Successful collaboration between Fiji and the NZ marine industry

On August 5^th under the banner of promoting South Pacific Superyachting a Fiji/NZ ‘Open Day’ was staged at Port Denarau Marina and Denarau Yacht Club. Twenty six New Zealand companies meet with Fijian industry representatives plus superyacht captains and owners of international cruising yachts. Presentations highlighted the diverse range of refit services and maintenance capability in New Zealand together with destinations and marinas. Vessel owners and local marine representatives engaged one-on-one discussing options and facilities including marine products, support equipment and vessel agency services. In conjunction with the Island Cruising Association there were also a range of seminars covering passage planning between Fiji and New Zealand, destinations in New Zealand, weather patterns, Customs clearance and Biosecurity requirements. At the welcoming function held on Thursday evening NZ High Commissioner, Mr Mark Ramsden said: “New Zealand is internationally-recognised as a major marine industry service hub in the South Pacific. He congratulated NZ Marine Executive Director, Peter Busfield, and, for putting together such an event. “It’s great to see New Zealand working alongside Fiji to promote the South Pacific as a cruising and charter destination. “New Zealand and Fiji are similar in that both countries heavily rely on tourism to create economic growth.” He said the New Zealand Government is fully behind the initiative of New Zealand Marine. L to R Nigel Skeggs Port Denarau Marina Managing Director, Peter Busfield Executive Director of NZ Marine and Mark Ramsden NZ High Commissioner Peter Busfield, Executive Director of NZ Marine commented “It was a successful event and a pleasure for our companies to work with the Fijian marine industry plus assisting owners with the information they need to maximise their experience in the South Pacific region.” “Working as a cohesive unit to move yachts through the South Pacific is a step that will produce real benefit for superyacht marine and tourism industries within the region,” said Nigel Skeggs, of Port Denarau Marina. “And that means tangible benefit for the regions’ economies and a rapidly developing, adventurous new cruising ground for the global fleet to discover.” Tourism Fiji chief executive, Matthew Stoeckel, said: “We recognise that small boat sailing is a market a little untapped in Fiji. “We have fantastic cruising grounds and know working with other ports and marinas around the world, and NZ being close, is a great sign. We can share information on what the cruising facilities we offer for those boats cruising here in Fiji.” NZ companies attending included Marinelogix, Akzo Nobel, Auckland On Water Boat Show, Babcock NZ, Destination NZ, Doyle Sails New Zealand, Port Opua Marina, Harken Fosters, Hutchwilco NZ Ltd, Integrated Marine Group, IMED, Kiwi Yachting, Lancer Industries, Lusty & Blundell, Penske Power Systems, Marina Consultants, NZ Boatbuilding Apprenticeships, Oceania Marine, Oceanmax, Orams Marine, Robinson Interiors, Whangarei Marine Promotions Group, Power Equipment NZ, GMS/ General Marine Services, Silo and Viaduct Marina, North Sails, Tenob Wholesale Marine, WhisperPower Pacific, Hobsonville Marina and Volpower. ENDS For further information please contact Clive Bennett combatm@ihug.co.nz or Peter Busfield Peter@nzmarine.com