Cooke Industries is a family owned and run business which is getting close to celebrating 100 years in business. In fact, the Cooke name is related to plumbing and engineering services as far back 1856 in Cork, Southern Ireland.
In 1922, the Cooke family decided to emigrate to New Zealand and in late 1923, Mrs W L Cooke and her children arrived in Auckland to start new lives. Of the children, Levi (W L Cooke), a trained plumber, carried on his trade in Auckland and eventually W L Cooke Ltd was formed.
As time passed, Levi became New Zealand's foremost expert in geothermal engineering and opened subsequently opened Cooke Engineering in Rotorua, where he and his brothers also loved to fish.
Levi was also a great philanthropist and the Auckland Museum was a recepient of his generosity. After his death, he left properties in Newmarket and Remuera to the Museum along with an endowment.
David Cooke, father of the current Managing Director Andrew, graduated as a plumber in New Zealand at the top of his year, prior to studying HVAC engineering in London.
Across the Cooke Group of companies, Cooke Plumbing, Cooke Heating and Cooke Industries have trained hundreds of apprentices anbd cadets. Many of these have gone on to own and operate successful businesses with the industry.
As we get closer to 2026, when we will celebrate 100 years in business, we will continue to add to the story of our history and to plan for the future. There are new developments coming on stream all the time and we pride ourselves at remaining at the forefront of New Zealand HVAC industry.