Today – creating learning spaces for the future
Today, class* is one of New Zealand’s leading educational furniture specialists, supporting schools nationwide with everything from planning and design advice through to delivery and installation.
Schools continue to face changing learning needs, and class* remains focused on creating flexible, future-ready environments that help students thrive. Through innovative, agile furniture, practical advice and specialist expertise, class* helps schools create spaces where education can flourish.
The mission remains much the same as it was in 1994: Create environments that help students thrive.
Because when spaces work better, learning works better.
2020 to 2025 – making things easier for schools
More recently, we have focussed on removing complexity from the process of buying furniture, making it easier for schools to create effective learning environments. Schools gained access to:
- Fully priced freight-inclusive online shopping available 24/7
- An annual fully priced catalogue
- A team of highly experienced reps covering the country, including a fulltime presence in Auckland
- End-to-end support, from advice and design through to delivery and installation
The company also continued investing in its future:
In late 2022, class* achieved All-of-Government (AoG) accreditation, with the contract commencing in February 2023. This milestone recognised the company’s capability, reliability, and commitment to serving schools nationwide – in fact, class* is the only 100% dedicated school furniture specialist on the AoG.
In October 2023, the business purchased additional land to support future expansion and, in 2025, significantly increased its storage capacity to better meet growing demand from schools across New Zealand.
2014 to 2019 – Building a national presence
As demand grew, so did our team.
New staff members joined, including a fulltime rep in The South Island. Expertise grew, and class* strengthened its focus on helping schools create spaces that support engagement, collaboration and learning outcomes.
In 2016, a defining principle emerged: Customer First = Us First
The philosophy was simple: if class* always puts the customer first, schools will choose class* when they need a trusted partner. This ethos remains a big part of the way we do business every day.
In 2017, the business moved into a purpose-built facility designed to support continued growth and improve service for schools nationwide.
By the end of the decade, class* had established itself as a trusted partner for schools across New Zealand, helping educators navigate changing teaching practices and learning environments.
2010 to 2013 – The new era begins
The 2010s marked a period of significant innovation and transformation.
In 2010, the company launched its first website and introduced the Buddy Desk range. All these years later, Buddy desks remain one of New Zealand’s most popular student desks, with thousands supplied to schools every year.
In October 2012, Office Outlet rebranded as class*. The new brand reflected a clear vision: a focus on education and on creating learning environments, not simply supplying furniture. It marked the beginning of a stronger commitment to innovation, design thinking, and supporting the future of learning in Aotearoa.
As collaborative learning became increasingly important, class* helped schools rethink what classrooms could look like. New table designs encouraged group learning, while innovative storage and technology solutions supported the growing use of digital devices.
The years that followed saw rapid product development, including:
The years that followed saw rapid product development, including:
- The first Teacher Wall concept – then called Wonderwall – was launched in 2012; it was renamed The Buddy Teacher Wall in 2013
- The launch of the Buddy Table range and Buddy Leg System in 2013
- Mobile device charging solutions and classroom technology storage
- COWs (Computers on Wheels) and tablet storage solutions as digital learning expanded
In 2013, class* became the first school furniture supplier to have all prices freight-inclusive nationwide, making purchasing simpler and more transparent for schools. The company appointed its first representative outside of Gisborne, extending support to schools across New Zealand.
2000 to 2009 – Growing alongside New Zealand schools
As education changed, so did the business.
In August 2000, Office Outlet purchased its own premises at 157 Kahutia Street in Gisborne, creating a strong foundation for future growth.
Throughout the decade, schools began moving beyond traditional classroom layouts and looking for more flexible, student-centred learning spaces. Office Outlet expanded its range, capabilities, and nationwide reach, supporting projects from individual classrooms through to full-school fit-outs.
The company built a reputation for practical advice, dependable service and furniture designed specifically for education.
1995 to 1999 – Discovering a passion for education
What began as a local office furniture business quickly found a new direction.
In 1995, Office Outlet began supplying tables and chairs to schools in Gisborne. The response was encouraging, and by 1996 the company was working with schools beyond the region.
That same year, the first catalogue was produced, helping schools explore furniture options more easily. In 1997, the company began stocking school furniture, a point of difference that remains important today. While many suppliers worked to order, Office Outlet invested in holding stock so schools could access products more quickly and reliably.
The company’s first Moon Table was introduced in 1997, reflecting an early focus on creating furniture that supported how students learn and interact. The Moon Table is still one of our biggest sellers.
The business was no longer simply supplying furniture; it was beginning to build long-term partnerships with schools.
1994 – Modest beginnings in Gisborne
class* began life in July 1994 as Office Outlet, operating out of a rented building in Gisborne.
At the time, the business focused mainly on second-hand office furniture and was staffed solely by founder Craig Vigis. Nine months later, the first employee joined the team, followed by a second employee the following year.
Built on hard work, personal service and strong relationships, the business grew steadily from those humble beginnings.
No one could have predicted that a small Gisborne operation would go on to become one of New Zealand’s leading specialists in school furniture and learning environments.
Always a family business at heart
class* remains a modern company with a family heart, focused on genuine relationships, community and doing things the right way.
Over the years, all five of Managing Director Craig Vigis’ children have worked in the business, with two continuing to play active roles today. Each generation has helped shape the business while preserving the values it was founded on.
Craig’s background in engineering continues to influence the way class* designs furniture. Every product is created to support the needs of ākonga and kaiako while standing up to the realities of busy school life. Strength, durability, functionality and longevity remain central to every design.