Boating New Zealand — January 2018

16 Boating New Zealand

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GROWING MORE

MARINE JOBS

T

he combination of the government’s two years’ free

apprenticeship training initiative and the demand created by

the America’s Cup will create a boom in marine industry jobs,

predicts the NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training

Organisation (NZMACITO).

NZMACITO’s apprenticeship training is held in high regard

internationally and is seen as a key component of the country’s marine

industry’s success. Current industry turnover is $1.7billion – and this

includes exports of $800million.

The industry says it has the potential to grow exports to $1.66 billion

over the next seven years on the back of the 36th America’s Cup being

hosted in Auckland.

“There’s been discussion of the value of the America’s Cup and the

superyacht spectators which will accompany it to New Zealand. While

some people might see superyachts as just a wealthy international set

visiting our shores, we – unequivocally – see it as job creation,” says the

training organisation’s general manager, Chris van der Hor.

“In particular, it creates opportunities for young New Zealanders from

the Far North to Southland to start an apprenticeship in NZ’s highly-

respected marine and composites industries.”

But that job boom relies on having facilities for the industry to

accommodate the business which will arrive, starting next year, if the

America’s Cup is hosted in Auckland. Visits by superyachts to New Zealand

form what is essentially an export market floating to our shores. The more

that come, the more jobs and apprentices can be supported nationwide.

“We are already turning away superyacht work due to a lack of

infrastructure to accommodate it,” says NZ Marine executive director,

Peter Busfield.

“We know what the NZ marine industry is capable of; the rest of the

world knows what we’re capable of – so when they come to us with

enquiries for refit work, or production of tenders and support boats, let’s

make sure we’ve got the ability to jump on every opportunity.

Phone 09 438 6884 http://www.seamac.co.nz

Marine Windows & Doors

• Fixed


• Sliding


• Hatch
  Windows
  
  
  • Saloon
  
  
  • Engine Room
  
  
  • Sliding
  
  
  • French/Bi-Fold
    Doors
  
  
  
  

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NZ

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