Shareholder Richard Daniell said the business was in good heart and he was looking forward to continuing on. The business was first started in January 1896 by James Wren, who started out as a painter and decorator. The company is now owned by Richard Daniell, Brian Black and Blair Mitchell, with the head office in Carroll St. Celebrating 130 years of Wrens are (from left) shareholder Blair Mitchell, majority owner Richard Daniell and shareholder Brian Black. His co-owner, Blair Mitchell, had started his apprenticeship at the firm when he was 16 and at 52 was still there.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 09, 2026 20:41 UTC