Following the tragic death of Eric and Kathy Hertz over the Easter weekend, the telco industry has united to pay tribute to the 2degrees CEO and his wife.

After announcing to the media that a Hertz-owned aircraft crashed near Kawhia, in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island, the telco revealed Hertz and his wife were on board and did not survive.

With the country still in shock, the company has yet to comment on the accident due to the Police recovery effort, but has since offered a public appraisal of Hertz and his family.

“Eric and Kathy had lived in many places, but called New Zealand home," said Mat Bolland, director of Corporate Affairs.

"They recently gained residency and, through flying, got to see more of New Zealand than many of us will ever see.

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

Bolland said that 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 to delight customers.

Bolland continued that the results of Hertz’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 said.

"He was our ‘honorary Kiwi’ and greatly respected by our 760 staff.”

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

Close friend Arthur Zhang, CEO of Huawei, also spoke his own personal sadness at the loss, saying: “Eric was a huge figure in our industry who drove real change for the sector.

"His vision and leadership will be greatly missed.

“He was a dear friend and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

“Our thoughts at this time are with Eric and Kathy’s family, friends and colleagues.”

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

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