Neville Hayes RIP

Invercargill has lost one of its titans of business.

Neville Hayes, managing director of iconic business E Hayes & Sons Ltd passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 70.

A post on the firms facebook page announced Neville’s passing.

The post acknowledged Mr Hayes contribution to the business and wider community.

“Neville Hayes was an outstanding mentor, colleague and personal friend to all those who came in contact with him over his long career. His leadership not only shaped the success of our company, but also influenced the growth and prosperity of Southland’s economy and community.

On behalf of Neville’s fellow directors and staff we send our sincere condolences to all of his family and friends.

We ask that everyone shares with us in respecting the family’s wishes for privacy at this difficult time.”

Mr Hayes turned a hardware store in to a visitor attraction with the E Hayes Motorworks Collection. A collection of cars and motorcycles that built up over a number of years. People came from all over the world to call in and see the vehicles and of course a vast array of hardware items, large and small.

The centerpiece of course is the legendary Burt Munro’s original 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle, as the E Hayes website says, right where he left it.

I personally recall a family friend who ran a successful joinery business and had been to more than a few hardware stores around the world and proclaimed that E Hayes had to be one of the best of such stores in the world!.

In later years the store became a magnet for participants in the Burt Munro Challenge. This year’s Challenge, in a matter of weeks will be especially poignant with the passing of Neville Hayes.