Kennards acquires Rangiora Hire

Australia-based equipment rental company Kennards Hire has expanded its presence in New Zealand, with the acquisition of Rangiora Hire.

The acquisition of Rangiora Hire saw many of the company’s existing staff retain their positions with Kennards. (Photo: Kennards)

Rangiora Hire, which is located on the country’s South Island, provides a wide range of general equipment and serves both contractors and private customers in the Canterbury area. 

The addition of the branch, which is now known as Kennards Hire Rangiora, brings Kennards network up to a total of 28 locations.

Phillipa Croft, who has recently been appointed as the Branch Manager at Rangiora Hire, said, “Kennards Hire is excited to be joining the local Rangiora community. As one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand, it feels fitting for Kennards Hire to set up shop here.

“For me personally, being a local, I am very proud to be leading the team as Branch Manager as one of a couple of female branch managers in New Zealand.”

Kennards’ purchase of the company includes the 3,500m² Rangiora site and sees many of the business’s existing staff ratain their positions.

“We’re really pleased to have some of the original team members stay on with us. They bring with them local knowledge and understanding of the community,” said Croft. 

The acquisition also aims to build on the “strong existing presence in New Zealand” established by Rangiora’s previous owners, husband-and-wife team Wayne and Sandy Hood, who are now retiring.

Kennards said it is “eager to build on local community relationships, with ambitions to become a prominent supporting member of the surrounding neighbourhoods”.

It will work with local schools and national organisation KidsCan to provide volunteering and free equipment for local projects.