In 1977, a young Suresh Budhia had no plans to enter the industrial textiles world. Like many teens, he spent his days hanging out with mates and cruising past Kolorful Kanvas in Christchurch. Little did he know that this seemingly ordinary shopfront would one day become the foundation of his lifelong career.

It all started when Suresh’s mum, hoping to get him off the streets and into work, stopped in and asked Mike Cross, owner of Kolorful Kanvas, if he had a job for her son. Mike said yes—until he realised who her son was. Suresh had been one of the local lads loitering nearby, and Mike wasn’t convinced. But persistence (and mum’s instructions) paid off. After multiple visits, Mike gave him an after-school job—and Suresh never looked back.

Seven years later, canvas called him back. Mike Cross approached him with a business partnership offer, and they agreed to a 50/50 deal, with Suresh to take full ownership in five years. True to plan, in 2003, Suresh took the reins of Kolorful Kanvas. After 15 successful years, he began planning for succession. Today, he’s semi-retired, working alongside his nephew and mentoring the next generation to carry the business forward.

Challenges, Creativity, and Change
Over nearly five decades in the industry, Suresh has seen significant changes—from the introduction of PVCs and advanced materials to increasingly sophisticated equipment. “The first sewing machine I used didn’t even have a reverse,” he recalls. “Now they’ve got all the bells and whistles.”

In 1977, a young Suresh Budhia had no plans to enter the industrial textiles world. Like many teens, he spent his days hanging out with mates and cruising past Kolorful Kanvas in Christchurch. Little did he know that this seemingly ordinary shopfront would one day become the foundation of his lifelong career.

It all started when Suresh’s mum, hoping to get him off the streets and into work, stopped in and asked Mike Cross, owner of Kolorful Kanvas, if he had a job for her son. Mike said yes—until he realised who her son was. Suresh had been one of the local lads loitering nearby, and Mike wasn’t convinced. But persistence (and mum’s instructions) paid off. After multiple visits, Mike gave him an after-school job—and Suresh never looked back.

Growing Through the Industry
Suresh officially began his journey into canvas fabrication in 1980, when Mike offered him an apprenticeship. Unsure at first, Suresh jumped at the opportunity once Mike warned that his job could be on the line. After completing his apprenticeship, he ventured to Motueka to work with Bill Coppins, broadening his experience and learning new ways canvas could be used. He returned to Christchurch, took up a factory manager role at Kolorful Kanvas, and eventually stepped away briefly to explore another venture—running one of Christchurch’s first Indian restaurants with his wife.

Seven years later, canvas called him back. Mike Cross approached him with a business partnership offer, and they agreed to a 50/50 deal, with Suresh to take full ownership in five years. True to plan, in 2003, Suresh took the reins of Kolorful Kanvas. After 15 successful years, he began planning for succession. Today, he’s semi-retired, working alongside his nephew and mentoring the next generation to carry the business forward.

Challenges, Creativity, and Change
Over nearly five decades in the industry, Suresh has seen significant changes—from the introduction of PVCs and advanced materials to increasingly sophisticated equipment. “The first sewing machine I used didn’t even have a reverse,” he recalls. “Now they’ve got all the bells and whistles.”

Suresh also points to the evolution of products. From basic tarps and horse covers to elaborate shade sails, retractable awnings, and even large-scale PVC structures—innovation has shaped his career. His most challenging project? His very first shade sail, made for a client who had seen one in Australia. Suresh had never made one before but said yes anyway—and delivered.

One of his favourite recent projects involved a custom Oztech installation for a retirement village. “The design process was really creative,” he says. “It turned out beautiful. I’m very proud of it.”

A Community That Grows Together
Suresh has long valued his involvement in the Advanced Textiles Association NZ, joining the executive and serving as treasurer. “It’s a community of people who share knowledge to grow the industry,” he says. “We’ve had access to collaborations and technologies we never would’ve been part of without the association.”

He fondly recalls a special collaboration with Brendan Duffy for the TV show Top Town. Brendan needed help delivering a major project and called on other OFPANZ members. “It was such fun,” says Suresh. “Working together like that is what the association is all about.”

Words of Wisdom
After all these years, Suresh’s passion hasn’t faded. He still loves taking a customer’s idea and turning it into something tangible and creative. His advice for newcomers to the industry is simple but powerful:

“Share knowledge. Keep learning. Get together with others and build camaraderie.”

As for the future? Suresh sees nothing but opportunity. “Fabric is unlimited. Offshore fabricators are a challenge, but if we continue offering custom, high-quality products and think outside the square, we’ll stay on the cutting edge.”