Temperzone Founder inducted
into Hall of Fame
On 18th September 2009 Mr Eric Kendall, founder of Temperzone, was posthumously inducted into the Manukau Business Hall of Fame as an outstanding businessperson. The Hall of Fame recognises the loyalty and commitment of those who have made a difference to the Manukau region over the years
Eric Kendall initially qualified as a plumber and later studied Refrigeration Engineering in London. He founded Temperzone in 1956 and over the next 50 years provided the vision and leadership to grow the company into oneof the largest air conditioning manufacturers in Australasia. Temperzone today has manufacturing facilities in Auckland and Sydney and offices in New Zealand, throughout Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Eric Kendall was born and bred at Papatoetoe, in the Manukau region of South Auckland and never strayed too far over the years. Indeed, when he passed away in June 2008 it was in the family home that he’d grown up in.
Temperzone’s head office and New Zealand manufacturing plant is at Mangere in Manukau City.
Eric’s son and current Temperzone CEO, Les Kendall, accepted the award on behalf of his late father at a Gala Dinner.
The awards ceremony was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, the Governor General of New Zealand Sir Anand Satyanand and Manukau City Council Mayor Len Brown.
Manukau City Council Mayor Len Brown said he felt honored to induct Eric Kendall to the Hall of Fame. “He was a real trail-blazer and innovator. He saw opportunities early on and grabbed them. Over the years he built up his businesses to be significant players in not just Manukau but in Australasia. He also gave his staff and their families an organisation of which they can be very proud. I am very pleased to acknowledge his contribution to Manukau.”
