66 JUNE–JULY 2019 | International Boat Industry ibinews.com
Markets & Regions
OVERVIEW | NEW ZEALAND
Two major boat shows in Auckland play a major role
in promoting every aspect of the marine market NZ Marine executive
director Peter Busfield is
positive about the long
term future for the NZ
marine industryKiwi market in positive mood
DESPITE NO LONGER BEING A FORCE IN BIG BOAT PRODUCTION, NEW ZEALAND’S
INDUSTRY REMAINS IN RUDE HEALTH, BUOYED BY A BOOMING TRAILER BOAT SECTOR AND
A VIBRANT, EXPORT FOCUSSED, EQUIPMENT INDUSTRYWORDS: BARRY THOMPSONT
he marine industry means a lot to the New
Zealand economy, more than any other
country in fact – with a population of just
over 4 million people, the industry generates over
US$2 billion in turnover, making it a significant
contributor to the overall economy. The New
Zealand marine market is described as “steady,
following three good years of growth and generally
the industry is in an excellent position,” according
to Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine.
He adds that while the local market is steady right
across all sectors, there are also some encouraging
signs for exporters, more especially in the equipment
and design areas.
“When it comes to exports, we are continually
growing our business with neighbours Australia
and the South Pacific, and members are reporting
increased sales into both Europe and the USA.
South East Asia, is also an expanding market, with
companies such as Fusion and Naiad both doing
increased business,” says Busfield
HamiltonJet has recently been awarded a
very significant project order from Jong Shyn
Shipbuilding Group for the Taiwan Coast Guard,
which is the largest single project in the company’s
recent history.HamiltonJet currently employs over 300 employees
in Christchurch, and this is a very substantial amount
of business and significant growth opportunity for the
company and the Canterbury region.
Busfield says that the future of the New Zealand
marine industry will be very much influenced by the
success or failure of Team New Zealand. “Should
they manage to retain the America’s Cup, I see the
‘party rolling on’, and the focus will be on New
Zealand in that regard,” says Busfield.
Preparation for the America’s Cup is well
underway with the new America’s Cup Village and
facilities in Downtown Auckland and even if the
AC is lost it leaves a legacy of new breakwaters and
additional facilities for superyachts. Syndicate bases
will be ready by August for hand over, and the first
challenging teams are expected to arrive by the end
of 2019. Team New Zealand has already taken up
residence in what was the Viaduct Events Centre.
IBINEWS.COM For a detailed look at the full
impact of the America’s Cup to New Zealand visit
IBInews.comFROM LED LIGHTS TO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS
A solution to marine fouling is one of the most
significant problems for the marine industry
and Kiwi company Oceanmax is at the forefront
of solving this global problem. Oceanmax, the
developer of the foul-release system, Propspeed, have
grown rapidly over the past five years.
“Our continuing challenge is to rewire the
industry mindset and show our future customers
and partners that the 3,000-year-old problem of
marine fouling has been solved,” says Clint Jones,
managing director of Oceanmax.
The Propspeed system does not kill marine
growth like anti-foul systems. Instead, its flexibility
and unique surface chemistry help prevent
colonisation. Over 15,000 boat and yacht owners
around the world already use Propspeed toTHE SUM OF AUDIO INNOVATION