Page 4 - OPE September 2020

CLIPPINGS
Local and International News
BETTER
GROWING
EVERYBODY!
ONE EVENT THAT won’t be
affected by whichever Alert Level we’re at is Yates’ National Gardening Week – “Plants for a Better Planet” – which runs again this year over 19-26 October.
On-trend with Kiwis pivoting towards more self-grown produce, the programme will reward gardeners with a free packet of vegetable seeds.
Consumers simply register
online at www.yates.co.nz/ nationalgardeningweek between 1 and 18 October for their free seeds.
And, during the lead up to National Gardening Week, early September saw the launch of the new “Yates Growing Community”.
It’s an online forum where gardeners can come together to share their successes, problems and aspirations while having fun growing that runs all year round and win prizes to boot.
www.yates.co.nz/ nationalgardeningweek
www.yates.co.nz/growing-community/ this-year/
REMEMBERING GRAEME RIDLER
RIP
industry icon
Graeme Ridler
HEDGE TRIMMERS BUILT TO LAST
IT IS WITH great sadness that we
share the news that hire and power tool industry icon, Accent Tools’ founding Director and Shareholder, Graeme Ridler, passed away earlier this month after a long battle with cancer.
Accent Tools’ Managing Director, Andrew Way, says: “Graeme was a stalwart in
our industry with a career spanning 40+ years, involved early in his career driving significant local and export growth with companies such as Yates and Ceramco.
“In 1988 Graeme and business partner Chris Kennings established Accent Tools to acquire the New Zealand agency for Hitachi Power Tools.
“Graeme is widely acknowledged as
an innovator and influential member
of the modern New Zealand power tool industry, having introduced to the New Zealand market over the following decades many new power tool innovations and construction practices that have shaped the industry we operate in today.
“Through a never ending passion and drive for success, Graeme helped build Hitachi Power Tools (now HiKOKI Power Tools), as well as our Nilfisk and Shinano Air Tool Agencies into leading industrial brands in New Zealand.
“As well as strong support and dedication for the retail and trade sectors, Graeme
was also strongly involved in the Hire Association of New Zealand (HIANZ), supporting this industry group for over 25 years, including serving on the Board of DirectorsasSupplierRepresentative,and
04 NZOUTDOORPOWEREQUIPMENT SEPTEMBER2020
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being awarded Honorary Membership in recognition of his service.” (See photos of this event above.)
At the time, from Mexico, Graeme said that he was “overwhelmed and humbled to be recognised... It was totally unexpected and wonderful to receive this acknowledgement.”
Andrew Way continues: “Always the consummate salesman, Graeme worked tirelessly with our Dealer Partners to grow our mutual business and support New Zealand industry.
“There will be many industry friends and colleagues that will wish to join the staff and management of Accent Tools in passing on their condolences to the Ridler family.”
Messages of support may be passed on to the family via Andrew Way (andrew@accent- tools.co.nz).
Our sympathies also go out to Graeme’s family,friendsandcolleagues. n