PACIFIC POWERBOAT _ NEWS
NEW ZEALAND MARINE INDUSTRY HITS $3 BILLION
The marine industry is now worth $3 billion annually to the New Zealand economy, achieving around $2.2 billion in local sales, and $800 million in exports. This was among new statistics that showed the size and growth of the industry released at the recent NZ Marine industry conference held in Tauranga, by Executive Director Peter Busfield. Other new statistics showed the number of apprentices in boatbuilding and related trades has reached 650, and more than 5500 boats are expected to be built this year — the vast majority trailer boats between 3.5 and 8m.
From left to right: BIA Australia President Andrew Fielding, NZ Marine Membership and Communications Manager Caroline Gibson, NZ Marine President Garry Lock, ICOMIA President Darren Vaux, NZ Marine Executive Director Peter Busfield and Conference MC Ross Blackman.
“T
hese are exciting times, and no doubt some major developments lie ahead,” says Busfield. “One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is how much Kiwis value their boating healthy lifestyle — 1.9 million people are regularly out on the water making boating New Zealand’s most popular recreational activity. Our industry is in good heart, and we’re ready to push ahead into the future and build on our tradition of innovation and success.” More than 130 people involved in the industry, from throughout New Zealand and Australia, came together in Tauranga in August for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and brainstorming focusing on what boating and the marine industry will look like in 2034. Attendees brought with them innovative ideas, and
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the conference vibe demonstrated the New Zealand marine industry is in good heart and is facing an exciting future. In opening the conference, President Garry Lock said, it was great to finally have so many of the industry gathered to celebrate successes and look into the future. “Although we have remained a tight group throughout all the disruptions of the past few years, it was fantastic to finally be back together in one place, talking about all aspects of our industry,” Lock says. “This year we had a real focus on sharing ideas and talking about the common challenges we face and opportunities — coming up with some innovative solutions to take the industry strongly into the future.” Focus on the future was also evident in the ‘Boating in 2034’ breakout session, where
delegates were tasked with brainstorming challenges around key issues affecting the future of the industry, such as the impacts of political, environmental, and economic issues, generational changes in boating use, and opportunities provided by new technologies and manufacturing methods. “Some of the key themes coming through were an increase in boat-sharing, syndication or chartering for recreational use, increasing use of technology on board to enhance the boating experience, and environmental awareness,” says Busfield. “The new generation of boaties want quick and easy access to go boating, cleaner power sources, and sustainable build materials in the boats they are using. They are also interested in maximising technology to achieve those goals.” NZMARINE.COM
