​GARY PAYKELFISHER & PAYKEL

​Gary Paykel’s pioneering contributions over his 52-year career left indelible, positive effects on the industry. Ranging from key product innovations (eg SmartDrive technology, ActiveSmart refrigeration and DishDrawer), to finance as an early supporter of appliance financing plans from the 70s to the 90s, Gary also generally boosted professionalism and pride in our industry by setting up schools for retail staff and training service technicians.

​ALAN MARTINLV MARTIN

​A patriarch of the electronics industry and the son of LV Martin, Alan Martin served his company and the industry with unparalleled personal commitment and passion. As the face of the company and founding the legendary slogan “It’s the putting right that counts”, Alan was equally as accessible in business and committed to ensuring the happiness of both staff and customers alike.

​SIR WOOLF FISHERFISHER & PAYKEL

​Woolf Fisher formed Fisher & Paykel with Maurice Paykel in 1934. Together they created an icon of New Zealand manufacturing companies. 30 years later in 1964, he received a knighthood for his contribution to industry and philanthropy. He retired in 1974 and died in 1975.

​NOEL LEEMINGNOEL LEEMING GROUP

​Noel Leeming was a retail entrepreneur and a brilliant businessman who opened his first retail store in 1973. He was the head of a retail chain whose turnover was in excess of $100m when he sold it to Smith’s City Group in 1990. Noel died in 1992.

​MAURICE PAYKELFISHER & PAYKEL

​With Woolf Fisher, Fisher & Paykel was formed in 1934. After the death of Sir Woolf in 1975, Maurice assumed the head role, ensuring the company delivered on its promises. He became chairman in 1979, involving himself in the leadership and direction. He died in 2002.

​WAYNE BURTONACL

​Serving as CEO of Appliance Connexion, Wayne oversaw the merger between Retravision and ACL – which enabled Appliance Connexion to secure the buying power of 140 independent New Zealand owned and operated appliance stores. A champion of local business, a well-known and much loved figure in the appliance industry, Wayne was tragically killed in February 2009.

​ERROL MCKENZIEPHILIPS

​Errol McKenzie is renowned for his profound influence on the direction of the electronics industry. He served as CEO of Philips New Zealand for eight years and the decisive relationships Errol forged for Philips, including a lucrative partnership with the All Blacks, ensured the success of the Philips brand and its products in the New Zealand market.