About The Great Place
Over 125 Years of Helping New Zealanders Keep Their Fires Burning
Since 1900, C W Martin Ltd has been providing specialist knowledge, quality products and personalised service to customers throughout New Zealand.
Today, known as The Grate Place, we continue that legacy by helping homeowners find replacement fire grates and hard-to-source fireplace spare parts for both modern and older heating appliances.
More Than 125 Years of Specialist Knowledge.
The story of The Grate Place began on 5 November 1900, when Charles William Martin established C W Martin Ltd in Lower Tory Street, Wellington.
Over the decades, the business developed expertise across a range of specialist industries including plumbing, sheet metal, electrical work, temperature-controlled laboratory equipment and home heating. Today, that experience continues through The Grate Place, specialising in replacement fire grates and spare parts for fireplaces, wood burners and multifuel appliances throughout New Zealand.
While our products and services have evolved over time, our focus has remained the same: providing knowledgeable advice, quality solutions and personal service to every customer.
The History Behind The Grate Place
The Grate Place, from C.W. Martin Ltd, has been helping New Zealanders with quality fireplace products and practical solutions for more than 125 years.
Established in Wellington in 1900, C.W. Martin built a reputation for quality workmanship, engineering knowledge, and reliable service. For more than a century, the business operated from the historic C.W. Martin Building on Tory Street, a building that still stands today as a reminder of the company’s long connection to the city.
Today, that experience continues through The Grate Place, specialising in fire grates, replacement parts, and fireplace accessories. With knowledge built up over generations, we understand the challenges of finding the right parts for both modern and older fireplaces.
Whether you are replacing a worn-out grate, restoring an existing fireplace, or searching for a hard-to-find part, our team is here to help with practical advice and quality solutions.
Proudly continuing the legacy of C.W. Martin, The Grate Place combines more than a century of experience with a commitment to helping customers throughout New Zealand.
A Business Built Through Generations
1900
The Beginning
Charles William Martin starts C W Martin Ltd in Lower Tory Street, Wellington.
1900s–2000s
Growing Expertise
The business builds experience across plumbing, sheet metal, electrical, laboratory equipment and home heating industries.
2002
A New Chapter
Following the need to vacate the original Tory Street premises for earthquake strengthening, the business transitioned to a home-based operation alongside its website. This allowed The Grate Place to continue serving customers while reaching people throughout New Zealand.
Today
Continuing the Tradition
Managed by Charles William Martin’s grandson, Peter Martin, the business now specialises in supplying fire grates and replacement parts for old and new fireplaces, wood burners and multifuel appliances.
Helping Customers With Hard-to-Find Fireplace Parts
Finding replacement fireplace parts isn’t always straightforward. Older appliances may no longer have readily available components, and identifying the correct part can require experience.
At The Grate Place, we help customers work through these challenges. Photos and measurements from customers allow us to understand their requirements and identify suitable options.
Whether it’s a replacement fire grate, a discontinued component or a part that needs modification, our knowledge helps us find practical solutions.
Why Choose The Grate Place?
The name The Grate Place came from the satisfaction customers felt when they finally found the fire grate or spare part they had been searching for.
People would often say “that’s great!” after finding the solution they needed — and over time, the name stuck.
Today, The Grate Place continues that same purpose: helping customers find the parts and solutions they thought they might never find.
“Over 125 years of experience helping New Zealanders find fireplace solutions.”
Fire grate specialists
Hard-to-find parts
Older fireplace knowledge
NZ-wide service
Supporting Quality Heating Solutions
C W Martin Ltd was a foundation member of the New Zealand Home Heating Association, an organisation formed by manufacturers, retailers and installers working together to provide better service, workmanship and advice to customers.
This commitment to quality and customer service continues to guide The Grate Place today.
Need Help Finding a Fire Grate or Spare Part?
Many fireplace parts are difficult to identify from a description alone.
Send us a photo and any measurements you have, and we’ll use our experience to help find the right replacement or solution.