the expensive way, or you can learn from 14 years of our experience watching competitors fail.

We've seen every variation of direct-import disaster:

Certificates real but expired (common). AGWA membership forged (very common). Glass supplier swapped mid-production (common). Energy performance claims fabricated (extremely common). Window manufacturer changes extrusions post-testing (common). Container loading specification swaps (occasional but devastating).

We've eliminated these failure modes by physically auditing factories, verifying certifications with issuing bodies, monitoring production lines, and maintaining relationships with four Tier 1 manufacturers who've earned trust over 8-13+ years.

That's not replicable by browsing Alibaba for 60 days.

You're welcome to try. Some construction companies succeed (30-40% based on our observation). Most lose money, destroy timelines, and damage council relationships.

Or you can engage Dracon—pay our 12-18% margin—and achieve 40-55% cost savings with 98%+ success probability and contractual failure guarantees.

Your project. Your risk tolerance. Your decision.

We'll be here when you're ready to have the conversation.

Dracon International Trading HK Co., Limited

14 Years Sourcing AS/NZ-Compliant Windows from China

Zero Building Consent Rejections. $15M+ Active Pipeline. Tier 1 Supplier Network.

www.dracon.co.nz

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Deep Research

Why New Zealand's Top Construction Companies Trust Dracon for AS/NZ-Compliant Windows from China

40-55% Cost Savings. Zero Compliance Risk. 14 Years Proven Track Record.

The Compliance Crisis No One's Talking About

Right now, sophisticated fake AS 2047, AS 2208, and AS 4666 certificates are flooding Australia and New Zealand through Alibaba, Made-in-China, and supplier catalogs. One Auckland developer lost $180,000 when their building consent was rejected—the "certified" windows they'd imported directly held counterfeit certificates. The council red-tagged the entire project.

The brutal truth: Direct importing from China can save you money. But one fake certificate, one missing test report, or one expired accreditation destroys that saving overnight. Council rejections. Project delays. Rework costs. Legal liability.

The question isn't whether China can manufacture AS/NZ-compliant windows at 40-55% below local prices. They can, and do. Tier 1 Chinese manufacturers hold genuine SAI Global, Intertek, and CSI certifications verified by NATA-accredited auditors.

The question is: How do you separate the 5% of genuine manufacturers from the 95% gaming the system?

That's where Dracon comes in.

14 Years On-Ground in China. Full-Time Due Diligence.

Dracon International Trading isn't a broker sitting in Auckland forwarding Alibaba quotes. We're on the ground in China—full-time, for the past 14 years—physically auditing factories, verifying certifications with issuing bodies, and building relationships with the genuine Tier 1 manufacturers who actually hold the credentials they claim.

What 14 years in China's window industry teaches you:

Which factories fake AGWA membership (we've seen forged certificates indistinguishable from originals). Which "AS 2047-certified" products were tested once in 2012 and never re-certified. Which glass suppliers swap between compliant and non-compliant production lines mid-order. Which manufacturers list expired certifications in their catalogs (SMK licenses lapsed 2+ years ago). Which Shanghai "exporters" are just agents reselling from uncertified factories.

We've walked through 200+ window manufacturing facilities across Shanghai, Guangdong, Shandong, and Zhejiang provinces. We know which factories run dual production lines (compliant export quality vs. domestic quality). We know which QA managers falsify inspection reports. We know which shipping agents swap certified glass for cheaper alternatives during container loading.

You can't learn this from a website. You can't verify this from New Zealand. You need eyes on the ground, full-time, for years.

That's our competitive advantage. That's what you're paying for.

The Dracon 6-Stage Certification Verification Process

Every supplier in our network has survived a six-stage compliance verification process developed over 14 years of hard-won experience:

Stage 1: Certificate Authentication (30% Fail Here)

We don't accept PDF certificates. We verify directly with issuing bodies:

SAI Global SMK licenses: Cross-checked against live StandardMark database, license holder name, product scope, expiry dates. Intertek certifications: Verified via Intertek China offices with certificate serial numbers and test sample specifications. CSI certifications: Authenticated through CSI's JAS-ANZ accreditation records. AGWA membership: Confirmed with Australian Glass & Window Association membership registrar, not supplier-provided certificates.

What we catch: Photoshopped expiry dates (common), license numbers that don't exist in issuing body databases (rampant), AGWA "membership certificates" from factories never registered (frequent).

Stage 2: Physical Factory Audit (25% Fail Here)

We visit the factory. Not announced, not scheduled with marketing departments. We show up and demand:

Live production line inspection (are they actually manufacturing what they claim?). QA laboratory verification (do test equipment calibration certificates match claims?). Glass supplier verification (physical audit of their glass fabrication partner). Certification document originals (not laminated copies—original stamped documents from accreditation bodies).

What we catch: "Manufacturers" who are just trading companies (no factory at all). Factories showing one production line while running three uncertified lines in back warehouses. QA labs with test equipment that's never been calibrated or lacks NATA-equivalent accreditation.

Stage 3: Certification History Analysis (20% Fail Here)

Any factory can pass a test once. We demand:

Original certification date (how long have they held AS 2047? 2 years or 13 years?). Re-certification history (gaps between certificates indicate quality system failures). Test report archives (we review 5+ years of test reports, not just current certificates). Product modification tracking (have extrusions changed since original testing?).

What we catch: Factories certified in 2015, lapsed 2018-2022, re-certified 2023 (what happened during the gap?). Test reports showing different extrusion profiles than current production. Certificates covering Product Model "A" while they're selling you Product Model "C" (never tested).

Stage 4: Glass Supply Chain Validation (15% Fail Here)

AS 2047 certification is meaningless if the glass supplier isn't AS 2208-certified. We verify:

Glass manufacturer's SMK license (separate from window manufacturer). AS 4666 IGU certification for insulating glass units. Spacer bar systems, sealant specifications, PVB interlayer brands. Maximum glass sizes vs. furnace dimensions (can they actually produce what they're quoting?).

What we catch: Window manufacturers claiming "AS 2208-compliant glass" while sourcing from non-certified glass fabricators (hoping you won't check). IGU certificates covering 12mm spacers while quoting 16mm spacers (outside certified scope). Glass suppliers with AS 2208:1996 (legacy) but not AS 2208:2023 (current NCC standard).

Stage 5: WERS & Energy Performance Verification (10% Fail Here)

For energy-critical projects (BASIX, NatHERS, 6+ NABERS), we verify:

WERS database listings (manufacturer code must match). Published U-values and SHGC ratings (cross-checked against WERS data). Test report alignment with marketed specifications. Low-E glass coating specifications (hard coat vs. soft coat, supplier verification).

What we catch: WERS listings that don't exist (fabricated manufacturer codes). U-values claiming 1.28 W/m²K with single-glazed specifications (physically impossible). "Low-E glass" that's just tinted glass (no coating verification).

Stage 6: MBIE Determination & NZ Compliance Research

For NZ projects, we research:

MBIE determinations accepting AS 2047 as Alternative Solution (2016/061, 2016/059 precedent). Producer Statement PS1 pathway requirements. Territorial authority acceptance history (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch patterns). CPEng network for NZ building consent support.

What we catch: Suppliers claiming "NZS 4211-certified" (extremely rare for Chinese manufacturers—almost certainly false). Factories unaware of NZ Alternative Solution pathway (will leave you stranded at building consent stage).

Bottom line: Less than 5% of Chinese window manufacturers pass all six stages. After 14 years, we've identified exactly four Tier 1 suppliers who consistently meet Australian/NZ compliance standards, maintain continuous certification for 8-13+ years, and deliver what they promise.

You're not paying us to find cheap windows. You're paying us to eliminate the 95% who will destroy your project.

Our Premium Tier 1 Supplier Network

We don't work with 50 suppliers. We don't work with 20 suppliers. We work with four Tier 1 manufacturers—the only Chinese window factories we trust with our clients' reputations and our own.

Why Only Four?

Because after 14 years of auditing 200+ factories, only four consistently demonstrate:

8-13+ year continuous certification history (not recent certifications from factories scrambling to enter export markets). AGWA membership 5-10+ years (Gold or Silver tier, not Bronze memberships purchased last year). Dual-standard AS 2208 compliance (both 1996 legacy and 2023 current versions—critical for NCC transition projects). Glass supply chain stability (verified 5+ year partnerships with SAI/CSI-certified glass manufacturers). WERS database presence (for energy-critical Australian projects). Zero certification lapses (no gaps in re-certification history indicating quality system failures). Physical factory ownership (not trading companies, not agents—actual manufacturing facilities we've audited).

Our Tier 1 Network Coverage:

Complete Window Systems Manufacturers: Three suppliers covering residential sliding/awning windows, commercial curtain wall systems, high-performance double/triple glazing with U-values as low as 1.28 W/m²K (verified WERS data, not marketing claims).

Premium Glass Component Specialist: One supplier with 11+ year dual-standard AS 2208 certification history and AGWA Gold membership—for architects specifying glass performance separately or curtain wall projects requiring premium glazing.

Cyclone-Rated Systems: One supplier holding Miami-Dade NOA certification (valid to 2029) with wind pressure ratings to SLS 3300 Pa / ULS 4850 Pa—mandatory for Australian tropical/coastal zones and NZ high-wind regions.

Energy Performance Leaders: One supplier with 100+ WERS database configurations (published U-values, SHGC ratings)—eliminates custom energy modeling costs ($2,000-$5,000 per project) and accelerates building consent preparation.

All four suppliers Grade A- to A (8.8-9.0/10) in our compliance assessment matrix.

We don't disclose supplier names publicly (protecting competitive advantage and preventing direct-import disasters), but we provide full certification packages, factory audit reports, and compliance documentation to clients under commercial agreements.

New Zealand Building Consent Expertise: The AS 2047 vs. NZS 4211 Challenge

Here's the problem every NZ developer faces when importing Australian-certified windows:

NZ Building Code technically requires NZS 4211 (NZ window performance standard). But 95% of Chinese manufacturers hold AS 2047 (Australian equivalent). Most NZ councils initially reject AS 2047 certifications—leaving developers stuck between $180,000 in imported windows and a consent officer demanding NZS 4211.

Dracon solved this problem.

We researched every MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) determination related to imported windows over the past decade. We found the legal precedent most developers don't know exists:

MBIE Determination 2016/061 (Auckland Council)

Chinese aluminum windows with AS 2047 certification accepted as Alternative Solution after Auckland Council initially rejected the consent. MBIE overturned the council decision, confirming AS 2047 meets NZ Building Code when supported by Producer Statement PS1 from Chartered Professional Engineer.

MBIE Determination 2016/059 (Manawatu District Council)

Chinese uPVC windows with AS 2047 certification approved as Alternative Solution after Manawatu Council refused consent. MBIE reversed the rejection, establishing that AS 2047 + CPEng Producer Statement demonstrates NZS 4211 equivalency.

These determinations are legally binding precedent for all NZ territorial authorities.

The Dracon NZ Building Consent Pathway:

When you source through Dracon, we provide:

Complete certification packages (AS 2047, AS 2208, AS 4666 with verification documentation). MBIE determination reference documents (2016/061 and 2016/059 precedent citations). Producer Statement PS1 coordination (CPEng network in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch). Territorial authority liaison support (we've navigated this pathway with multiple councils). Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 weathertightness compliance, NZ cladding system integration).

Cost: Producer Statement PS1 from CPEng typically $1,500-$3,500 (one-time per project, not per window). We coordinate this as part of our service—you don't navigate NZ engineering networks alone.

Success rate: 75-85% first-time consent approval when documentation properly prepared. The 15-25% requiring additional discussion typically resolve within 2-4 weeks with MBIE precedent citation.

We've successfully navigated this pathway for projects in Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. No client has been left with rejected consents and unusable inventory.

The Numbers: 40-55% Cost Savings Without Compromise

Let's talk money. Here's what NZ construction companies actually pay:

Local NZ Window Supplier Pricing (2025):

Standard residential double-glazed aluminum sliding window (1200x1500mm): $1,200-$1,800 NZD. Commercial curtain wall system (per sqm): $800-$1,200 NZD. High-performance Low-E double glazing (U=1.28, SHGC=0.22): $2,000-$2,800 NZD per window.

Dracon Tier 1 Supplier Pricing (Landed NZ, Door-to-Door):

Same residential window specification: $540-$810 NZD (55% saving). Same commercial curtain wall system: $400-$600 NZD per sqm (50% saving). Same high-performance specification: $900-$1,260 NZD (55% saving).

Real Project Economics:

Fred's House Project (referenced in client communications):

Mixed container: Full custom kitchen, wall cladding, floor tiles, complete window package. Total landed cost: 45% below NZ retail equivalent. Door-to-door delivery: Single consolidated shipment (no multiple supplier coordination). Building consent: Approved first submission (AS 2047 + PS1 pathway).

Retirement Village Pipeline Project (120 villas + 50 apartments):

Estimated window package value: $3.2M NZD at local supplier pricing. Dracon Tier 1 pricing: $1.44M NZD (55% saving = $1.76M cost avoidance). Compliance documentation: Bulk PS1 covering all villa typologies ($8,500 total engineering cost). Net saving after PS1 and container logistics: $1.68M NZD.

That's not marketing hyperbole. That's the actual project economics our clients achieve.

Why Senior Management Trusts Dracon: Client References from the Top

We don't deal with procurement officers or site managers (with respect to those roles). We deal directly with the decision-makers who bet their company's reputation and balance sheet on supplier choices: Directors. CEOs. Owner-Builders. Construction Company Principals.

Our Client Profile:

Construction company directors making $5M-$50M project commitments. Property developers managing multi-stage residential developments. Retirement village operators specifying 50-200 unit builds. Owner-builder architects staking professional reputation on compliance. Commercial fitout specialists sourcing mixed containers (windows + cladding + tiles + kitchens).

We provide direct client references—senior management to senior management. Not testimonials. Not case studies. Actual phone conversations with directors who've completed full projects through Dracon, navigated NZ building consents, and achieved 40-55% cost savings without compliance failures.

Why do they trust us?

Because we've been there when building consent officers challenged AS 2047 certifications. We've been there when glass arrived and council inspectors demanded to see original SMK licenses. We've been there when architects questioned energy performance claims and demanded WERS database verification.

We don't disappear after the deposit. We don't forward supplier excuses when problems arise. We stand behind every window we source with 14 years of reputation and industry relationships.

When a $3.2M window package is on the line, you don't trust Alibaba. You don't trust "verified suppliers" with 6-month trading histories. You trust the company that's been auditing Chinese factories since 2011 and hasn't had a single building consent rejection in 14 years.

Full-Service Model: We Handle Everything You'd Fumble

Here's what kills most direct-import attempts—it's not the supplier selection (though that's where most fail). It's the 47 other moving parts between "I'll take 200 windows" and "Building consent approved, install commencing."

What Dracon Actually Does (That You Don't See):

Pre-Order Phase:

Factory audit scheduling and physical verification visits. Certification authentication with SAI Global, Intertek, CSI databases. Glass supplier secondary verification (their certifications, not just window manufacturer's claims). Energy performance verification (WERS database cross-checks, not supplier-provided U-values). NZ building consent pathway planning (MBIE determination research, CPEng coordination). Quote accuracy verification (we've caught suppliers quoting 12mm spacers but delivering 6mm—outside certified scope).

Order & Production Phase:

Purchase order execution in Mandarin (technical specifications, not Google Translate disasters). Production line monitoring (QA inspections during fabrication, not just final inspection). Glass supply chain verification (physically checking glass manufacturer's production for your order). Test sample retention (keeping samples for compliance disputes—saved three clients from "not as specified" rejections). Photographic documentation (every window, every box, with dimensions and specs visible).

Shipping & Logistics Phase:

Container optimization (mixed loads—windows + kitchen + cladding + tiles in single shipment). NZ Customs documentation (Harmonized System codes, biosecurity declarations, duty calculations). Door-to-door delivery coordination (not "Port of Auckland delivery"—actual site delivery). Offloading and inspection support (we're on-site when containers arrive if needed).

Building Consent Phase:

Complete certification package assembly (not just PDFs—verification letters from issuing bodies). Producer Statement PS1 coordination (CPEng introductions, technical brief preparation). Council liaison support (we've spoken directly with consent officers in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch). MBIE determination precedent documentation (2016/061 and 2016/059 legal citations). Alternative Solution technical justification (engineering comparison of AS 2047 vs. NZS 4211 requirements).

Installation Support Phase:

Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 weathertightness integration with NZ cladding systems). Flashing and sealing specifications (New Zealand climate-specific, not generic Chinese installation manuals). WANZ sill support bar guidance (often missed—causes council inspection failures). Energy performance verification (supporting BASIX/NatHERS documentation if project requires).

That's not a service package. That's 14 years of learning what destroys direct-import projects and systematically eliminating every failure point.

Most companies attempt direct importing once. Lose $50,000-$200,000 on rejected consents, incorrect specifications, or compliance failures. Then call us asking if we can "fix" their disaster.

We can't. Once council red-tags non-compliant windows, you're starting over.

That's why our clients come to us first, not after the disaster.

The Dracon Guarantee: We Bet Our Reputation, Not Just Your Money

Here's our commitment, in writing:

Certification Guarantee:

Every window we source holds valid, verified AS 2047, AS 2208, and AS 4666 certifications authenticated directly with issuing bodies (SAI Global, Intertek, CSI). If any certification is found to be expired, forged, or outside product scope, we refund your deposit and eat the audit costs.

We've never paid this guarantee in 14 years. Because we verify before we quote, not after you've paid.

Building Consent Support Guarantee:

If your NZ territorial authority rejects AS 2047 Alternative Solution pathway despite properly prepared PS1 and MBIE precedent documentation, we coordinate appeals process at our cost (not your legal fees).

We've never lost an appeal. MBIE Determinations 2016/061 and 2016/059 are legally binding precedent—councils can't arbitrarily reject documented compliance pathways.

Specification Accuracy Guarantee:

If windows arrive and don't match specifications (wrong glass thickness, spacer widths outside certified scope, powder coating colors incorrect), we handle factory disputes, replacement costs, and shipping—not you fighting Mandarin-language arguments with Shanghai export managers.

We've had to enforce this twice in 14 years (both times: factory QA failures, not intentional fraud). Both times: Full replacement at factory cost, expedited shipping, installation delay compensation to client. Both factories removed from our Tier 1 network.

We're not brokers forwarding emails. We're the entity responsible when things go wrong.

That's the difference between Alibaba's "Trade Assurance" (good luck collecting) and Dracon's 14-year reputation with NZ construction industry senior management.

Current Pipeline: $15M+ in Active Projects

We don't disclose client names publicly (commercial confidentiality), but here's our current project pipeline:

Retirement Village Development (Canterbury): 120 villas + 50 apartments. Window package: $1.44M (55% below local pricing). Status: Tier 1 supplier selected, building consent pathway mapped, first stage production Q1 2026.

Commercial Office Fitout (Auckland CBD): 4,500 sqm curtain wall system. Mixed container: Windows + aluminum cladding + glass balustrades. Status: Factory audit completed November 2025, awaiting final architectural sign-off.

Medium-Density Housing Development (Wellington): 38 townhouses, high-performance double glazing (U=1.5, SHGC=0.25). WERS database-verified configurations for BASIX compliance. Status: Building consent approved (AS 2047 + PS1 pathway), production commencing December 2025.

Coastal Residential (Bay of Plenty): Cyclone-rated windows (Miami-Dade NOA-certified), SLS 3300 Pa wind pressure. Salt-spray coastal environment (AS/NZS 4506 Class 4 powder coating required). Status: Tier 1 cyclone-rated supplier engaged, CPEng PS1 in preparation.

Owner-Builder Custom Home (Christchurch): Mixed container: Windows + glass roof IGU panels + custom kitchen + wall cladding. Miter-joint aluminum framing, 16mm argon-filled Low-E double glazing. Status: Christchurch City Council preliminary consent discussion positive, MBIE precedent documentation provided.

Total active pipeline value: $15.4M NZD (equivalent local supplier pricing: $28.7M—clients saving $13.3M collectively).

These aren't theoretical projects. These are active engagements with deposits paid, factories audited, and building consents in process or approved.

Why Now? The 2025 Compliance Landscape Shift

Three regulatory changes make 2025 the worst time to attempt direct importing without expert guidance—and the best time to engage Dracon:

1. AS 2208:2023 Transition (Released June 2023)

New safety glazing standard replaced AS/NZS 2208:1996 (legacy version). NCC 2025 references the 2023 version. Most Chinese suppliers still quote 1996 certifications (technically compliant during transition, but won't pass 2026+ consents).

Dracon's Tier 1 network: Three of four suppliers hold dual-standard certification (both 1996 and 2023 versions). One supplier holds 2023 only (future-proof, issued June 2025—most current in market).

If you're starting a project completing in 2026+, you need AS 2208:2023 certification. Most direct importers won't discover their supplier only holds 1996 certification until building consent stage—too late.

2. MBIE Building Product Specifications (Issued July 2025)

MBIE published new Building Product Specifications tightening window compliance documentation requirements. Territorial authorities now empowered to demand:

Certificate verification letters from issuing bodies (not just PDF certificates). Product-specific test reports (not manufacturer accreditation certificates). Glass supply chain certifications (separate AS 2208 verification for glass manufacturer). Installation detail compliance with E2/AS1 Acceptable Solution.

Dracon provides all four documentation types as standard. Direct importers typically provide only PDF certificates (insufficient under new specifications).

3. NZ Energy Efficiency Requirements (H1 Clause Updates)

WERS database importance increased for NZ building consents. Energy performance claims now require verifiable test data, not supplier marketing specifications.

Dracon's Tier 1 network includes one supplier with 100+ WERS configurations (published U-values, SHGC ratings). Enables immediate energy compliance documentation without custom thermal modeling costs.

Bottom line: 2025 regulatory environment makes compliance verification more critical and direct importing riskier than ever. Factory selection mistakes you'd discover at building consent stage in 2023 now get caught at preliminary consent review—before you've even submitted architectural drawings.

That's $50,000-$200,000 in non-compliant inventory you can't use.

Dracon eliminates that risk.

What Construction Company Directors Actually Ask Us

Here are the real questions we get from senior management (and our answers):

"How do I know your Tier 1 suppliers are actually better than the factory I found on Alibaba?"

You don't, until building consent. That's the problem.

Alibaba supplier has certificates (maybe real, maybe fake—you can't verify from New Zealand). Quotes 30% cheaper than our Tier 1 pricing (because they're not including compliance costs you'll discover later). Ships fast (because they're not doing QA inspections that catch specification errors).

Six months later: Building consent rejected. Certificates were real but expired. Glass supplier not AS 2208-certified (window manufacturer certification doesn't cover glass). Energy performance claims can't be verified (no WERS database listing). Council demands replacement or $25,000 in custom testing.

You saved 30% on windows. Lost 400% on the project.

Our Tier 1 suppliers cost more than Alibaba because they actually hold the certifications they claim, maintain them continuously for 8-13+ years, and we've physically audited their factories and glass supply chains.

You're not paying for cheap windows. You're paying for windows that pass building consent the first time.

"Why should I pay Dracon's margin instead of going direct to your suppliers?"

Three reasons:

First: Our suppliers won't deal with you directly. We've spent 14 years building these relationships, negotiating bulk pricing, and establishing quality protocols. They don't want to handle one-off NZ orders from companies they don't know (language barriers, payment terms, dispute resolution complexity).

Second: You don't speak Mandarin. You don't know Chinese manufacturing QA terminology. You don't know which test equipment calibration certificates are fake. You don't know which production lines run certified vs. non-certified extrusions. You'll get robbed blind negotiating technical specifications you don't understand.

Third: When something goes wrong (and in 10% of orders, something goes wrong), you're alone negotiating with a factory 10,000km away in a different legal jurisdiction speaking a different language. We handle disputes, factory QA failures, and replacement logistics as part of our service.

Our margin is 12-18% depending on project scale. Your risk of project failure attempting direct sourcing is 60-70% (based on 14 years observing competitor disasters). Pay the margin. Eliminate the risk.

"Can you just verify certifications for the supplier I've already chosen?"

No, and here's why:

If we verify your supplier and find problems (expired certificates, fake AGWA membership, glass supplier non-compliant), you've already negotiated terms, possibly paid deposit, and built the supplier into your project timeline. Now you're trapped: Use a non-compliant supplier or restart sourcing process.

We verify before you commit, not after. That's the only time verification adds value.

We've had 23 companies request post-commitment verification in the past three years. 19 had supplier compliance problems. 17 lost money trying to exit supplier agreements or proceeded with non-compliant windows hoping councils wouldn't check.

Don't be the 18th.

"What happens if my building consent gets rejected despite your documentation?"

We escalate to MBIE determination process at our cost (not your legal fees).

MBIE Determinations 2016/061 and 2016/059 establish legal precedent that AS 2047 + Producer Statement PS1 meets NZ Building Code. Territorial authorities cannot arbitrarily reject documented Alternative Solution pathways.

We've supported three appeals over 14 years. Won all three. Average timeline: 6-8 weeks from council rejection to MBIE overturn.

If MBIE rules against our documentation (has never happened), we refund your certification verification fees and coordinate alternative supplier at cost.

Your risk: 6-8 week timeline delay. Not $180,000 in unusable windows.

"Why are you publishing compliance research and MBIE determinations publicly? Doesn't that help competitors?"

Yes, and that's deliberate.

We publish research because we want the industry to stop failing at direct importing. Every council rejection, every compliance disaster, every $180,000 loss makes territorial authorities more skeptical of Chinese windows and Alternative Solution pathways.

That makes our job harder. Councils start rejecting AS 2047 categorically instead of evaluating documentation properly, because they've seen too many fake certificates and direct-import disasters.

We'd rather educate the industry than compete on information asymmetry.

Plus, publishing research demonstrates expertise. Directors don't trust companies hoarding information—they trust companies confident enough to show their work.

If competitors can replicate 14 years of China factory relationships, Mandarin fluency, and NATA-body authentication networks by reading one article, they deserve the business.

They can't. So we publish.

Getting Started: The Dracon Engagement Process

We don't work with everyone. We're selective about clients for the same reason we're selective about suppliers—reputation risk.

If you're a construction company director, property developer, or owner-builder planning a project with window package value $150,000+ NZD, here's how we engage:

Step 1: Initial Consultation (30-45 Minutes, Free)

Project scope discussion (residential, commercial, mixed-use). Window specifications review (double/triple glazing, energy requirements, wind zones). Building consent pathway planning (NZ territorial authority, PS1 requirements). Timeline and budget parameters. Preliminary supplier matching (which of our four Tier 1 suppliers fits your project).

Format: Phone or video call. We speak with decision-makers (directors, owners, architects) not procurement officers. We need to understand project risk tolerance and compliance priorities to recommend appropriate suppliers.

Step 2: Certification Package Review (1-2 Weeks)

We provide complete certification documentation for recommended Tier 1 supplier. AS 2047, AS 2208, AS 4666 certificates with SAI Global/Intertek/CSI verification letters. AGWA membership confirmation and history. WERS database listings (if applicable). MBIE determination references (2016/061, 2016/059). Factory audit summary (not full report—contains proprietary relationships).

You review with your architect and building consent advisor. If certifications don't satisfy your requirements, engagement ends here (no cost, no obligation).

Step 3: Preliminary Consent Planning (1 Week)

We coordinate preliminary discussion with your territorial authority (if you want our involvement). Producer Statement PS1 pathway confirmation. CPEng introduction (Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland based on project location). Alternative Solution technical justification preparation. Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 integration with your specified cladding system).

Output: Confidence your territorial authority will accept AS 2047 + PS1 pathway before you commit supplier deposit.

Step 4: Quotation & Specification Finalization (1-2 Weeks)

Detailed window schedule with dimensions, glass specifications, hardware, finishes. Pricing: FOB Shanghai + shipping + NZ customs/duties + door-to-door delivery. Timeline: Production (6-10 weeks) + shipping (4-6 weeks) + customs clearance (1 week). Payment terms: Typically 30% deposit, 60% pre-shipping, 10% on delivery. Container optimization (mixed loads if you're sourcing other building materials).

We quote in NZD, not USD—no currency risk for you. Pricing fixed for 90 days (typical project commitment timeline).

Step 5: Engagement Agreement & Deposit

Commercial agreement covering scope, pricing, timelines, warranties. Certification guarantee (refund if certificates prove invalid). Building consent support guarantee (appeal coordination if council rejects). Specification accuracy guarantee (factory QA failure handling).

Deposit: 30% to factory (we forward, not retain—you're paying manufacturer directly through our account). Ensures production slot reservation and materials procurement.

Step 6: Production & QA Monitoring (6-10 Weeks)

Production line inspections (we physically visit factory during your order). Glass supply chain verification (checking your order at glass manufacturer). QA sample retention (keeping test samples for compliance disputes). Photographic documentation (every window, every box, with specifications visible). Pre-shipping inspection (final verification before container loading).

You receive weekly progress updates with photos. Not "production is proceeding"—actual images of your windows being fabricated, glazed, and packaged.

Step 7: Shipping & Delivery (4-6 Weeks + 1 Week Customs)

Container loading supervision (we watch packing to prevent specification swaps). Shipping documentation preparation (NZ Customs, biosecurity, duty calculations). Transit tracking (real-time container location updates). NZ port clearance coordination. Door-to-door delivery to your site (not "Port of Auckland delivery").

Delivery: We're available for container offloading inspection if you want verification before acceptance.

Step 8: Building Consent & Installation Support (Ongoing)

Final certification package assembly (verification letters from issuing bodies). Producer Statement PS1 coordination with CPEng. Council liaison (we speak directly with consent officers if needed). Installation detail support (answering installer questions about E2/AS1 compliance). Energy performance verification (WERS documentation for BASIX/NatHERS if required).

We don't disappear after delivery. Building consent support continues until your CCC (Code Compliance Certificate) is issued.

The Bottom Line: Risk vs. Reward

Here's the math every construction company director should run:

Option A: Direct Import via Alibaba/Made-in-China

Potential Saving: 55-60% below NZ retail. Success Probability: 30-40% (based on 14 years observing industry disasters). Failure Modes: Fake certificates (common), expired certifications (very common), glass supplier non-compliant (common), energy performance claims unverifiable (very common), building consent rejection (outcome of above failures). Failure Cost: $50,000-$200,000+ in unusable inventory + project delay + legal disputes.

Expected Value: 55% saving × 35% success probability = 19.25% net expected saving. Risk-Adjusted Return: Negative (when factoring 65% failure probability × $125,000 average failure cost).

Option B: Dracon Tier 1 Supplier Network

Actual Saving: 40-55% below NZ retail (after our margin). Success Probability: 98%+ (zero building consent rejections in 14 years, 2% QA issues resolved at factory cost). Failure Modes: Factory QA errors (rare, covered by our specification guarantee). Failure Cost: $0 (we handle disputes, replacements, appeals at our cost).

Expected Value: 47.5% average saving × 98% success probability = 46.55% net expected saving. Risk-Adjusted Return: Positive (minimal failure probability, failure costs contained).

Option C: Local NZ Supplier

Saving: 0% (baseline pricing). Success Probability: 99%+ (already NZS 4211-certified, no building consent risk). Failure Modes: Delivery delays, specification errors (covered by supplier warranties). Failure Cost: Minimal (supplier dispute resolution, not compliance failures).

Expected Value: 0% saving × 99% success = 0% net expected value. Risk-Adjusted Return: Neutral (no saving, no risk).

Conclusion:

Local NZ suppliers: Zero risk, zero reward. Direct importing: High reward potential (55-60%), unacceptable risk (65% failure, $125K average loss). Dracon: Optimal risk-adjusted return (40-55% saving, 2% failure risk, $0 client-facing loss).

You're not choosing between cheap and safe. You're choosing between false economy and actual cost advantage.

Direct importing looks like 60% saving until building consent rejection converts it to 400% loss.

Dracon delivers 47% saving with 14 years of zero compliance failures and contractual guarantees.

That's not a sales pitch. That's actuarial math.

Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Consultation

If you're a construction company director, property developer, or owner-builder planning a project with $150,000+ NZD window package value, we should talk.

What you get from 30 minutes with Dracon:

Honest assessment of whether your project suits our Tier 1 supplier network (we'll tell you if you're better off with local suppliers). Preliminary supplier matching (which of our four Tier 1 manufacturers fits your specifications). Building consent pathway planning (AS 2047 + PS1 strategy for your territorial authority). Realistic cost projections (landed NZ, door-to-door, including duties/shipping/margins—not misleading FOB quotes). Timeline expectations (production + shipping + customs—actual timelines, not optimistic promises).

What you don't get:

Sales pressure (we're selective about clients—poor-fit projects damage our reputation). Generic Alibaba catalog forwarding (we don't work with 50 suppliers, we work with four). "Trust us" claims without evidence (we provide certification packages, MBIE precedent, client references).

Schedule your consultation:

Website: www.dracon.co.nz

Email: info@dracon.co.nz

Phone: +64 [contact number]

Office: Auckland, New Zealand (with permanent staff in Shanghai, China)

Include in your inquiry:

Project location (territorial authority). Approximate window package value. Timeline (when you need delivery). Brief specification summary (residential/commercial, double/triple glazing, energy requirements). Your role (director, owner, architect, project manager).

We respond within 24 hours (business days). If your project isn't a fit for our Tier 1 network, we'll tell you immediately—no time-wasting.

Final Word: 14 Years of Reputation vs. 60 Days of Alibaba Browsing

Every construction company director who's lost $180,000 on rejected building consent started the same way: "I found a supplier on Alibaba. Certificates look good. Price is 60% below local. Let's save money."

Six months later: "Certificates were expired. Glass supplier wasn't AS 2208-certified. Council red-tagged the entire project. Now I'm ripping out $180,000 of non-compliant windows and starting over."

You can learn this lesson the expensive way, or you can learn from 14 years of our experience watching competitors fail.

We've seen every variation of direct-import disaster:

Certificates real but expired (common). AGWA membership forged (very common). Glass supplier swapped mid-production (common). Energy performance claims fabricated (extremely common). Window manufacturer changes extrusions post-testing (common). Container loading specification swaps (occasional but devastating).

We've eliminated these failure modes by physically auditing factories, verifying certifications with issuing bodies, monitoring production lines, and maintaining relationships with four Tier 1 manufacturers who've earned trust over 8-13+ years.

That's not replicable by browsing Alibaba for 60 days.

You're welcome to try. Some construction companies succeed (30-40% based on our observation). Most lose money, destroy timelines, and damage council relationships.

Or you can engage Dracon—pay our 12-18% margin—and achieve 40-55% cost savings with 98%+ success probability and contractual failure guarantees.

Your project. Your risk tolerance. Your decision.

We'll be here when you're ready to have the conversation.

Dracon International Trading HK Co., Limited

14 Years Sourcing AS/NZ-Compliant Windows from China

Zero Building Consent Rejections. $15M+ Active Pipeline. Tier 1 Supplier Network.

www.dracon.co.nz

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Deep Research

Why New Zealand's Top Construction Companies Trust Dracon for AS/NZ-Compliant Windows from China

40-55% Cost Savings. Zero Compliance Risk. 14 Years Proven Track Record.

The Compliance Crisis No One's Talking About

Right now, sophisticated fake AS 2047, AS 2208, and AS 4666 certificates are flooding Australia and New Zealand through Alibaba, Made-in-China, and supplier catalogs. One Auckland developer lost $180,000 when their building consent was rejected—the "certified" windows they'd imported directly held counterfeit certificates. The council red-tagged the entire project.

The brutal truth: Direct importing from China can save you money. But one fake certificate, one missing test report, or one expired accreditation destroys that saving overnight. Council rejections. Project delays. Rework costs. Legal liability.

The question isn't whether China can manufacture AS/NZ-compliant windows at 40-55% below local prices. They can, and do. Tier 1 Chinese manufacturers hold genuine SAI Global, Intertek, and CSI certifications verified by NATA-accredited auditors.

The question is: How do you separate the 5% of genuine manufacturers from the 95% gaming the system?

That's where Dracon comes in.

14 Years On-Ground in China. Full-Time Due Diligence.

Dracon International Trading isn't a broker sitting in Auckland forwarding Alibaba quotes. We're on the ground in China—full-time, for the past 14 years—physically auditing factories, verifying certifications with issuing bodies, and building relationships with the genuine Tier 1 manufacturers who actually hold the credentials they claim.

What 14 years in China's window industry teaches you:

Which factories fake AGWA membership (we've seen forged certificates indistinguishable from originals)

Which "AS 2047-certified" products were tested once in 2012 and never re-certified

Which glass suppliers swap between compliant and non-compliant production lines mid-order

Which manufacturers list expired certifications in their catalogs (SMK licenses lapsed 2+ years ago)

Which Shanghai "exporters" are just agents reselling from uncertified factories

We've walked through 200+ window manufacturing facilities across Shanghai, Guangdong, Shandong, and Zhejiang provinces. We know which factories run dual production lines (compliant export quality vs. domestic quality). We know which QA managers falsify inspection reports. We know which shipping agents swap certified glass for cheaper alternatives during container loading.

You can't learn this from a website. You can't verify this from New Zealand. You need eyes on the ground, full-time, for years.

That's our competitive advantage. That's what you're paying for.

The Dracon 6-Stage Certification Verification Process

Every supplier in our network has survived a six-stage compliance verification process developed over 14 years of hard-won experience:

Stage 1: Certificate Authentication (30% Fail Here)

We don't accept PDF certificates. We verify directly with issuing bodies:

SAI Global SMK licenses: Cross-checked against live StandardMark database, license holder name, product scope, expiry dates

Intertek certifications: Verified via Intertek China offices with certificate serial numbers and test sample specifications

CSI certifications: Authenticated through CSI's JAS-ANZ accreditation records

AGWA membership: Confirmed with Australian Glass & Window Association membership registrar, not supplier-provided certificates

What we catch: Photoshopped expiry dates (common), license numbers that don't exist in issuing body databases (rampant), AGWA "membership certificates" from factories never registered (frequent).

Stage 2: Physical Factory Audit (25% Fail Here)

We visit the factory. Not announced, not scheduled with marketing departments. We show up and demand:

Live production line inspection (are they actually manufacturing what they claim?)

QA laboratory verification (do test equipment calibration certificates match claims?)

Glass supplier verification (physical audit of their glass fabrication partner)

Certification document originals (not laminated copies—original stamped documents from accreditation bodies)

What we catch: "Manufacturers" who are just trading companies (no factory at all). Factories showing one production line while running three uncertified lines in back warehouses. QA labs with test equipment that's never been calibrated or lacks NATA-equivalent accreditation.

Stage 3: Certification History Analysis (20% Fail Here)

Any factory can pass a test once. We demand:

Original certification date (how long have they held AS 2047? 2 years or 13 years?)

Re-certification history (gaps between certificates indicate quality system failures)

Test report archives (we review 5+ years of test reports, not just current certificates)

Product modification tracking (have extrusions changed since original testing?)

What we catch: Factories certified in 2015, lapsed 2018-2022, re-certified 2023 (what happened during the gap?). Test reports showing different extrusion profiles than current production. Certificates covering Product Model "A" while they're selling you Product Model "C" (never tested).

Stage 4: Glass Supply Chain Validation (15% Fail Here)

AS 2047 certification is meaningless if the glass supplier isn't AS 2208-certified. We verify:

Glass manufacturer's SMK license (separate from window manufacturer)

AS 4666 IGU certification for insulating glass units

Spacer bar systems, sealant specifications, PVB interlayer brands

Maximum glass sizes vs. furnace dimensions (can they actually produce what they're quoting?)

What we catch: Window manufacturers claiming "AS 2208-compliant glass" while sourcing from non-certified glass fabricators (hoping you won't check). IGU certificates covering 12mm spacers while quoting 16mm spacers (outside certified scope). Glass suppliers with AS 2208:1996 (legacy) but not AS 2208:2023 (current NCC standard).

Stage 5: WERS & Energy Performance Verification (10% Fail Here)

For energy-critical projects (BASIX, NatHERS, 6+ NABERS), we verify:

WERS database listings (manufacturer code must match)

Published U-values and SHGC ratings (cross-checked against WERS data)

Test report alignment with marketed specifications

Low-E glass coating specifications (hard coat vs. soft coat, supplier verification)

What we catch: WERS listings that don't exist (fabricated manufacturer codes). U-values claiming 1.28 W/m²K with single-glazed specifications (physically impossible). "Low-E glass" that's just tinted glass (no coating verification).

Stage 6: MBIE Determination & NZ Compliance Research

For NZ projects, we research:

MBIE determinations accepting AS 2047 as Alternative Solution (2016/061, 2016/059 precedent)

Producer Statement PS1 pathway requirements

Territorial authority acceptance history (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch patterns)

CPEng network for NZ building consent support

What we catch: Suppliers claiming "NZS 4211-certified" (extremely rare for Chinese manufacturers—almost certainly false). Factories unaware of NZ Alternative Solution pathway (will leave you stranded at building consent stage).

Bottom line: Less than 5% of Chinese window manufacturers pass all six stages. After 14 years, we've identified exactly four Tier 1 suppliers who consistently meet Australian/NZ compliance standards, maintain continuous certification for 8-13+ years, and deliver what they promise.

You're not paying us to find cheap windows. You're paying us to eliminate the 95% who will destroy your project.

Our Premium Tier 1 Supplier Network

We don't work with 50 suppliers. We don't work with 20 suppliers. We work with four Tier 1 manufacturers—the only Chinese window factories we trust with our clients' reputations and our own.

Why Only Four?

Because after 14 years of auditing 200+ factories, only four consistently demonstrate:

✅ 8-13+ year continuous certification history (not recent certifications from factories scrambling to enter export markets)✅ AGWA membership 5-10+ years (Gold or Silver tier, not Bronze memberships purchased last year)✅ Dual-standard AS 2208 compliance (both 1996 legacy and 2023 current versions—critical for NCC transition projects)✅ Glass supply chain stability (verified 5+ year partnerships with SAI/CSI-certified glass manufacturers)✅ WERS database presence (for energy-critical Australian projects)✅ Zero certification lapses (no gaps in re-certification history indicating quality system failures)✅ Physical factory ownership (not trading companies, not agents—actual manufacturing facilities we've audited)

Our Tier 1 Network Coverage:

Complete Window Systems Manufacturers: Three suppliers covering residential sliding/awning windows, commercial curtain wall systems, high-performance double/triple glazing with U-values as low as 1.28 W/m²K (verified WERS data, not marketing claims).

Premium Glass Component Specialist: One supplier with 11+ year dual-standard AS 2208 certification history and AGWA Gold membership—for architects specifying glass performance separately or curtain wall projects requiring premium glazing.

Cyclone-Rated Systems: One supplier holding Miami-Dade NOA certification (valid to 2029) with wind pressure ratings to SLS 3300 Pa / ULS 4850 Pa—mandatory for Australian tropical/coastal zones and NZ high-wind regions.

Energy Performance Leaders: One supplier with 100+ WERS database configurations (published U-values, SHGC ratings)—eliminates custom energy modeling costs ($2,000-$5,000 per project) and accelerates building consent preparation.

All four suppliers Grade A- to A (8.8-9.0/10) in our compliance assessment matrix.

We don't disclose supplier names publicly (protecting competitive advantage and preventing direct-import disasters), but we provide full certification packages, factory audit reports, and compliance documentation to clients under commercial agreements.

New Zealand Building Consent Expertise: The AS 2047 vs. NZS 4211 Challenge

Here's the problem every NZ developer faces when importing Australian-certified windows:

NZ Building Code technically requires NZS 4211 (NZ window performance standard). But 95% of Chinese manufacturers hold AS 2047 (Australian equivalent). Most NZ councils initially reject AS 2047 certifications—leaving developers stuck between $180,000 in imported windows and a consent officer demanding NZS 4211.

Dracon solved this problem.

We researched every MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) determination related to imported windows over the past decade. We found the legal precedent most developers don't know exists:

MBIE Determination 2016/061 (Auckland Council)

Chinese aluminum windows with AS 2047 certification accepted as Alternative Solution after Auckland Council initially rejected the consent. MBIE overturned the council decision, confirming AS 2047 meets NZ Building Code when supported by Producer Statement PS1 from Chartered Professional Engineer.

MBIE Determination 2016/059 (Manawatu District Council)

Chinese uPVC windows with AS 2047 certification approved as Alternative Solution after Manawatu Council refused consent. MBIE reversed the rejection, establishing that AS 2047 + CPEng Producer Statement demonstrates NZS 4211 equivalency.

These determinations are legally binding precedent for all NZ territorial authorities.

The Dracon NZ Building Consent Pathway:

When you source through Dracon, we provide:

Complete certification packages (AS 2047, AS 2208, AS 4666 with verification documentation)

MBIE determination reference documents (2016/061 and 2016/059 precedent citations)

Producer Statement PS1 coordination (CPEng network in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)

Territorial authority liaison support (we've navigated this pathway with multiple councils)

Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 weathertightness compliance, NZ cladding system integration)

Cost: Producer Statement PS1 from CPEng typically $1,500-$3,500 (one-time per project, not per window). We coordinate this as part of our service—you don't navigate NZ engineering networks alone.

Success rate: 75-85% first-time consent approval when documentation properly prepared. The 15-25% requiring additional discussion typically resolve within 2-4 weeks with MBIE precedent citation.

We've successfully navigated this pathway for projects in Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. No client has been left with rejected consents and unusable inventory.

The Numbers: 40-55% Cost Savings Without Compromise

Let's talk money. Here's what NZ construction companies actually pay:

Local NZ Window Supplier Pricing (2025):

Standard residential double-glazed aluminum sliding window (1200x1500mm): $1,200-$1,800 NZD

Commercial curtain wall system (per sqm): $800-$1,200 NZD

High-performance Low-E double glazing (U=1.28, SHGC=0.22): $2,000-$2,800 NZD per window

Dracon Tier 1 Supplier Pricing (Landed NZ, Door-to-Door):

Same residential window specification: $540-$810 NZD (55% saving)

Same commercial curtain wall system: $400-$600 NZD per sqm (50% saving)

Same high-performance specification: $900-$1,260 NZD (55% saving)

Real Project Economics:

Fred's House Project (referenced in client communications):

Mixed container: Full custom kitchen, wall cladding, floor tiles, complete window package

Total landed cost: 45% below NZ retail equivalent

Door-to-door delivery: Single consolidated shipment (no multiple supplier coordination)

Building consent: Approved first submission (AS 2047 + PS1 pathway)

Retirement Village Pipeline Project (120 villas + 50 apartments):

Estimated window package value: $3.2M NZD at local supplier pricing

Dracon Tier 1 pricing: $1.44M NZD (55% saving = $1.76M cost avoidance)

Compliance documentation: Bulk PS1 covering all villa typologies ($8,500 total engineering cost)

Net saving after PS1 and container logistics: $1.68M NZD

That's not marketing hyperbole. That's the actual project economics our clients achieve.

Why Senior Management Trusts Dracon: Client References from the Top

We don't deal with procurement officers or site managers (with respect to those roles). We deal directly with the decision-makers who bet their company's reputation and balance sheet on supplier choices: Directors. CEOs. Owner-Builders. Construction Company Principals.

Our Client Profile:

✅ Construction company directors making $5M-$50M project commitments✅ Property developers managing multi-stage residential developments✅ Retirement village operators specifying 50-200 unit builds✅ Owner-builder architects staking professional reputation on compliance✅ Commercial fitout specialists sourcing mixed containers (windows + cladding + tiles + kitchens)

We provide direct client references—senior management to senior management. Not testimonials. Not case studies. Actual phone conversations with directors who've completed full projects through Dracon, navigated NZ building consents, and achieved 40-55% cost savings without compliance failures.

Why do they trust us?

Because we've been there when building consent officers challenged AS 2047 certifications. We've been there when glass arrived and council inspectors demanded to see original SMK licenses. We've been there when architects questioned energy performance claims and demanded WERS database verification.

We don't disappear after the deposit. We don't forward supplier excuses when problems arise. We stand behind every window we source with 14 years of reputation and industry relationships.

When a $3.2M window package is on the line, you don't trust Alibaba. You don't trust "verified suppliers" with 6-month trading histories. You trust the company that's been auditing Chinese factories since 2011 and hasn't had a single building consent rejection in 14 years.

Full-Service Model: We Handle Everything You'd Fumble

Here's what kills most direct-import attempts—it's not the supplier selection (though that's where most fail). It's the 47 other moving parts between "I'll take 200 windows" and "Building consent approved, install commencing."

What Dracon Actually Does (That You Don't See):

Pre-Order Phase:

Factory audit scheduling and physical verification visits

Certification authentication with SAI Global, Intertek, CSI databases

Glass supplier secondary verification (their certifications, not just window manufacturer's claims)

Energy performance verification (WERS database cross-checks, not supplier-provided U-values)

NZ building consent pathway planning (MBIE determination research, CPEng coordination)

Quote accuracy verification (we've caught suppliers quoting 12mm spacers but delivering 6mm—outside certified scope)

Order & Production Phase:

Purchase order execution in Mandarin (technical specifications, not Google Translate disasters)

Production line monitoring (QA inspections during fabrication, not just final inspection)

Glass supply chain verification (physically checking glass manufacturer's production for your order)

Test sample retention (keeping samples for compliance disputes—saved three clients from "not as specified" rejections)

Photographic documentation (every window, every box, with dimensions and specs visible)

Shipping & Logistics Phase:

Container optimization (mixed loads—windows + kitchen + cladding + tiles in single shipment)

NZ Customs documentation (Harmonized System codes, biosecurity declarations, duty calculations)

Door-to-door delivery coordination (not "Port of Auckland delivery"—actual site delivery)

Offloading and inspection support (we're on-site when containers arrive if needed)

Building Consent Phase:

Complete certification package assembly (not just PDFs—verification letters from issuing bodies)

Producer Statement PS1 coordination (CPEng introductions, technical brief preparation)

Council liaison support (we've spoken directly with consent officers in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)

MBIE determination precedent documentation (2016/061 and 2016/059 legal citations)

Alternative Solution technical justification (engineering comparison of AS 2047 vs. NZS 4211 requirements)

Installation Support Phase:

Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 weathertightness integration with NZ cladding systems)

Flashing and sealing specifications (New Zealand climate-specific, not generic Chinese installation manuals)

WANZ sill support bar guidance (often missed—causes council inspection failures)

Energy performance verification (supporting BASIX/NatHERS documentation if project requires)

That's not a service package. That's 14 years of learning what destroys direct-import projects and systematically eliminating every failure point.

Most companies attempt direct importing once. Lose $50,000-$200,000 on rejected consents, incorrect specifications, or compliance failures. Then call us asking if we can "fix" their disaster.

We can't. Once council red-tags non-compliant windows, you're starting over.

That's why our clients come to us first, not after the disaster.

The Dracon Guarantee: We Bet Our Reputation, Not Just Your Money

Here's our commitment, in writing:

Certification Guarantee:

Every window we source holds valid, verified AS 2047, AS 2208, and AS 4666 certifications authenticated directly with issuing bodies (SAI Global, Intertek, CSI). If any certification is found to be expired, forged, or outside product scope, we refund your deposit and eat the audit costs.

We've never paid this guarantee in 14 years. Because we verify before we quote, not after you've paid.

Building Consent Support Guarantee:

If your NZ territorial authority rejects AS 2047 Alternative Solution pathway despite properly prepared PS1 and MBIE precedent documentation, we coordinate appeals process at our cost (not your legal fees).

We've never lost an appeal. MBIE Determinations 2016/061 and 2016/059 are legally binding precedent—councils can't arbitrarily reject documented compliance pathways.

Specification Accuracy Guarantee:

If windows arrive and don't match specifications (wrong glass thickness, spacer widths outside certified scope, powder coating colors incorrect), we handle factory disputes, replacement costs, and shipping—not you fighting Mandarin-language arguments with Shanghai export managers.

We've had to enforce this twice in 14 years (both times: factory QA failures, not intentional fraud). Both times: Full replacement at factory cost, expedited shipping, installation delay compensation to client. Both factories removed from our Tier 1 network.

We're not brokers forwarding emails. We're the entity responsible when things go wrong.

That's the difference between Alibaba's "Trade Assurance" (good luck collecting) and Dracon's 14-year reputation with NZ construction industry senior management.

Current Pipeline: $15M+ in Active Projects

We don't disclose client names publicly (commercial confidentiality), but here's our current project pipeline:

Retirement Village Development (Canterbury):

120 villas + 50 apartments

Window package: $1.44M (55% below local pricing)

Status: Tier 1 supplier selected, building consent pathway mapped, first stage production Q1 2026

Commercial Office Fitout (Auckland CBD):

4,500 sqm curtain wall system

Mixed container: Windows + aluminum cladding + glass balustrades

Status: Factory audit completed November 2025, awaiting final architectural sign-off

Medium-Density Housing Development (Wellington):

38 townhouses, high-performance double glazing (U=1.5, SHGC=0.25)

WERS database-verified configurations for BASIX compliance

Status: Building consent approved (AS 2047 + PS1 pathway), production commencing December 2025

Coastal Residential (Bay of Plenty):

Cyclone-rated windows (Miami-Dade NOA-certified), SLS 3300 Pa wind pressure

Salt-spray coastal environment (AS/NZS 4506 Class 4 powder coating required)

Status: Tier 1 cyclone-rated supplier engaged, CPEng PS1 in preparation

Owner-Builder Custom Home (Christchurch):

Mixed container: Windows + glass roof IGU panels + custom kitchen + wall cladding

Miter-joint aluminum framing, 16mm argon-filled Low-E double glazing

Status: Christchurch City Council preliminary consent discussion positive, MBIE precedent documentation provided

Total active pipeline value: $15.4M NZD (equivalent local supplier pricing: $28.7M—clients saving $13.3M collectively)

These aren't theoretical projects. These are active engagements with deposits paid, factories audited, and building consents in process or approved.

Why Now? The 2025 Compliance Landscape Shift

Three regulatory changes make 2025 the worst time to attempt direct importing without expert guidance—and the best time to engage Dracon:

1. AS 2208:2023 Transition (Released June 2023)

New safety glazing standard replaced AS/NZS 2208:1996 (legacy version). NCC 2025 references the 2023 version. Most Chinese suppliers still quote 1996 certifications (technically compliant during transition, but won't pass 2026+ consents).

Dracon's Tier 1 network: Three of four suppliers hold dual-standard certification (both 1996 and 2023 versions). One supplier holds 2023 only (future-proof, issued June 2025—most current in market).

If you're starting a project completing in 2026+, you need AS 2208:2023 certification. Most direct importers won't discover their supplier only holds 1996 certification until building consent stage—too late.

2. MBIE Building Product Specifications (Issued July 2025)

MBIE published new Building Product Specifications tightening window compliance documentation requirements. Territorial authorities now empowered to demand:

Certificate verification letters from issuing bodies (not just PDF certificates)

Product-specific test reports (not manufacturer accreditation certificates)

Glass supply chain certifications (separate AS 2208 verification for glass manufacturer)

Installation detail compliance with E2/AS1 Acceptable Solution

Dracon provides all four documentation types as standard. Direct importers typically provide only PDF certificates (insufficient under new specifications).

3. NZ Energy Efficiency Requirements (H1 Clause Updates)

WERS database importance increased for NZ building consents. Energy performance claims now require verifiable test data, not supplier marketing specifications.

Dracon's Tier 1 network includes one supplier with 100+ WERS configurations (published U-values, SHGC ratings). Enables immediate energy compliance documentation without custom thermal modeling costs.

Bottom line: 2025 regulatory environment makes compliance verification more critical and direct importing riskier than ever. Factory selection mistakes you'd discover at building consent stage in 2023 now get caught at preliminary consent review—before you've even submitted architectural drawings.

That's $50,000-$200,000 in non-compliant inventory you can't use.

Dracon eliminates that risk.

What Construction Company Directors Actually Ask Us

Here are the real questions we get from senior management (and our answers):

"How do I know your Tier 1 suppliers are actually better than the factory I found on Alibaba?"

You don't, until building consent. That's the problem.

Alibaba supplier has certificates (maybe real, maybe fake—you can't verify from New Zealand). Quotes 30% cheaper than our Tier 1 pricing (because they're not including compliance costs you'll discover later). Ships fast (because they're not doing QA inspections that catch specification errors).

Six months later: Building consent rejected. Certificates were real but expired. Glass supplier not AS 2208-certified (window manufacturer certification doesn't cover glass). Energy performance claims can't be verified (no WERS database listing). Council demands replacement or $25,000 in custom testing.

You saved 30% on windows. Lost 400% on the project.

Our Tier 1 suppliers cost more than Alibaba because they actually hold the certifications they claim, maintain them continuously for 8-13+ years, and we've physically audited their factories and glass supply chains.

You're not paying for cheap windows. You're paying for windows that pass building consent the first time.

"Why should I pay Dracon's margin instead of going direct to your suppliers?"

Three reasons:

First: Our suppliers won't deal with you directly. We've spent 14 years building these relationships, negotiating bulk pricing, and establishing quality protocols. They don't want to handle one-off NZ orders from companies they don't know (language barriers, payment terms, dispute resolution complexity).

Second: You don't speak Mandarin. You don't know Chinese manufacturing QA terminology. You don't know which test equipment calibration certificates are fake. You don't know which production lines run certified vs. non-certified extrusions. You'll get robbed blind negotiating technical specifications you don't understand.

Third: When something goes wrong (and in 10% of orders, something goes wrong), you're alone negotiating with a factory 10,000km away in a different legal jurisdiction speaking a different language. We handle disputes, factory QA failures, and replacement logistics as part of our service.

Our margin is 12-18% depending on project scale. Your risk of project failure attempting direct sourcing is 60-70% (based on 14 years observing competitor disasters). Pay the margin. Eliminate the risk.

"Can you just verify certifications for the supplier I've already chosen?"

No, and here's why:

If we verify your supplier and find problems (expired certificates, fake AGWA membership, glass supplier non-compliant), you've already negotiated terms, possibly paid deposit, and built the supplier into your project timeline. Now you're trapped: Use a non-compliant supplier or restart sourcing process.

We verify before you commit, not after. That's the only time verification adds value.

We've had 23 companies request post-commitment verification in the past three years. 19 had supplier compliance problems. 17 lost money trying to exit supplier agreements or proceeded with non-compliant windows hoping councils wouldn't check.

Don't be the 18th.

"What happens if my building consent gets rejected despite your documentation?"

We escalate to MBIE determination process at our cost (not your legal fees).

MBIE Determinations 2016/061 and 2016/059 establish legal precedent that AS 2047 + Producer Statement PS1 meets NZ Building Code. Territorial authorities cannot arbitrarily reject documented Alternative Solution pathways.

We've supported three appeals over 14 years. Won all three. Average timeline: 6-8 weeks from council rejection to MBIE overturn.

If MBIE rules against our documentation (has never happened), we refund your certification verification fees and coordinate alternative supplier at cost.

Your risk: 6-8 week timeline delay. Not $180,000 in unusable windows.

"Why are you publishing compliance research and MBIE determinations publicly? Doesn't that help competitors?"

Yes, and that's deliberate.

We publish research because we want the industry to stop failing at direct importing. Every council rejection, every compliance disaster, every $180,000 loss makes territorial authorities more skeptical of Chinese windows and Alternative Solution pathways.

That makes our job harder. Councils start rejecting AS 2047 categorically instead of evaluating documentation properly, because they've seen too many fake certificates and direct-import disasters.

We'd rather educate the industry than compete on information asymmetry.

Plus, publishing research demonstrates expertise. Directors don't trust companies hoarding information—they trust companies confident enough to show their work.

If competitors can replicate 14 years of China factory relationships, Mandarin fluency, and NATA-body authentication networks by reading one article, they deserve the business.

They can't. So we publish.

Getting Started: The Dracon Engagement Process

We don't work with everyone. We're selective about clients for the same reason we're selective about suppliers—reputation risk.

If you're a construction company director, property developer, or owner-builder planning a project with window package value $150,000+ NZD, here's how we engage:

Step 1: Initial Consultation (30-45 Minutes, Free)

Project scope discussion (residential, commercial, mixed-use)

Window specifications review (double/triple glazing, energy requirements, wind zones)

Building consent pathway planning (NZ territorial authority, PS1 requirements)

Timeline and budget parameters

Preliminary supplier matching (which of our four Tier 1 suppliers fits your project)

Format: Phone or video call. We speak with decision-makers (directors, owners, architects) not procurement officers. We need to understand project risk tolerance and compliance priorities to recommend appropriate suppliers.

Step 2: Certification Package Review (1-2 Weeks)

We provide complete certification documentation for recommended Tier 1 supplier

AS 2047, AS 2208, AS 4666 certificates with SAI Global/Intertek/CSI verification letters

AGWA membership confirmation and history

WERS database listings (if applicable)

MBIE determination references (2016/061, 2016/059)

Factory audit summary (not full report—contains proprietary relationships)

You review with your architect and building consent advisor. If certifications don't satisfy your requirements, engagement ends here (no cost, no obligation).

Step 3: Preliminary Consent Planning (1 Week)

We coordinate preliminary discussion with your territorial authority (if you want our involvement)

Producer Statement PS1 pathway confirmation

CPEng introduction (Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland based on project location)

Alternative Solution technical justification preparation

Installation detail drawings (E2/AS1 integration with your specified cladding system)

Output: Confidence your territorial authority will accept AS 2047 + PS1 pathway before you commit supplier deposit.

Step 4: Quotation & Specification Finalization (1-2 Weeks)

Detailed window schedule with dimensions, glass specifications, hardware, finishes

Pricing: FOB Shanghai + shipping + NZ customs/duties + door-to-door delivery

Timeline: Production (6-10 weeks) + shipping (4-6 weeks) + customs clearance (1 week)

Payment terms: Typically 30% deposit, 60% pre-shipping, 10% on delivery

Container optimization (mixed loads if you're sourcing other building materials)

We quote in NZD, not USD—no currency risk for you. Pricing fixed for 90 days (typical project commitment timeline).

Step 5: Engagement Agreement & Deposit

Commercial agreement covering scope, pricing, timelines, warranties

Certification guarantee (refund if certificates prove invalid)

Building consent support guarantee (appeal coordination if council rejects)

Specification accuracy guarantee (factory QA failure handling)

Deposit: 30% to factory (we forward, not retain—you're paying manufacturer directly through our account). Ensures production slot reservation and materials procurement.

Step 6: Production & QA Monitoring (6-10 Weeks)

Production line inspections (we physically visit factory during your order)

Glass supply chain verification (checking your order at glass manufacturer)

QA sample retention (keeping test samples for compliance disputes)

Photographic documentation (every window, every box, with specifications visible)

Pre-shipping inspection (final verification before container loading)

You receive weekly progress updates with photos. Not "production is proceeding"—actual images of your windows being fabricated, glazed, and packaged.

Step 7: Shipping & Delivery (4-6 Weeks + 1 Week Customs)

Container loading supervision (we watch packing to prevent specification swaps)

Shipping documentation preparation (NZ Customs, biosecurity, duty calculations)

Transit tracking (real-time container location updates)

NZ port clearance coordination

Door-to-door delivery to your site (not "Port of Auckland delivery")

Delivery: We're available for container offloading inspection if you want verification before acceptance.

Step 8: Building Consent & Installation Support (Ongoing)

Final certification package assembly (verification letters from issuing bodies)

Producer Statement PS1 coordination with CPEng

Council liaison (we speak directly with consent officers if needed)

Installation detail support (answering installer questions about E2/AS1 compliance)

Energy performance verification (WERS documentation for BASIX/NatHERS if required)

We don't disappear after delivery. Building consent support continues until your CCC (Code Compliance Certificate) is issued.

The Bottom Line: Risk vs. Reward

Here's the math every construction company director should run:

Option A: Direct Import via Alibaba/Made-in-China

Potential Saving: 55-60% below NZ retailSuccess Probability: 30-40% (based on 14 years observing industry disasters)Failure Modes: Fake certificates (common), expired certifications (very common), glass supplier non-compliant (common), energy performance claims unverifiable (very common), building consent rejection (outcome of above failures)Failure Cost: $50,000-$200,000+ in unusable inventory + project delay + legal disputes

Expected Value: 55% saving × 35% success probability = 19.25% net expected savingRisk-Adjusted Return: Negative (when factoring 65% failure probability × $125,000 average failure cost)

Option B: Dracon Tier 1 Supplier Network

Actual Saving: 40-55% below NZ retail (after our margin)Success Probability: 98%+ (zero building consent rejections in 14 years, 2% QA issues resolved at factory cost)Failure Modes: Factory QA errors (rare, covered by our specification guarantee)Failure Cost: $0 (we handle disputes, replacements, appeals at our cost)

Expected Value: 47.5% average saving × 98% success probability = 46.55% net expected savingRisk-Adjusted Return: Positive (minimal failure probability, failure costs contained)

Option C: Local NZ Supplier

Saving: 0% (baseline pricing)Success Probability: 99%+ (already NZS 4211-certified, no building consent risk)Failure Modes: Delivery delays, specification errors (covered by supplier warranties)Failure Cost: Minimal (supplier dispute resolution, not compliance failures)

Expected Value: 0% saving × 99% success = 0% net expected valueRisk-Adjusted Return: Neutral (no saving, no risk)

Conclusion:

Local NZ suppliers: Zero risk, zero reward

Direct importing: High reward potential (55-60%), unacceptable risk (65% failure, $125K average loss)

Dracon: Optimal risk-adjusted return (40-55% saving, 2% failure risk, $0 client-facing loss)

You're not choosing between cheap and safe. You're choosing between false economy and actual cost advantage.

Direct importing looks like 60% saving until building consent rejection converts it to 400% loss.

Dracon delivers 47% saving with 14 years of zero compliance failures and contractual guarantees.

That's not a sales pitch. That's actuarial math.

Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Consultation

If you're a construction company director, property developer, or owner-builder planning a project with $150,000+ NZD window package value, we should talk.

What you get from 30 minutes with Dracon:

✅ Honest assessment of whether your project suits our Tier 1 supplier network (we'll tell you if you're better off with local suppliers)✅ Preliminary supplier matching (which of our four Tier 1 manufacturers fits your specifications)✅ Building consent pathway planning (AS 2047 + PS1 strategy for your territorial authority)✅ Realistic cost projections (landed NZ, door-to-door, including duties/shipping/margins—not misleading FOB quotes)✅ Timeline expectations (production + shipping + customs—actual timelines, not optimistic promises)

What you don't get:

❌ Sales pressure (we're selective about clients—poor-fit projects damage our reputation)❌ Generic Alibaba catalog forwarding (we don't work with 50 suppliers, we work with four)❌ "Trust us" claims without evidence (we provide certification packages, MBIE precedent, client references)

Schedule your consultation:

🌐 Website: www.dracon.co.nz📧 Email: info@dracon.co.nz📱 Phone: +64 [contact number]📍 Office: Auckland, New Zealand (with permanent staff in Shanghai, China)

Include in your inquiry:

Project location (territorial authority)

Approximate window package value

Timeline (when you need delivery)

Brief specification summary (residential/commercial, double/triple glazing, energy requirements)

Your role (director, owner, architect, project manager)

We respond within 24 hours (business days). If your project isn't a fit for our Tier 1 network, we'll tell you immediately—no time-wasting.

Final Word: 14 Years of Reputation vs. 60 Days of Alibaba Browsing

Every construction company director who's lost $180,000 on rejected building consent started the same way: "I found a supplier on Alibaba. Certificates look good. Price is 60% below local. Let's save money."

Six months later: "Certificates were expired. Glass supplier wasn't AS 2208-certified. Council red-tagged the entire project. Now I'm ripping out $180,000 of non-compliant windows and starting over."

You can learn this lesson the expensive way, or you can learn from 14 years of our experience watching competitors fail.

We've seen every variation of direct-import disaster:

Certificates real but expired (common)

AGWA membership forged (very common)

Glass supplier swapped mid-production (common)

Energy performance claims fabricated (extremely common)

Window manufacturer changes extrusions post-testing (common)

Container loading specification swaps (occasional but devastating)

We've eliminated these failure modes by physically auditing factories, verifying certifications with issuing bodies, monitoring production lines, and maintaining relationships with four Tier 1 manufacturers who've earned trust over 8-13+ years.

That's not replicable by browsing Alibaba for 60 days.

You're welcome to try. Some construction companies succeed (30-40% based on our observation). Most lose money, destroy timelines, and damage council relationships.

Or you can engage Dracon—pay our 12-18% margin—and achieve 40-55% cost savings with 98%+ success probability and contractual failure guarantees.

Your project. Your risk tolerance. Your decision.

We'll be here when you're ready to have the conversation.

Dracon International Trading HK Co., Limited14 Years Sourcing AS/NZ-Compliant Windows from ChinaZero Building Consent Rejections. $15M+ Active Pipeline. Tier 1 Supplier Network.

www.dracon.co.nzChinese manufacturers produce high-quality windows meeting rigorous AS/NZS standards, but success requires proven procurement strategies to ensure compliance and quality.

The Strategic Advantage

Sourcing windows directly from China delivers significant cost savings (30-50% reduction), extensive customization options, and access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Chinese manufacturers possess the scale to handle large construction projects while maintaining competitive pricing.

Critical Compliance Framework

Meeting AS/NZS standards requires systematic verification: researching reputable manufacturers, requesting comprehensive documentation including AS/NZS 2208:1996 certifications, and arranging third-party testing through accredited laboratories. Factory inspections verify production processes align with Australian and New Zealand requirements.

Dracon's Proven Process

At Dracon, we've perfected this through extensive factory audits across China. Our eight-step verification system includes manufacturer vetting, compliance documentation review, quality control inspections, and seamless logistics coordination, ensuring products meet critical SHGC ratings, U-values, and RW acoustic standards.

Managing Import Complexities

Professional import management addresses quality control verification, customs navigation, and shipping logistics. Dracon's established relationships with premier manufacturers eliminate counterfeit risks while ensuring consistent delivery.

Connect with Dracon's Supply Chain Experts:

·        Windows Case Study: https://www.dracon.co.nz/asnzwindows

·        Current Projects: https://www.dracon.co.nz/current-events 

·        Case Studies: https://www.dracon.co.nz/case-studies

·        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timikara-taurerewa/

·        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timikara_dracon/ 

·        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DraconNZ/

·        Our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LSWZP10pjy4KWUia0xIYA

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