Raymond Watson Hurley

1 Nov

Ray Hurley's interest in sailing led him to a naval career in England and New Zealand. But it was in business after World War II where he made his mark.

With his parents' money and encouragement, he and his brother Desmond (who had a background in the clothing industry) started a corsetry business, but they soon specialised in underwear because of a shortage brought about by wartime controls.

From their first factory in Auckland in 1946, they established lingerie maker Bendon which grew large enough to acquire its main competitor, Berlie NZ, in 1970.

Hurley died of motor neuron disease in 1978, but his vision for Bendon lived on.