Celebrating 90 years

2022 has been a busy year for iconic Southland retailer E Hayes and Sons, Invercargill as they proudly celebrate 90 years in business, serving customers in Southland, throughout New Zealand and around the world.

The company story began long before they first opened their store in Leven Street in 1932, thanks to the industrious spirit of forebears who established the Hayes name as an integral part of New Zealand’s farming history.

Eben Ernest Hayes (known as Ernest) was a pioneering inventor, designer and manufacturer of agricultural equipment. He was born in England in 1851 and emigrated to New Zealand with his wife Hannah and infant son Llewellyn in 1882.

Ernest began his own engineering business in the township of Oturehua in Central Otago in 1895 developing numerous new products using his pioneering design skills. The Hayes name soon became synonymous with agriculture and engineering through his original inventions such as the Hayes Permanent Wire Strainer, many of which are still in use on farms today.

It was from this traditional family background of innovation, inventiveness and hard work that one of Ernest’s five sons, Irving, opened the Invercargill store of E Hayes and Sons in Leven Street in 1932.

From there the company grew in size and reputation as it continued to meet the needs of Southland industries, trade customers and the general public with an extensive range of hardware and engineering products and services

Three generations later, E Hayes and Sons enjoys a proud reputation as one of New Zealand’s most iconic, familyowned hardware stores - and much more.

Extending their range from hardware to include paint, outdoor power equipment, clothing and workwear, kitchenware and giftware the store now also provides a permanent home to the unique E Hayes Motorworks Collection™. This privately-owned collection of over one hundred classic, vintage and modern motorcycles, automobiles, engines, equipment and memorabilia includes Burt Munro’s Authentic, Original and Legendary 1920 Indian Scout - immortalised in the 2005 film, ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’.

Today the company employs a large team, many with a long and valued association with the company. Each is committed to maintaining a hard-earned reputation of providing good quality, personal service and helpful local knowledge and advice.

‘‘For nine decades, E Hayes and Sons have proudly stood behind the economic growth of our vibrant and innovative region’’ says Managing Director Neville Hayes.

‘‘We have encouraged and supported the wellbeing of our community and we have championed some of Southland’s unique individuals who have taken their expertise and talents to the world’’ he says.

‘‘ There is no doubt we could not have achieved all that we have were it not for the hard work, tireless dedication, and loyalty of our many valued staff, suppliers, colleagues and customers who have supported us over the past 90 years.

For that we sincerely thank you all.’’