Our Story
The Airflow Story
We are Uniquely Airflow
Precision in Every Cut, Perfection in Every Design
Airflow Engineering (SI) Ltd, known simply as "Airflow"
We are a Christchurch based independent supplier of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Air Movement products, also specialising in precision Laser Cutting for Metal items, offering high-quality, custom solutions for a variety of industries.
At Airflow, we believe in a better way of conducting a business, a more valuable way, where customers are earned, rather than purchased. We're obsessively passionate about this, the foundation for our company is very simple. To treat people like we would want to be treated, with friendliness, patience, and respect.
Our success is not only due to the quality of our work; it’s down to our attitude, our approach, and the way we treat our customers. We are small enough to take personal pride in every job and agile enough to take on projects of all sizes. Our team’s enthusiasm, deep knowledge of our industry, and customer-focused approach, provide the assurance our customers can rely on.
With over 30 years of experience, Airflow has grown to be a trusted, family-owned provider of HVAC and now in 2025, LASER CUT products and design services across New Zealand.
Our Founder
Founded by Derek Thompson in 1988, Derek Thompson HEVAC Sales began as a small business specialising in filters and heating elements. In 1992, the company rebranded to Airflow Engineering (SI) Ltd, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Derek’s deep industry knowledge and dedication to building strong relationships with both customers and suppliers, laid the foundation for the lasting connections, we continue to nurture today. The company was built on trust and a handshake, a tradition we proudly uphold in our work, even in today’s fast-evolving market.
A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
In May 1994, Airflow Engineering suffered a profound loss with the passing of founder Derek, after a courageous battle with cancer. His vision, integrity, and commitment laid the foundation on which the company was built, and his absence was deeply felt by both the family and the wider business community.
Following his passing, Derek’s daughter Cherry stepped in to lead the company, supported by family and close friends. Her resilience, dedication, and leadership have guided Airflow through years of growth and transformation.
Under Cherry’s stewardship, Airflow has expanded its operations, embraced innovation, and further cemented its reputation as a trusted partner in the HVAC industry—carrying forward Derek’s legacy with pride and purpose.
Our Growth
Airflow Engineering has always been a family-driven business, and our growth story reflects that legacy.
In 2003, Cherry’s husband Kevin joined the company as a director, taking over the management of the warehouse and light manufacturing. His hands-on approach and steady leadership laid the groundwork for the next phase of expansion.
Fast forward to 2021, and the next generation stepped in. Chris, the youngest son of Cherry and Kevin, became a part-owner and director—marking the third generation to lead the company and continue his grandfather’s legacy.
Chris played a pivotal role in expanding our capabilities. He established our sheet metal workshop and built the KoolDuct CNC machine, shifting the company’s strategic direction and enabling Airflow – The HVAC Shop to begin in-house plenum manufacturing. Then in 2025, the addition of a state-of-the-art laser machine led to the launch of a brand-new division: The LASERCUT Shop, allowing us to offer precision laser cutting and custom fabrication services.
Our team grew even more family-focused in 2021 with the addition of Eryn, Chris’s wife, who joined as Administrator. Then in 2023, Alex, the eldest son of Cherry and Kevin, became a part-owner and director, further strengthening the family’s commitment to the business.
With the next generation at the helm, Airflow continues to evolve—building on decades of hard work, innovation, and family values to shape a stronger future.
Our Evolution
As Airflow Engineering continues to grow, we’re proud to introduce two distinct divisions—each designed to better serve the specific needs of our customers:
The HVAC Shop
Your one-stop destination for all things HVAC. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality products, expert advice, and reliable service to support both residential and commercial projects.
The LASERCUT Shop
Specialising in precision laser cutting and custom fabrication, this division delivers tailored solutions to meet the unique demands of your projects—on time and to exacting standards.
At the heart of both divisions is our unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. No matter which path you take with us, you can trust Airflow to deliver with care and precision.
Our Workplace
Located at Unit 2, Langstone Lane (off Langdons Road), we've proudly called this vibrant community home since May 2018. The collaboration and camaraderie between our team and the neighbouring businesses make it a truly special place to work, innovate, and grow.
Our workshop hums with energy, creativity. With clever layout tweaks and mobile equipment, we’re constantly evolving our space to keep up with the pace of our business—and there's always something new and exciting going on.
We believe in creating an environment that’s not only functional but also welcoming. Our small showroom is open to visitors, and you're always greeted with a warm smile, a good cup of coffee, and a treat from the biscuit tin or lolly jar. With plenty of off-street parking, popping in is easy and hassle-free.
We love what we do, and we’re always excited to share our space—and our passion—with you.
Our Approach
“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.” – Mahatma Gandhi