About – Metalworks Wanaka

Meet the Metalworks Wanaka Team!

At Metalworks Wanaka, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Our team combines diverse skills, experiences, and creativity to deliver outstanding results for every project. From customer service and business operations through to design and fabrication, each person plays a vital role in shaping high-quality, lasting metalwork. United by a shared passion for craftsmanship, artistry, and connection, we’re proud to create bespoke pieces that are as enduring as they are beautiful.

Steve Rumore

Metal Artisan & Master Fabricator

Co-owner Steve is the creative force and lead fabricator, combining decades of engineering experience with a lifelong passion for art and design. Before moving to New Zealand, he spent over 15 years in the United States designing and building custom off-road vehicles, mastering advanced welding, fabrication, and creative problem-solving. His portfolio includes work for world-renowned clients such as BF Goodrich Tires and General Dynamics, along with multiple championship-winning designs in Rock Crawling competitions. Steve also served as Design and Build Team Leader on Discovery Channel’s Monster Garage with Jesse James, a role that showcased his innovative craftsmanship to a global audience.

Since settling in Wanaka with his family, Steve has focused his expertise on creating bespoke sculptures, architectural metal features, and custom caravan restorations, blending art, engineering, and sustainability into every project. Known for his ability to think creatively, he takes pride in transforming raw steel into functional works of art that are distinctive, durable, and designed to last.

Away from the workshop, Steve still enjoys fuelling his inner petrolhead, spending time with family, and appreciating good food.

Jen Rumore

Business & Client Experience Expert

Behind every beautifully crafted creation is a seamless, enjoyable process, and that’s where co-owner Jen brings her expertise to life. With a background in marketing and customer service, she is the heart of our client experience, ensuring every interaction is smooth, genuine, and memorable. Whether she’s welcoming visitors to the gallery, coordinating national and international exhibitions, or sharing our story through advertising and social media, Jen connects people with the creativity, craftsmanship, and care that define our work.

Passionate about people and connection, Jen brings warmth, organisation, and momentum to every project. Together with Steve, she helps lead the Metalworks Wanaka vision of crafting premium, long-lasting metalwork paired with exceptional service. Outside of work, Jen enjoys yoga, exploring natural ways to support well-being, tending to her garden and flowers, and spending time in nature.

Ietje Beets

Designer & Project Manager

As Designer and Project Manager, Ietje thrives on the diversity of projects that come through our workshop. She combines creativity with problem-solving, ensuring every idea is translated into clear direction and practical steps for the team. From first conversations to final touches, Ietje sits at the centre of the client experience, shaping efficient systems that keep each project running seamlessly from vision to completion. Beyond the workshop, Ietje enjoys climbing Wanaka’s rock faces, exploring tramping tracks, or pottering in the garden with her dog, Olive.

Maddy Riorda

Skilled Metal Artisan

Maddy brings a unique blend of artistry and precision to her role as Metal Artisan. She loves the balance of working on large-scale sculptures while honouring the fine details that make each piece extraordinary. Every piece she shapes by hand and hammer carries its own character, and her craftsmanship ensures these detailed touches contribute meaningfully to the bigger picture. Her expertise also expands the team’s creative scope, introducing brass casting to our repertoire and adding new possibilities to the tools we use. Off the tools, Maddy finds inspiration in nature, whether exploring the mountains or unwinding by the sea.

Sam Cleary

Independent Skilled Metal Artisan

Sam is a welder, fabricator, blacksmith, and mechanic turned artist. We’re delighted that he contributes remotely as part of our team. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for transforming raw steel into expressive, bespoke art pieces, Sam blends technical expertise with creative flair. His background in mechanics and fabrication ensures every piece is crafted with strength, precision, and individuality, reflecting the artistry and authenticity that define our work. When he’s not shaping metal, Sam channels his hands-on creativity into adventure. You’ll often find him snowboarding in the mountains, riding his mountain bike, or tinkering in the garage with cars. Whether on the slopes, trails, or under the hood, his energy, skill, and attention to detail flow seamlessly from his passions into every piece he helps create.

Nicholas Rumore

Independent Skilled Metal Artisan

Nicholas thrives when working with stainless steel TIG welding, where precision and artistry come together. He enjoys transforming raw metal into sleek, functional, and visually striking creations, bringing both technical skill and creative problem-solving to every project. The diversity of work, from experimenting with different metals to exploring a range of artistic styles keeps him inspired and challenged. Outside the workshop, Nicholas applies his creativity into projects closer to home. Whether exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, refining his driving skills, or working on practical tasks around the house, he approaches every challenge with the same focus, care, and passion that defines his craftsmanship.

Jason Barnett

Independent Skilled Artisan

Jason thrives on designing and crafting creative, interactive lighting, combining his love for electronics, gadgets, and innovative design. He takes great pleasure in creating custom lighting pieces that do more than illuminate, they bring atmosphere, movement, and joy to homes, businesses, and outdoor spaces. When the tools are down, Jason enjoys exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors, spending time with animals, friends, and family, or discovering new spots to enjoy delicious food.

Cody Brett

Workshop Trainee

Cody is part of our mentoring program, contributing as a part-time workshop apprentice after school and during holidays. He supports sculpture builds and assists with a variety of smaller fabrication tasks, gaining hands-on experience while helping bring ambitious creative projects to life. His role gives him the chance to learn new metalworking and fabrication skills and to make a meaningful contribution to the team. When he’s not in the workshop, Cody can usually be found enjoying the great outdoors or experimenting with projects of his own. Whether fishing, hunting, or tinkering in his home workshop, he loves building, creating, and exploring new ideas, bringing the same curiosity and care to his personal pursuits as he does to every task in our Wanaka workshop.

Theo Guilleux

Workshop Trainee

Theo is part of our mentoring programme, gaining hands-on experience and learning the craft of metal fabrication and repair. He enjoys the practical side of the work such as welding, grinding, and helping to build creative metal projects that come through the workshop. Always eager to learn, Theo is developing strong technical skills while contributing to real-world builds and custom designs. After hours, he loves spending time outdoors, or working on and riding his dirt bike, fuelling his passion for creativity, mechanics, and adventure.

Linda Scoullar

Bookkeeper & Admin Support

Linda is the backbone of our bookkeeping, accounts, and HR operations, keeping the numbers in order and the business running smoothly. She manages payroll, GST, accounts, HR, and a variety of administrative tasks with precision, integrity, and a friendly, approachable style. Her dedication and professionalism make her an essential and trusted part of the team, supporting every aspect of the business and ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. Originally from Dunedin, Linda has called Wanaka home for over 20 years, following time spent travelling through the UK. When she’s not keeping the books balanced, you’ll find her enjoying warm summer days camping, catching live music, and spending quality time with family and friends. Through her work and partnership with Alps Admin, Linda brings invaluable support to our operations and is a trusted resource we highly recommend to anyone seeking expert bookkeeping and admin services.

Emily Gifford

Social Media & Business Support

Emily is an Online Business Coach and Virtual Assistant who partners with purpose-led businesses to bring clarity, strategy, and the right support to help them thrive. Here, she manages our social media with precision and creativity, and recently led and coordinated the project management for our new website build. With a knack for all things tech, Emily keeps systems organised, projects on track, and behind-the-scenes operations running smoothly, supporting the rhythm and flow of the team. If you’re a small business looking for virtual assistance or strategic guidance, we highly recommend Emily’s services. You can contact her here. In her downtime, Emily is often exploring the outdoors, listening to podcasts to fuel her curiosity, capturing moments through photography, or connecting with people through networking and time spent with friends.