2DEGREES PAYS TRIBUTE TO ERIC AND KATHY HERTZ

The 2degrees team is shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of its CEO Eric Hertz and his wife Kathy following a plane crash off the Raglan coast yesterday.

Given the Police recovery effort is just beginning, the company cannot comment on the accident, but does wish to thank those from New Zealand and around the world who have offered their condolences and support.
Director of Corporate Affairs Mat Bolland says the company is providing all support possible to Eric and Kathy’s daughter and keeping their families in the US informed of the progress of recovery.

“We appreciate there is significant media interest in the accident, however the family has asked media not to contact them directly. A statement from the family will be released in due course,” he says.

Eric joined 2degrees in 2009, fresh from leading a mobile app company ‘Zumobi’ in the US and had an extensive telecommunications career spanning more than 30 years and six countries.

“Eric and Kathy had lived in many places, but called New Zealand home. They recently gained residency and, through flying, got to see more of New Zealand than many of us will ever see,” says Mr Bolland.

“Kathy was also passionate about her new home, working closely with AUT and providing us with sound counsel on community initiatives.”

Mr Bolland says among 2degrees staff there is shock at the loss of someone who would always greet you with a smile, while constantly encouraging you to do things differently and delight customers.

The results of Eric’s challenge and leadership style can be seen in the rapid growth of 2degrees and prices people pay for mobile today.

“We are going to miss Eric’s leadership, friendship and dry sense of humour. He was our ‘honorary Kiwi’ and greatly respected by our 760 staff.”

Mr Bolland says 2degrees Chairman Stewart Sherriff and the Board are working with the company’s management to ensure business continuity.

Minister pays tribute to Eric Hertz

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams has today paid tribute to 2degrees chief executive Eric Hertz.

Mr Hertz and his wife Kathy are believed dead after their plane crashed into the sea following engine problems yesterday.

“My thoughts are with Eric and Kathy’s family, friends, and the team at 2degrees as they come to terms with this terrible tragedy," Ms Adams says.

“Eric was one of the true gentleman of the sector and it was a pleasure to work with him.

“He often spoke of how much he loved living in New Zealand. Only recently I ran into him at the Waimakariri Gorge while he was competing in this year’s Coast to Coast.”

Mr Hertz joined 2degrees in 2009 and made a substantial difference to the telecommunications scene in New Zealand.

“He has been an integral part of the creation and growth of 2degrees, and there are hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who are today benefiting from Eric’s vision and commitment.

“Eric will leave a significant gap in the telecommunications community.”

"aviation expert Ewan Wilson who spoke to Mr Hertz just a day before the accident said when a twin-engine plane lost an engine, it didn't usually result in a fatal crash.

Mr Wilson said he did not want to speculate on the cause of the crash but media reports said Mr Hertz had radioed Airways New Zealand to report engine failure and seconds later vanished off the radar screen.

"It would be unusual to ditch an aeroplane with only one engine down."

myfullflavour: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8493099/Plane-hit-water-at-high-speed

Don't believe everything you read on stuff.

"aviation expert Ewan Wilson who spoke to Mr Hertz just a day before the accident said when a twin-engine plane lost an engine, it didn't usually result in a fatal crash.

Mr Wilson said he did not want to speculate on the cause of the crash but media reports said Mr Hertz had radioed Airways New Zealand to report engine failure and seconds later vanished off the radar screen.

"It would be unusual to ditch an aeroplane with only one engine down."

Many recreational pilots are well aware that twin-engine planes can be more dangerous with an engine failure, and many would struggle in similar circumstances.

In recreational aviation I'd take an emergency landing in a single-engine over an engine out in a twin engine any day.