Family owned and operated for 75 years and still going strong.
From humble beginnings, to where it is now, Rzoska Electrical has supported many businesses and families, and continues to do so to this day.
In the 1930’s, Edward Rzoska, (Ted), began his apprenticeship in Hardy Street, with Bill Richards, one of Nelson’s earliest electricians.
The journey from 1948, when Ted became a sole trader, based in Atawhai Drive, to modern-day Rzoska Electrical, adjacent to the slipway at Port Nelson, has been an interesting one.
The company was instrumental in the set-up of Nelson & Manuka Street Hospitals, as well as servicing most of the lifts in town, thanks to Ted’s son, Bill’s previous experience working for the Otis Elevator Company. In addition to servicing the marine industry, elevator work is still one of Rzoska Electricals areas of expertise.
Bill Rzoska took the helm from his father and operated E & W Rzoska Ltd from 1965. Nelson Fisheries’ management encouraged Rzoska’s to base themselves in the port. One of the employees, Jim Smith became the next owner.
In 1984, Jim sold to Alan Jamieson (AJ), who had been apprenticed to him. During AJ’s stewardship, Rzoska’s capabilities increased to suit changes in the port and the fishing industry.
In 2017 AJ sold to Richard Hite, one of his employees. Richard was a hands-on owner that loved to be at the grass roots of the business fault finding and providing solutions. Pre-Covid, Richard could often be found loitering anywhere in the pacific that had vessels in port.
Continuing with the Rzoska legacy, in 2021 Richard sold to five employees, Steve Gates, Nicole Firestone, Jon Morgan, Simon Kunzi, and Scharll Neumann. Each new director specializes in different areas and brings a new level of energy and passion.
