About Ethan

At Ethan Outdoor Furniture, we pride ourselves on unmatched craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a commitment to lasting quality.

A Legacy of New Zealand Craftsmanship and Connection

Our Essence

Established in 1981, our journey is rooted in a passion for creating outdoor furniture that invites connections, embodies strength, and endures through generations.

Pictured, founder Jon Parson with an original Parson James High Back chair.

Humble Beginnings

Our story began in a modest corrugated iron shed, nestled along the banks of a native bush-clad stream on a 15-acre family property north of Albany, Auckland.

It was here that Jon Parson channelled his passion for woodwork and design into creating the first pieces of what Ethan stands for today – furniture with heart, made with hands that care, designed to gather families and friends together.

Pictured, the original humble corrugated iron shed.

The First Creation

It all started with a table and benches, handcrafted for a friend's garden. This setting wasn’t just furniture; it was the embodiment of Jon’s belief in beauty, functionality, and bringing people together.

The name "Ethan" captures this spirit – denoting strength, endurance, and the promise of gatherings filled with laughter and stories.

Pictured, the Parson family gathered on the original Ethan Settings outside the Albany workshop.

A Family’s Touch

From the beginning, Ethan has been a family affair, with Jon and Elizabeth’s children playing various roles over the years.

Now 43 years later, the proud Ethan legacy continues under the guidance of their sons, Simon and Peter, together with their skilled and committed local team. The family takes pride in handcrafting internationally renowned outdoor furniture in this very special corner of the world.

Pictured, Peter and Jon in one of the original Ethan workshops.

Our People

Ethan Outdoor Furniture thrives today under the stewardship of Jon’s sons, Peter and Simon Parson.

With a deep respect for tradition and an eye towards innovation, Peter and Simon lead with the same passion and commitment that has defined Ethan from the start.

Their hands-on approach ensures every piece of furniture embodies New Zealand craftsmanship, sustainability, and a family’s enduring love for creating spaces where memories are made.

Pictured, Peter and Simon Parson on the factory floor.

Ethan enjoys working directly with you, turning each interaction into a step towards realising unique outdoor dreams. We go beyond just selling furniture - we're committed to crafting bespoke pieces that align perfectly with our customer's vision.

From initial consultation to the final placement in your home, our customer journey is deeply personalised, ensuring your outdoor space becomes a true reflection of your lifestyle.

Personalised Client Experience

Client Journey

Lasting Connections

For us, it’s about much more than transactions; it's about building lasting connections.

We cherish our designs becoming a part of your family traditions. We aim to exceed expectations, transforming each purchase into an opportunity for lasting friendship and trust.

International Partnerships

We have proudly been exporting Ethan Outdoor Furniture to the United Kingdom for over 25 years.

Green Meadow Furniture is our sole distributor in the United Kingdom and we have formed a solid relationship and enduring partnership with director Tim Elliott and team. The furniture is displayed at a number of shows including the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s, Chelsea Flower Show in London.

Timeless Design Aesthetic

At Ethan, we aspire to create furniture that transcends time, brings people together, inspired by nature’s effortless beauty. Our pieces are designed to be distinct from the ordinary, to seamlessly integrate clean natural curves, and bring people together.

Simplicity and Sophistication

In line with Leonardo da Vinci's wisdom that "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication," we believe in the beauty of simplicity. Our furniture, with its clean lines and natural materials, focuses on functionality while embracing a quietly sophisticated design.

We believe our furniture should coexist with the landscape, be unobtrusive yet harmonious, and embody simplicity. It is designed to be an oasis that encourages you to relax and unwind from ever increasing busy lifestyles and technology.