Tributes paid to Eric and Kathy Hertz

2degrees founder and director Bill Osbourne has paid his respects to Eric and Kathy Hertz, at a private memorial in Auckland yesterday.

The company, still in shock from the tragic plane crash and death of it's CEO and his wife, led the tributes as the industry continued to mourn the loss.

"I've worked closely with Eric over the years," said an emotional Osbourne.

"Eric and Kathy have become close personal friends.

"Eric crafted a mixture of people in 2degrees of different cultures, places and languages.

"He has motivated an outstanding team of leaders and created a family culture.

"And it is that family culture I think is important to be carried forward, given it was instilled by a man we respect very much."

2degrees has vowed to continue driving the company forward following the death of CEO Eric Hertz.

Speaking at a scheduled press conference in Auckland last week, director of corporate affairs Mat Bolland stressed that while the company mourns Hertz’s loss, plans are being put in place to drive the business forward as planned.

“Absolutely, Eric would have wanted that,” Bolland told the press.

“(I) cannot talk about what it involves and who it involves, but businesses need to prepare for these horrible events and we have.

“We have got a lot of loss to deal with but the excitement and journey of 2degrees has been something that a lot of people share, as well as Eric.”

Police recovered both bodies following a lengthy rescue effort off the coast of Raglan last week.