From Flush Boxes to Full Installations — A Lifelong Sparky Story
For Nathan, Director of Johnston Electrical Services, the electrical trade has been part of his life since childhood. Growing up in his father’s business, he started with the basics, “putting flush boxes on as a child,” and has now built a thriving Auckland-based electrical business.
With years of hands-on experience under his belt, Nathan has shaped his business around quality, trust, and the goal of turning each client’s vision into something they can step into and live in.
New Builds and Evolving Partnerships
Johnston Electrical’s focus is new builds, partnering with several large residential building companies across Auckland. Nathan and his team also specialise in underground services and air conditioning installations, giving them a strong and versatile foundation.
Complementing their specialisation is a suite of innovative products. As the industry evolves, so does PDL along with it. Nathan has been through countless transitions with PDL: from the classic 600 Series to Iconic, smart home integrations with Wiser, and now leading edge circuit protection solutions like Resi9 — all designed to create healthier and safer Kiwi Homes.
“The product evolution has grown with us. PDL’s versatility and innovation let us deliver better solutions for our clients every year,” says Nathan.
With a strong partnership, shared innovation, and trusted products behind them, Johnston Electrical continues to deliver work that Auckland homeowners can rely on for decades.
PDL’s Club Supporting Local Kiwi Sparkies
Nathan has been a club member for nearly four years and sees it as a major advantage for staying ahead of the curve.
“What I like is getting to see products early. We get to give feedback on what’s coming into the market — and that feedback is actually listened to.”
This early access means Johnston Electrical can train their team before new products hit sites, making installations faster, safer, and more confident.
“Training is crucial. Club gives us the knowledge we need before we’re physically installing a new product.”
Why Wiser Is a Game-Changer for Auckland Builds
When it comes to his favourite PDL product, Nathan doesn’t hesitate: “Pretty much the entire Wiser range.”
Wiser has changed the game for his team, especially in new builds. It allows them to streamline smart home automation without changing traditional wiring methods.
“It doesn’t change the way we wire a house. We can do the full install without reconfiguring the whole switchboard.”
For clients, Wiser means schedules and scenes to create security and comfort, designed exactly how they’ve envisioned their homes.
Turning Dreams Homes into Reality
For Nathan, the best part of being an electrician is helping clients bring their dream home to life.
“We treat everyone’s home like it’s our own,” he explains. Every customer has a different budget, and the team prides itself on maximising what’s possible within those limits.
The final handover is always the highlight.
“It’s special — seeing clients walk through the finished home and watching everything come to life. A happy client means we’ve done our job, and it often leads to future work and word-of-mouth referrals.”
Sparkies of NZ episode: Watch now
Meet Nathan Johnston, Director of Johnston Electrical Services, an Auckland-based electrical business bringing to life safer, smarter and local Kiwi homes. In this episode, Nathan shares his journey from youth to now Director in the electrical industry and how he’s witnessed PDL’s product innovation over the years. Learn more about how Nathan and his team have stayed on top of these changes through strong partnerships with PDL and being a club member.
