AirTouch and Crusaders announce new partnership to drive growth in New Zealand

The Crusaders have announced a new partnership with AirTouch. AirTouch is proudly developed by Polyaire, one of Australasia’s leading manufacturers and distributors of air distribution and air conditioning technology.

AirTouch is Australia’s leading smart air conditioning control and smart home platform.

The collaboration will also include Polyaire’s long-standing New Zealand distributor, Smooth Air, with AirTouch at the centre of the partnership.

Smooth Air, Polyaire’s trusted New Zealand partner, began more than 35 years ago in a Christchurch garage and has grown into a respected HVAC manufacturer and supplier.

The company remains proudly based in Christchurch and continues to operate with the strong family values it was founded on.

Polyaire General Manager Mark Olsen says the partnership was an exciting platform for expansion.

“The Crusaders represent sustained excellence, success and a strong sense of family, values that sit at the core of our business,” Olsen says.

“AirTouch is a premium product designed to perform at the highest level, and aligning with a globally respected brand like the Crusaders gives us a tremendous opportunity to grow in New Zealand.”

At the heart of the partnership is AirTouch, Polyaire’s smart air conditioning control system. AirTouch allows homeowners to precisely control temperature, airflow and individual room zones through an intuitive touchscreen or smartphone app, delivering personalised comfort and control from anywhere in the world and have recently moved into the smart home space.

The partnership presents a strong opportunity for AirTouch to grow its presence in New Zealand while aligning with one of the most respected sporting brands in the southern hemisphere.  

Crusaders Chief Executive Officer Colin Mansbridge says the partnership is a natural fit.  

“The Crusaders have always been about high standards, strong values and doing things the right way,” Mansbridge says.  

“Polyaire and Smooth Air are family-owned businesses that share those principles, and AirTouch is a product built on innovation and quality, the same attributes that have underpinned our success over the past 30 years.”

Crusaders General Manager Commercial Doug McSweeney says the partnership comes at a meaningful time as Super Rugby celebrates its 30th anniversary.

“AirTouch is an innovative premium brand with a clear ambition to grow, and we see a strong opportunity to build an enduring partnership together,” McSweeney says.

The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the organisations, united by ambition, performance and a shared commitment to excellence on and off the field.