Sir Angus Tait, ZL3NL

Electronics company pioneer Sir Angus Tait dies at 88

Sir Angus Tait, ZL3NL, who founded world-famous radio firm Tait Electronics, has died.

Sir Angus's family and staff at the radio commuications company he founded in 1969, Tait Electroncis, are mourning his passing at 88 years of age. He died at Windermere Lifestyle Care and Village in New Zealand this morning.

Tait Electronics managing director Michael Chick said the company and the worldwide radio industry were poorer for his passing.

"He was an immensely determined yet compassionate man, a great innovator and mentor for so many. He was humble and curious, never seeking the limelight but never shy of making his voice heard if it would help business and education in New Zealand."

Chick said Tait Electronics was a close-knit team saddened by Sir Angus death but proud of what he created and the team they had also helped to build.

The company has grown to 850 employees and a revenue estimated to be around $170 million, from humble beginnings in 1969 when Sir Angus gathered a small team and launched Tait Electronics in a former potato warehouse in Christchurch.

Chick said Sir Angus was selfless refusing to sell the New Zealand business despite overseas buyers making offers in the 1980s and as a result many jobs were saved and the company had gone on to earn more than $2 billion in exports for New Zealand.

Chairman of the company that employs 850 staff, Sir Angus still went to work regularly before his death.

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