Kennards Hire provides the equipment—and the confidence—needed to make your job easy. But the true scale of their extensive equipment range might surprise you. Customers are often surprised to learn just how much gear Kennards Hire has to offer.
According to Auckland Area Manager, Nigel Annear, “Kennards Hire has over 14,500 uniquely traceable assets available for hire across the country, with substantially more when including our bulk product ranges.” This impressive range of equipment demonstrates the company’s commitment to being a reliable one-stop shop for tradies, contractors, and project managers alike. It’s not just about the numbers, though—it’s about what these numbers mean for customers. From digging up a backyard to managing construction sites or tackling major infrastructure projects, Kennards Hire has the equipment you need to keep every project moving.
Rocking the Rail Link
The Auckland Central Rail Link (CRL) project is a perfect example of how Kennards Hire delivers exceptional support for large-scale initiatives. A project of this magnitude requires collaboration across a wide network of experts and suppliers, and Kennards Hire’s extensive range of equipment has played a crucial role.
Nigel highlights this, saying, “It isn’t just one branch with general hire equipment that supports CRL—it’s a whole network. From our dedicated Project Manager to local branches and our wider specialist branch network, everyone plays a part in delivering a great solution backed up with quality equipment.”
When precision, expertise, and reliability are essential, the Kennards Hire team understands what’s required to get the job done. Success isn’t just about providing the right equipment—it’s also about the seamless teamwork between branches and people, ensuring projects of any size are completed smoothly and efficiently.
A Comprehensive Range for Every Challenge
With solutions that range from general tools to specialist categories such as Lift & Shift, Concrete Care, Pump & Power, and Traffic the company ensures that no customer is left without the equipment they need. This equipment diversity makes Kennards Hire an invaluable resource for professional and personal projects alike. Whether it’s laying a foundation, managing traffic flow, or executing precision measurements, Kennards Hire’s unrivalled range simplifies the process, making it a true one-stop shop for equipment hire.
Power Smarter with Battery Energy Storage Systems
Innovation is another way that customers are seeing a difference in fleet solutions. Nigel pointed out that one of the most exciting new equipment additions is the Battery Energy Storage Systems. “With three sizes now in our fleet, sites of all sizes have the ability to reduce their fuel consumption when powering their sites via generators.” Why does that matter? It’s simple. These systems deliver lower fuel consumption, translating to cost savings and reduced emissions – all while maintaining exceptional performance. It’s a small switch that leads to big savings, for both your budget and the environment.
We’ve Got You Covered
The team at Kennards Hire understands that having the right equipment is key to nailing your projects, knowing that confidence comes from more than just the tools in your hand—it’s about having a team that’s got your back every step of the way.
So, when you hire from your locally-operated branch, you’re not just getting equipment—you’re getting a support network of experts who are ready to share their knowledge and help you succeed. Need equipment? We’ve got more gear than you realise. Check out the Kennards Hire website or drop into a branch today.
Family Values Drive Kennards Hire’s Kiwi Hire Group acquisition in New Plymouth
Family-owned equipment hire company Kennards Hire has just expanded to New Plymouth, opening its first branch in the Taranaki region – also marking its 31st branch in New Zealand – through the strategic acquisition of Kiwi Hire Group.
Previously owned and operated by Brad and Christine Potter, the husband-and-wife team of Kiwi Hire Group will now continue to manage the new Kennards Hire New Plymouth Branch.
Meet the Potters – The Dynamic Duo Steering Kennards Hire New Plymouth’s Success
Brad and Christine Potter, both from New Plymouth, first met at school, pursued separate careers, and later reconnected. In 2016, they took the plunge into business, purchasing Naki Hire. They started out with just a few trailers, a concrete mixer, and a furniture trailer. By 2019, they rebranded to Kiwi Hire Group, and in 2020, moved to the current premises – the home of the new Kennards Hire New Plymouth.
For Brad and Christine, running an equipment hire business has always been a team effort. Over the years, they grew Kiwi Hire Group into a trusted name in the Taranaki region, providing specialist equipment to local businesses, construction professionals, and DIY customers. Their hands-on approach, strong work ethic, and commitment to customer service earned them a loyal following and industry recognition, including the 2022 Gold Hire Company of the Year award from the Hire Industry Association New Zealand.
A Seamless Transition with Shared Values
When the time came to take the next step, finding the right successor for Kiwi Hire Group was essential. Kennards Hire’s family-owned structure and shared values made the decision an easy one. “It was incredibly important to us that Kiwi Hire Group was passed on to
another family-owned business,” Christine says. “We’re far too young to retire, and we see this transition into Kennards Hire as an exciting new challenge.”
For the Potters, becoming part of the Kennards Hire network is more than just a name change – it’s an evolution that benefits both their customers and team. Nearly all Kiwi Hire Group employees have also decided to join the Kennards Hire family at New Plymouth, ensuring continuity in service and expertise.
Customers are able to continue hiring quality gear, such as compressed air systems and portable toilets, while also benefiting from an expanded range of equipment. They will also have access to Kennards Hire’s industry-leading online hire equipment booking platform and expanded national network, enhancing convenience and efficiency for businesses and consumers in New Plymouth.
More Than Business – A Commitment to Community
Beyond business, the Potters’ dedication to their community remains strong. Like Kiwi Hire Group, Kennards Hire has a long-standing tradition of giving back, supporting local events such as Americarna, youth groups, and charities like KidsCan. On the latter, 11 schools in region will be supported through the “Kennards Hire KidsCan Buddy School Program” – an ongoing initiative that provides essential hire equipment free of charge, empowering schools to maintain and enhance their grounds and facilities “At the end of the day, we want our customers to be looked after just as we would with our own family, and the same goes for our people,” says Brad.
Looking ahead, Brad and Christine are excited about their future with Kennards Hire. “The opportunity for growth – being able to share our knowledge with other branch managers and helping grow the Kennards Hire network as big and as strong as possible, is what excites us the most,” says Brad.
Continuing the Legacy with Kennards Hire
From their early days as Naki Hire, to building an award-winning business with Kiwi Hire Group, and now becoming part of the broader Kennards Hire family, the Potters’ story is one of dedication, evolution, and a deeprooted commitment to their customers and community. As they step into this new stage, one thing remains unchanged: their unwavering focus on delivering quality service with a personal touch.
