Lenco Apparel and Lenco Sport N.Z. Limited were established in 1975 and soon became one of the fastest growing apparel companies in New Zealand. The company embarked on a mission to provide products that were of premium quality and fit. More importantly, they had to be durable and well-priced. To achieve this the latest technology and CAD CAM design software was introduced and together with a skilled workforce Lenco successfully entered the world of international Rugby and Rugby League. Encouraged by the it’s achievements, Lenco expanded its range of sports apparel and introduced a corporate clothing line. All of which it could now confidently provide to schools, clubs and businesses.

Circa 2002, Lenco started exporting its New Zealand made Action Apparel range to Australia, USA, Japan and the Pacific Islands. This culminated in Lenco becoming the only New Zealand company to be a Puma approved manufacturer. By 2008 the company had grown into the largest manufacturer, importer and distributor of uniform apparel, sports and casual wear in New Zealand.

 Lenco has over the years supplied uniforms to some of New Zealand’s most prestigious schools, such as Mount Albert Grammar, Tauranga Boys College, Avondale College and Rotorua Boys College and many more. Lenco’s ability to supply schools’ country wide resulted in uniform production and sales for over 150 schools. Fabric quality and comfort are vital in a uniform and to ensure this Lenco produces and uses its own proprietary patterns and has an extensive fabric supplier network.

Through 2012, Lenco’s drive to produce industry leading products, in conjunction with its successes with Puma, led the company to be accredited by Nike to manufacture apparel for the Olympic Games as well as the NZ Warriors. Further high-profile limited term licensing agreements were entered into, such as supporters gear for NZ Cricket, NRL, NPC, and the ANZ Netball Championship. However, when those agreements ended the world had changed and finding skilled labor was becoming an ongoing challenge. The broader market had also become comfortable importing goods from cheaper markets such as China. To remain relevant and competitive the company moved its manufacturing to Fiji and China. Using the extensive pattern library, quality fabrics and more efficient production methods, Lenco has been able to maintain the highest quality standards while remaining affordable. 

In 2012, Freedom2play was established by the current Director to specifically address the limited choice and exorbitant cost of cricket and hockey equipment in New Zealand. It was felt that the high cost of equipment was a burden that reduced youth participation.  The dream of offering good quality gear at affordable prices was born. From a humble home office, Freedom2play grew into a retail outlet, becoming a retailer of choice for many schools, clubs and individuals. Through the years Freedom2play has secured exclusive and preferential retailer status for the global brands MRF Cricket, Mercian Hockey and Tyka Sports Clothing.

2022 was a year of growth and expansion. Through the addition of the Select Sports football, handball and futsal range, the range of sports offerings increased. Shortly after, Kookaburra Cricket and Hockey were added to the portfolio and market share continued to grow.

 By mid-2022, Freedom2play acquired the Lenco School Uniform and Sports apparel portfolio. Merging both businesses to create a ‘one-stop-shop’ for schools, clubs and individuals. The combined entity now trades as LENCO, offering a comprehensive range of products and services to its customers. Lenco remains a New Zealand owned business that is passionately committed to delivering the highest quality school and sports uniforms as well as top tier sports equipment.

Lenco continues to produce confidence inspiring designs, that empower the user to perform at their best.

Our mission continues to be one of empowering individuals, schools and athletes to achieve their goals through the supply of quality goods at an affordable price.

Join our journey as we push the boundaries, challenging the status quo to offer a genuine option for schools, clubs and individuals.

Live your passion!