SENATOR BOATS NAMED BEST EMERGING EXPORTER

Napier’s Senator Boats has been named the Best Emerging Exporter at the recent Hawke’s Bay Export Awards. Senator claimed the award given their recent growth in the Australian market which identified by the judges was the result of strong partnerships and brand recognition. With 12 dealers in New Zealand, Senator has established a growing network of three dealers in Australia (W.A, S.A, VIC) with a fourth shortly to be appointed in NSW. Add to that there is also a dealer in New Caledonia.

35boats, mostly larger hardtop models have been sent across the Tasman, the first shipment leaving the Napier factory in August 2020.

“Like a lot of manufacturers in New Zealand, we’ve faced stern challenges over the last three years, disruptions caused by the likes of the Covid-19, Cyclone Gabrielle, and major supply chain constraints – but it is pleasing to be recognised for our continual growth and expansion into new markets,” says Senator Boats Managing Director, Grant Simmonds. “Establishing a dealer network in Australia has been an important step for the growth of the brand. We’ve been strategic in appointing our dealers, securing strong partnerships, and with that sales have been strong.” Like in New Zealand, Simmonds says that the Senator range has been well received by the Australian market, with buyers appreciating the inherent design and safety characteristics of a Senator. “Our boats are adept to New Zealand and Australian sea conditions with higher cabins, stable hulls & decks are spacious and favour those who want plenty of workspace for fishing.

Senator Boats also recently won the prestigious award for the best specialist fishing boat under 6 meters at the Hutchwilco Auckland Boat Show May 2023. “The new 500 model launched at the New Zealand Boat Show this year has started extremely well and we see demand for this boat increasing over time. Our 620/650 has been our highest selling model over last few years, as too has been our 690 models – which have been very popular in the Australian market.” Senator currently has a cuddy version of the 500 model, due for release at the 2024 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show. SENATORBOATS.COM

Dramatic Start For The New Whangarei Marina

It was a dramatic start for the new Okara marina with a helicopter lifting cut mangroves off the reclamation area over 2 days.

Whilst recognizing the importance of the river’s mangrove ecosystem and understanding concerns being voiced about the removal of some mangroves, the portion removed constituted only 0.07% of Whangarei Harbour’s mangroves. The new sea wall will provide a new intertidal habitat, with voids ready to be colonized by invertebrates and small fish. Since being advised By NRC that disposal of the mangroves were not specifically covered in the resource consent for the mud fill site at Kissing Point, hasty and well considered alternatives had to be assessed. It was decided that helicopter removal was the most efficient method. It could have least public disturbance in a short time at a similar cost than a difficult shoreside removal right beside a busy road.

Construction kick-off was celebrated together with Contractors, neighbouring businesses, berth holders, Whangarei's mayor, staff and the Marina trustees. Digging into a mud cake was symbolic of the 150,000 m3 of mud to be moved out to create berths for 113 vessels.

Northland based contractors Total Marine have begun the yearlong process of digging the marina basin. The dredgings are disposed of just around the corner across from the Kissing Point mooring field. The basin area has been ringed with floating silt fencing to contain the work of the two digging barges which will be working simultaneously. A trench is being dug from the southern end of the channel towards the reclamation site to enable access to the new rock wall perimeter. This is the initial focus for the dredge path as the land reclamation for the car park and building requires time to settle. There is a 3D model on display at the Marina office in the town basin (beside the Quay restaurant). It shows the scale and position of the site.

WHANGAREIMARINA.COM/OKARA-MARINA