Innovative Underwater Coating to be Applied on New Luxury Yachts

Auckland, New Zealand – Propspeed, leading innovator of underwater foul-release coatings, announced today it has received an endorsement from Palm Beach Motor Yachts. The luxury yacht manufacturer applies Propspeed as part of the commissioning of all new models, and recommends the use of Propspeed for existing owners as protection against fouling and corrosion of running gear and underwater metals.

“We have been very pleased with the performance of the Propspeed line up,” said Mark Richards, CEO, GB Marine Group. “Our motto is ‘To simply build the absolute best yachts on the water, with no equivocation. If there’s a better way of doing it, we’ll find it.’ This includes finding new products that add value and help to ease the ownership experience for our customers. We apply Propspeed to all our new builds, and recommend continued use of it to our customers to improve their ownership and boating experiences.”

“We’re impressed by the innovation and quality of every yacht that has come out of the Palm Beach shipyard,” said Chris Baird, CEO, Propspeed. “Their forward thinking and passion for perfection matches that of our team. We are happy to have been selected as their coating of choice to protect the underwater metals and equipment on their entire lineup of exceptional vessels.”

Since the foundation of Palm Beach Motor Yachts in 1995, innovation has been the lifeblood of its business as they seek to re-imagine the fine traditions of motor yachting with state-of-the-art materials, technology and production techniques. Their production factory is now based in Malaysia where over 650 full-time staff work in almost 550,000 square feet of covered shop floor, with another 130,000 square feet ready for expansion, one of the largest production facilities in the region. This working environment has been carefully designed to allow cutting-edge technology to operate hand-in-hand with traditional craftsmanship resulting in a every Palm Beach Motor Yacht taking its place as a unique and timeless classic.

Propspeed’s ultra-slick topcoat is specially formulated to prevent marine growth from bonding to metal surfaces below the waterline. It is proven to increase boat efficiency, protect against corrosion, reduce drag, save fuel and maintenance costs. It features an exceptionally strong chemical and mechanical bond between the metal substrate, the Etching Primer and the Clear Coat – ensuring that the Propspeed coating actually sticks to running gear, and any other underwater metals, and performs season after season.

Propspeed products include Propspeed for running gear and any underwater metals, Foulfree for transducers and Lightspeed for underwater lighting. For more information on Propspeed or its industry-leading coatings, please visit www.propspeed.com.

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About Propspeed
Propspeed develops high-performance products that make marine craft more efficient and economical to run and maintain, with an eye toward doing the least harm to humans and the marine environment. Propspeed manufactures and distributes Propspeed, recognized globally as the leading product for preventing marine growth on underwater metals. Biofouling – the accumulation of marine life on ships’ hulls – increases drag and costs the global shipping industry an estimated $7.5 billion a year in wasted fuel. Based in New Zealand, where sailing excellence is culturally ingrained, Propspeed has become a worldwide phenomenon throughout the marine industry.

For imagery and other editorial requests, please contact:

 

Andrew Golden

Rushton Gregory Communications

617-413-6521

agolden@rushtongregory.com

A collection of photos from the 2021 edition of Metstrade in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Auckland, New Zealand – Leading marine manufacturer, Tru-Design Plastics Ltd has expanded its production and research capabilities by relocating to a new 3000 square metre facility at the Airport Oaks precinct close to Auckland’s International Airport.

The move which will allow Tru-Design to increase production capabilities and meet growing international demand comes after the company suffered a fire at their old premises, where thankfully no one was injured.

“Although the fire was a serious blow to our business at the time, we took the opportunity to take stock of where and what we wanted to look like in five to ten years’ time,” says Tru-Design Marketing Director, Geoff Nathan.

“As a result, we now have a world class manufacturing, design and marketing facility capable of delivering.”

The new facility is 30 percent larger, more modern and closer to logistics companies around the airport district.

The TruDesign brand is Marketed throughout Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region, with their underwater seacock system increasingly specified in new builds by international boat builders as their preferred product.

Designed and made in New Zealand, TruDesign’s unique type-approved composite through hull fittings and seacocks are recognized as world class in eliminating the traditional concerns of corrosion and electrolysis.

Earlier in the year, TruDesign partnered with GEMLUX based out Florida to distribute TruDesign products through their distribution channels in the US.

To round out 2021, TruDesign will be exhibiting at the METS show in Amsterdam this November and to kick off 2022 will head to the Miami International Boat Show in February, where its new 3” Ball Valve will be launched.

Tru-Design Plastics new address:
47 Aintree Avenue
Airport Oaks, Mangere
Auckland 2022

www.trudesign.nz

Tucked deep in the Pacific Ocean, and on the edge of the world’s most notorious body of water, the Southern Ocean, is where you will find some of the most innovative and imaginative minds of the 21^st century.

When you think of New Zealand, for most the initial thoughts are with snowcapped mountains, pristine blue water and a population that attributes the ocean as part of their everyday life. It’s no wonder that New Zealand is at the top of the game when it comes to taking an idea and pushing it to the limits.

One only has to look at the design expertise that when into the creation of the AC75. The world had never seen a foiling monohull of its kind, when the concept was flouted, most were left scratching their heads thinking “will this actually work?!” Meanwhile, the engineers, designers and forward thinkers from Emirates Team New Zealand, were already picturing themselves holding the Auld Mug, claiming the victory in the 36^th America’s Cup.

The METS Trade Show is where New Zealand innovators, designers and experts in their field can show off their skills to an international audience. With COVID-19 still causing all kinds of drama in the local area, unfortunately for some of our companies, they just don’t have the ability to leave the during this time, however a select few have managed to break away, and will be proudly displaying their products at the world’s biggest and best marine trade show in Amsterdam, The Netherlands from the 16-18^th November.

This year there will be twelve kiwi companies profiled at the show, ENL/WASSP and C-Quip in the Superyacht Pavilion, with Propspeed and Fusion in the New Zealand Pavilion. Our New Zealand stand will be representing all export companies in NZ and specifically Fastmount, C-Tech, Hamilton Jet, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders and TruDesign profiled on the New Zealand stand.

C-Quip, who manufactures carbon fibre equipment for the superyacht industry, have continued production throughout lockdown periods with specific health protocols in place so that work could continue. Being a major supplier to a prosperous superyacht industry has enabled the team to think outside the box when it came to production.

And the same goes to Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, who have continued to pump out custom superyacht tenders despite restrictions and while it’s been a challenge, once again kiwi ingenuity kicked in to ensure there was no slowing down and to meet client demands.

Internationally recognised brands like Propspeed and Fusion have also kept the pace of production high and continue to be suppliers of choice for the industry. Propspeed and Fusion are ready for the influx of marine enthusiasts who will walk through the halls of METS and who will no doubt be drawn to the New Zealand Pavillion.

If you’re visiting METS, be sure to check out the complete line up of kiwi companies showcasing their products.

C-Quip

C-Quip manufactures the finest carbon fibre superyacht equipment for yachts over 50 metres. Products include carbon fibre swim ladders and boarding stairs along with tender management solutions and telescopic lightmasts. C-Quip offers products from an extensive range, or work with clients to build custom designs. C-Quip leads the market with products that are elegant and, quite simply, engineered better. Their carbon fibre range exceeds performance expectations due to its high strength and low weight and our attention to details.
www.c-quip.com

ENL/WASSP

WASSP™ Multibeam Sounder technology is a true game-changer. Through research and development new technology was developed with the ability to profile the seabed 100 times faster than single beam echo sounders, allowing users to see what’s beneath the boat with accuracy and resolution unlike it had ever been seen before, at a significantly reduced cost. With the WASSP 3D mapping in real-time, accurate profiles encompassing 120° port-to-starboard of the water column and seafloor can be made with unparalleled precision to reveal artefacts, fish, wrecks, foreign objects and more. WASSP is a brand and product line developed by Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL), a company with 75 years’ experience and world leaders in marine sounder, radar and communications. Our passion and commitment to real innovation is what sets us apart. We consistently bring game-changing technology to market, with cost-effective products that are easy to operate to make your life at sea easier.
www.enl.co.nz/pages/wassp

Fusion

Fusion® A Garmin Brand is an industry leader in marine audio entertainment – the range of innovative marine stereos, speakers and amplifiers are purpose-built for the harsh marine environment, designed and engineered to deliver the best on-water audio experience to your boat.
www.fusionentertainment.com

Propspeed

Propspeed develops high-performance products that make marine craft more efficient and economical to run and maintain, with an eye toward doing the least harm to humans and the marine environment. Propspeed manufactures and distributes Propspeed, recognised globally as the leading product for preventing marine growth on underwater metals. Biofouling –the accumulation of marine life on ships’ hulls –increases drag and costs the global shipping industry an estimated $7.5 billion a year in wasted fuel. Based in New Zealand, where sailing excellence is culturally ingrained, Propspeed has become a worldwide phenomenon throughout the marine industry.
www.propspeed.com

Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders

Based in New Zealand, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders have been producing the world’s finest custom boats for over 30 years, making us one of the most experienced yards operating from the world’s most innovative boating nations. More than that, we are one of the few truly custom boat builders in operation today. We partner with you to craft a tender that meets your exact requirements and exceeds all expectations. Quality and Integrity are our highest values. We can produce a tender for any setting, any sea, any capacity, and any task. Let our team of passionate craftspeople work with you to deliver an exceptional custom tender of uncompromising quality.
www.lloydstevensonyachts.co.nz

C-Tech Carbon Technologies

C-Tech is a premium carbon fibre composites manufacturer. We have a proud yachting history and extensive experience across a broad range of applications. Our design team has an innovative mindset, practical engineering skills and extensive knowledge of composites that we have used to successfully engineer products for a diverse range of applications.
www.c-tech.co.nz

Fastmount

Fastmount is an award-winning New Zealand company designing and manufacturing hidden fasteners specifically to service the marine, architectural, aviation and recreational vehicle industries globally. With boatyards in over 50 countries using the Fastmount Panel Mounting System, its exceptional performance in the marine sector has since attracted companies in the architectural, recreational vehicle and aviation industries to use Fastmount products. Fastmount’s global network of agents and distributors combines extensive experience in the marine industry and understanding of the architectural and interior design sectors. For more information about Fastmount visit
www.fastmount.com

Hamilton Jet

Hamilton Jet currently has 20 different jet models starting from 270kW up to 5,500 kw in maximum power rating and our market experience is extensive. As a preferred supplier to boat builders, naval architects and marine operators, we’ve installed over 60,000 waterjets into vessels around the globe, including offshore, pilot, rescue, fire, military, patrol, windfarm, fast ferry, fishing, aquaculture and recreational applications. Hamilton Jet is still a family-owned company employing over 400 staff in all aspects of waterjet design, production, sales and service and has over 54 Distributors around the world, as part of the company’s global reach program
www.hamiltonjet.com

TruDesign

TruDesign specializes in the design, manufacture and marketing of composite certified Marine Valves, Skin Fittings (Thru Hulls) and associated products. The recently launched 3” Ball Valve Range, brings light weight, strength and corrosion free fittings to the larger end of the Seacock market. Made from composite materials they are Compliant to ISO 9093-2 and ABYC-H27.
www.trudesign.nz

New Zealand Marine

New Zealand’s marine industry is a recognised leader in the global marketplace, with an international reputation for innovative excellence and competitive manufacturing. NZ Marine is the trade association (Export, Industry and Training) linking nearly 500 companies nationwide to represent and grow this successful New Zealand industry.
www.nzmarine.com

ecostore

ecostore was founded on New Zealand’s Northland coast in 1993. Part of a group that created an eco-village nestled in a valley dotted with streams and surrounded by native forest, the Rands set out to make their home as clean and green as the land they called home. By creating hardworking, highly effective products for people and their home, removing harmful or unnecessary chemicals, the ecostore ethos has always been to put people’s health first and give them the choice to live clean.
www.ecostore.com/nz

Manta5
www.manta5.com

Boxfish
www.boxfish.nz

Each of these Kiwi companies will be showcasing a variety of products and technology suitable for all aspects of the marine industry and beyond. It’s been a challenging 20 months for the industry with lockdowns forcing limitations however as the world knows, kiwis will always find a way.

Having a presence at this edition of METS will once again put New Zealand at the forefront of minds.

New Zealand-based manufacturers of hidden panel mounting systems, Fastmount, has launched its new Stratlock Rail System ahead of METSTRADE next month.

Riding on the success of the Stratlock Range of clips, the Stratlock Rail System provides boatbuilders with a complete, integrated and purpose-built system for building deckhead and wall framework substrates to attach interior paneling to.

Comprising of a custom-built aluminium extrusion profile and three cast aluminium connectors to enable absolute installation flexibility, the Stratlock Rail System has been designed specifically to be used with the Stratlock Range of clips, resulting in a complete, flexible process for precisely framing up walls and installing interior panels in a streamlined manner.

With the mission to simplify aluminium extrusion framework in mind, the SL-RLE extrusion is designed to be used on either the vertical or horizontal plane, which can be cut to size to build a grid, using the three connectors that give designers and builders virtually limitless possibilities to create a precise framework to mount panels to.

The die-cast aluminium connectors offer options according to specific construction requirements: a fixed 90º connector (SL-RCF90), a flexible 180º adjustable connection for perpendicular profiles such as connecting a wall to a ceiling (SL-RCA180 + SL-RCF90) and a flexible 180º adjustable connection for parallel profiles such as wall corners (SL-RCA180 + SL-RCF90).

A typical construction scenario would see the SL-RLE extrusion cut to size according to the designer’s CAD plans, sections pre-constructed off the yacht using the appropriate connectors, and fastened into place. Fastmount Stratlock Range clips could then be installed, ready for interior panels to be fitted at the last minute.

“In the last few years, we have seen many of the larger boatbuilders move towards the reliability and security of aluminium extrusions to frame up deckhead and wall panel framework, instead of or in addition to plywood or timber framework. Creating this system felt like a natural progression for Fastmount, staying ahead of the curve in terms of construction processes,” says Gregg Kelly, Founder and Head of Innovation at Fastmount.

Benefits of the Stratlock Rail System:

• To make an uneven or un-level wall or ceiling perfectly straight and level
• Aluminium extrusions absorb zero moisture compared to wood substrates, making it perfect for use on superyachts
• Superior fire rating compared to wood substrates
• Ultra-light substrate construction (500gm/m)
• Process and design driven – entire substrate can be CAD designed and pre-built precisely prior to install, speeding up construction process
• Limitless construction possibilities

The Stratlock Rail System will debut at METSTRADE in November, at the Kroon stand 02.226, where customers will be able to experience the system first-hand with demonstrations. More information can be found at www.fastmount.com.

 

As sailors, our obsession with sailing connects us to the water. The water is our playground, a sanctuary where we seek enjoyment, a competitive playing field where we race; it’s sometimes our home and always a place that unlocks our sense of adventure wherever that adventure might take us. From our sailors to yours, we are your experts in sailing.

Your adventure starts with Doyle.

By sailors, for sailors.

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In executing the NZ Marine Export Group’s board approved strategic plan for 2020 /2021 below is a summary of key achievements and work in progress:

NZ Marine Export Group Member Activity 2020-2021

NZ Marine Export Group – Maximising and building future digital commerce capability for export success 

A member meeting was held on 22nd March where the below topic was discussed:

The NZ Marine Export Group Board have identified that with closed borders and the likelihood of international travel being disrupted for a further 1-2 years, communication with our existing and potential customers will pivot around all forms of digital communication.

As such, NZ Marine Export Group are putting a major focus on this and are pleased to bring you, with the assistance of NZTE, Propspeed and ENL, a targeted marketing session using current examples of efficient and effective tools for us all to learn from.

In this session for exporters, you will hear from Ben Glazeswki, Associate Director at Deloitte across Digital Customer and Tech Strategy Teams with a background in human centred design and digital. Over the lasts 12 months Ben has been spending most of his time working with numerous NZ businesses on the extent digital can play a part in the future proofing of their business in a post covid world.

This is followed by a panel session with Marcus Hamilton, Propspeed and Cameron Hirst, ENL where we can go through examples of where digital marketing has opened up new markets and increased their, even exceeding their own expectations.

This meeting was attended by a few board members and a few members attended online via zoom.

There was also a seminar held on “examples of good distribution methods”

NZ Millennium Cup

2020 Regatta 

Entries: 

1. Tawera
2. Silvertip
3. Sassafras
4. Janice of Wyoming
5. Kawil
6. Adele

Sponsors: 

• Platinum: Orams Marine, Royal Huisman
• Gold: Smuggler Marine, Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails
• Silver: Breed Media, COAST, Events Clothing, ENL/WASSP, Southern Spars/North Sails
• Friends: ATTEST, Holton Marine, Power Equipment, Blue Marine Travel, Superyacht Galapagos, Nautica Shipping
• Welcome Function Sponsor: Southern Spars

The 2020 regatta was successful with entries and sponsors very happy.

2021 regatta 

Entries (we are aiming for a minimum of 5 entries)

Confirmed: Sassafras, Tawera, Miss Silver

In discussion with:

• G2 (They are coming to NZ in Christmas and will race if the owner is allowed in)
• Ningaloo (captain talking with management and are keen -unknown if they will only race with owner) Sponsors

We have confirmed $95,950 of our budgeted sponsorship income of $135,380.

Confirmed

• Platinum: Orams Marine
• Gold: Bay of Islands Marina, Benetti, Smuggler Marine, North Sails/Southern Spars
• Silver: COAST, Breed Media
• Friends: Power Equipment, Elite Marine Design, ATTEST, Coppercoat
• Welcome Function Sponsor: Southern Spars
• Suppliers: Hancocks

Superyacht Welcome Function 2020

This was held at the end of November with over 150 people in attendance. This was a great networking event for superyacht owners, captains, crew and industry personnel.

METS

The METS 2020 show was cancelled due to covid restrictions, and we are looking forward to supporting companies attend and profile on their behalf at the 2021 show:

2021

NZ Marine Export Group gaining NZTE support /funding for NZ equipment suppliers’ exhibition and functions at METS November 2021

Exhibitors:

1. Propspeed
2. Fusion
3. C-Quip
4. ENL

We have a 8x3m stand which we have the support of NZTE to promote New Zealand on. To date we have the below companies contributing to have a profile/brochures/material on display:

1. Fastmount
2. Tru Design
3. C-Tech
4. Lloyd Stevenson Boat Builders
5. Hamilton Jet

We also have a further 3 NZTE customers who are contributing a higher price: Ecostore, Boxfish and Manta5.

Superyacht Cup Palma 2021

NZ Marine Export Group gaining NZTE support /funding for ‘Destination NZ’ sponsorship Palma Superyacht regatta 2021

Export Group member companies involved in this promotion include C-Quip, Doyle Sails, Hamilton Jet, Propspeed, Orams Marine and WASSP (ENL).

Superyacht New Zealand website

In time for the Superyacht Cup Palma, we created a website (which you can view here) as landing page to promote New Zealand, have the current rules and border entry requirements, promote our Export Group member (the back end database is being finalised with the web developer and will be implemented shortly) and promote our events – NZ Millennium Cup and NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition.

We will also add in the current border requirements for Australia, Tahiti and Fiji as we receive updated information. There is still a lot of finetuning work to this but we have a very good starting platform.

Lobbying/Representation

Gaining NZ Customs approval to extend the TIE for all visiting yachts already in NZ to June 2021 and then again to June 2022.

Superyacht/cruising yacht border exemption 

Gaining Government new law order in July 2020 that allows cruising yachts and superyachts to visit NZ for refits/repairs (subsequently approx. 30 superyachts and 80 cruising yachts have entered NZ under this exemption.

Gaining Government new law order in Dec 2020 that allowed superyachts owned by Americas Cup -ETNZ and Challenging Syndicates major sponsors to visit NZ for the Prada Series and ACup complete with the owner/family on board and isolating on board their own yacht on arrival in NZ (subsequently approx. 4 superyachts and their owner /families arrived in NZ including British Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliff owner of INOES UK.

Engagement with NZTE, MFAT and MBIE profiling the NZ marine export industry and seeking government support to increasing export opportunities for NZ Marine Export Group member companies

In liaison with NZ Marine Industry Association: 

Providing guidance and best practice for member companies implementing H+S operating procedures for running factories/offices under Covid level 3 restrictions (Thank you to NZ Marine Export Member companies -Doyle Sails, Stabicraft and Lloyd Stevenson Boats for assisting us with this major task). Gaining government health order change to allow inshore non-motorised boating in NZ at Level 3 and establishing with Maritime NZ and NZ Police that marine companies can operate under level 3 in regards to moving recreational boats for delivery to refit/service yards and to do sea trials as part of a marine business operations.

Lobbing central and local government to assist with planning/permitting clusters of marine export companies to operate/expand – successes in 2021 have seen Orams new haul out yard given go ahead on Beaumont St Westhaven with a 840 tonne travel lift and built. The Jellicoe Harbour (America’s Cup harbour) established and post the Cup in April 2021 approval for the superyacht berths to remain in place vs the consent requirements for them to be removed. Maintaining Beaumont St as an industrial access road for marine companies (on-going battle!) rather than deletion of 90 car parks for a mid-road cycle lane as per the current plan. Government Major Development Grant (Shane Jones) for port of Whanganui -assisting export member Q’West gain this as cornerstone land/lease owner. Assist in planning and Far North Holdings gaining dedicated isolation berths for visiting yachts at Opua complete with Ministry of Health and NZ Customs approvals.

Assisting Maritime NZ, Ministry of Health and NZ Customs in the setting up of application process and then assisting agents in submitting applications for visiting yachts to NZ to gain the cabinet approved exemption for foreign flagged cruising and superyachts to enter for refit/repairs of over $50,000.

Digital Support

NZ Marine Export Group have contracted Live Sail Die to look at how we can further promote Export Group companies on a digital platform. To date we have created a strong presence on the NZ Marine website, with a list of export group member companies and details on the group, what we are involved in and shortly we will be adding in news stories, interactive media such as videos.

NZ Marine Export group publications and digital marketing profiling the NZ Marine industry and Destination NZ–on back of NZ Millennium Cup /America’s Cup – resulting in many articles and PR gained in hard copy and on line publications world wide- profiling NZ Marine Export companies and the NZ marine industry as a whole

Superyacht Fishing Competition 10-13 February 2022

Our press release has gone out, and I have had an interview with Diane Byrne, MegaYachts News on Tuesday 17th August about the fishing competition. The general view is that it is “something different” to offer superyacht owners whilst in NZ.

I have been in discussion with Sam from Legasea, and we will partner with them to promote sustainable fishing, promote measure and release fishing for the competition and also support their Kai Ika initiative where fish heads/skeletons go to local communities who want them – supporting the “nose to tail” and “no waste” philosophy.

Entries 

We have two entries – Deo Juvante which is a build currently in progress at Circa Marine, a 26m LOMOcean designed vessel and Miss Silver (regatta entrant).

As noted above Elena will start visiting the superyachts in Auckland to advise them of the superyacht events next year and touch base.

Sponsors 

We are pleased to have sponsors on board, ENL, Hamilton Jet, Coast and Propspeed. We will be sending out a newsletter shortly to gauge interest with other potential sponsors.

To the NZ Marine Export Group Members,

Thank you to all who have RSVP’d to the AGM of Wednesday 29^th Sept 2.30pm .  We welcome all members and ask if you could please respond by accepting/declining your zoom meeting invite for Wednesday 29^th September 2021 if you haven’t already done so.   Please see zoom link here

We have received the following nominations for NZ Marine Export Group Executive Board members 2021/2022:

1. Nominated: Albear Montocchio – HamiltonJet NZ

2. Nominated: Clint Jones – Propspeed

3. Nominated: Gareth Hodson – ENL

4. Nominated: Glenn Orr – Lightning Marine

5. Nominated: Neven Barbour – Orams Marine

6. Nominated: Richard Thorpe – TNL Pindar

Along with the President of the NZ Marine Industry Association that makes 7 board members, and the rules allow for 9.  This leaves 2 vacant board positions that can be nominated /elected at the AGM, Wednesday 29^th September 2021 or otherwise the executive can fill during the year.

Please see below a copy of the agenda (financial accounts to the year end 30 June 2021 are now linked), Chairman Clint Jones’ report and report on export group activities for your information. 

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Chairmans Report

Dear NZ Marine Export Group Members,

This time last year I was voted at the AGM to the position of deputy Chair to Stuart Robinson, to help the board and industry that I care about in any way. As you all know Stuart stood down, after many years good service to the export group, due to covid restrictions making it imposable for his company to continue trading and I was asked to step up by the board.

In the following months we have been involved in a very positive moment in the history of the Marine Industry, The Marine Export group being the transfer vehicle to enable the forming of MAST, as a move forward in the training and future direction of skills building. MAST is focused and relevant to keep this industry at the forefront of the Boating Industry Worldwide, and the envy of many around the World. I would love to use the catch cry – We train Rocket Scientists, as our industry training has helped Rocket Lab put the first carbon fibre rockets into space. Something we should all be proud of.

On a personal side, the last twelve months have been fantastic to be involved in my non-day-job as skipper of Manu Wai, the Americas Cup camera boat, watching up close the pinnacle of so many things that are great in the NZ Marine industry – design, engineering, boat building and sailing skills, that all came together to retain The Cup. I am also recently back from the Olympics in Japan as skipper of Cambra to record Olympic sailing at its best, with not quite the script we were hoping for. That experience of vaccination, testing, travel, daily testing, and MIQ on return has given me some experience as an exporter of what is possible safely, and completely missing from our esteemed Governments approach to re uniting Kiwis and enabling Exporters to go a grab us some overseas funds.

Over the last 12 months, we have also looked to improve our social media and at least have come up with an option to support existing initiatives using the team at Live Sail Die to supply some band width and enhancements across NZ Marine social media.

In the past 12 months a clear pattern has emerged for me about the role of the NZ Marine Export Group deliver, and the very real question of what we can do for this diverse membership that is relevant and meaningful. When I look across that diverse range of members companies, products service and markets you deliver to, as an industry body I know our board have at times this year struggled with how we can deliver what is best for you?  We tried a survey this year and got less than 20% response, so you are either extremely happy you are in good hands, or too busy or pissed off to tell us otherwise!

In the current covid climate, we also know as a board member that some companies have very full order books, and some are scratching around looking for work.

This report I held back writing as on Friday we held an urgent board meeting to address the 2022 Millennium Cup, the ongoing cost, and because of our slammed shut boarders the chance of getting more than the current 3 entries. It was felt that going ahead is a risk, but we have deferred the decision to 6^th October.

A special outcome of Fridays meeting highlighted the tap being turned off for overseas vessels visiting NZ due to owners and crew not being able to join the yacht via the air border and the negative downstream work effects for many in our industry for not only Superyachts but cruising vessels. The number of reductions of visiting yachts for this summer is very scary.

The board have resolved to give Peter a mandate to deliver on a strategic plan to deliver a health driven solution using the advantage that self-contained visiting vessels could deliver, that will not add a cent to the NZ Governments costs and bring work and jobs to our sector.

As you will see from our accounts, we are in a healthy position to undertake some costs in providing this solution. A solution that will need to be supported by independent health sector professionals’ advice as we put a sensible and practical solution to the NZ Government for their approval.

As I said above, I challenge you as members, and the incoming board to question the relevance and direction of the NZ Marine Export Group, to deliver most what our industry needs for the next 12 months.

I would like to thank the board members for their work they have undertaken this year, and the passion they share for this industry.

• Albear Montocchio – HamiltonJet NZ
• Richard Thorpe – TNL Pindar
• Neven Barbour – Orams Marine
• Gareth Hodson – ENL
• Glenn Orr – Lightning Marine
• Garry Lock – NZ Marine Industry Association President

Cheers
Clint Jones

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Export Group Activity Reports

Please see below links to reports on the export group activity over the past 12 months, outlining the details of the events/actions/initiatives.

• Report detailing activity
• Report outlining member benefit – direct and/or indirect from the activity

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Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Proposed change to the rules:

The current wording in our rules, with regards to a quorum at a general meeting, is not very clear and as it stands our legal advice is that we currently need to have 50% of total membership present to form a quorum. The executive believe that this is not practical nor normal practise for an incorporated society and recommends a rule change to item 32.1 as follows –

Proposed new rule:

32.1 Only members shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting, and a member shall have one (1) vote or in the case of a firm or body corporate, by its representative. The chairperson shall accept at any general meeting a proxy on behalf of a member lodged at such meeting in writing signed by the member appointing a proxy. The quorum at any general meeting shall be ten (10) members present in person or online. If within half an hour of the time appointed for the commencement of the general meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to a date within fourteen (14) days of such meeting and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present, then the meeting shall lapse.

Current rules:

Only members shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting, and a member shall have one (1) vote to be exercised either personally or in the case of a firm or body corporate, by its representative provided that the chairperson shall accept at any general meeting a proxy on behalf of a member lodged at such meeting in writing signed by the member appointing a proxy. The quorum at any general meeting shall be fifty per cent (50%) of members present either personally or by their duly appointed representative. If within half an hour of the time appointed for the commencement of the general meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to a date within fourteen (14) days of such meeting and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present, then the meeting shall lapse.

3. Confirmation of the 2020 AGM 3rd September 2020 Minutes 

4. Matters Arising from the 2020 AGM Minutes

5. Accountant’s Report including presentation of Annual Accounts for year ending 30th June 2021

6. Member’s acceptance of the annual accounts

7. Presentation of the NZ Marine Export Group Chairman’s Report

8. Election of Executive Board members

The Government has announced an Exporter MIQ Allocation pilot, which will enable a small number of export representatives to gain access to MIQ places in November and December, to be administered by NZTE.

This will allow 50 export representatives to secure MIQ places, 25 each in November and December, without having to go through the general public MIQ booking process.

An online registration form will be available at Exporter MIQ allocation pilot | NZTE from Monday, September 20,  until 5pm on Wednesday, 29 September. Applications for both November and December will be assessed together. All applications will be assessed after the closing date & there is no priority allocated to time of receipt – in other words, there is no rush for you to submit your application.

The pilot is part of the Government’s Trade Recovery Strategy and has been approved as part of the MIQ group allocations, which are decided by the Border Exception Ministerial Group, led by the Minister of Immigration. It will allow an assessment to be made about this approach, and whether it should become part of the Re-Connect New Zealand strategy. It is an acknowledgment of the needs of exporters and the difficulties you are operating under.

However, it’s important to emphasise this is only a pilot scheme, with an extremely limited number of MIQ positions available.  As such, we expect that demand will significantly outstrip supply for this pilot phase. The focus for the pilot is therefore to test the approach and process; it will only meet the immediate travel needs of 50 exporters.

The programme is open to all exporters, not just NZTE customers. Applicants must be an established New Zealand-based business entity that is actively exporting goods or services internationally.

Successful applicants will be advised by mid-October, to enable them to complete travel bookings.

There will be only one traveller per application and one application per business in the pilot. We are doing this to enable as many export companies as possible to take part in the pilot.

The allocation of places will be made according to the following priorities:

First priority

• Travel to deliver critical export-related goods and services;
• Travel to commission critical plant, machinery or technology.

Second priority

• Travel to present in-person for a competitive tender or contract;
• Travel to maintain, demonstrate or train in the physical use of plant, machinery, equipment or technology;
• Travel to perform contractual obligations;

Third priority

• Travel to attend a major trade show or industry event;
• Travel to carry out due diligence;
• Travel to interview/meet key people, such as a market distributor or a new in-market CEO; or
• Travel for other genuine commercial reasons.

As you can see, the pilot is intended for exporters who need to send an employee, contractor or business representative internationally to perform any of the activities outlined in the criteria above. It also provides an opportunity for exporters who have already sent an employee, contractor or business representative overseas for short-term work and who have been unable to secure an MIQ place. It is not designed for exporters who have employees, contractors or business representatives who normally live overseas who wish to return to New Zealand.

As a base requirement, travellers must have the right to enter New Zealand (NZ passport holders, permanent residents, existing visa holders etc), and they must be fully vaccinated. The initial assessment of applications will be based on information supplied in the application form, so you are encouraged to complete these in full or risk being declined due to insufficient information.

Once the first priority cases have been allocated, the remainder of places will go to second priority cases and then to third priority cases. At each stage, if the number of applications in a priority class exceeds the available places, places will be awarded using a ballot.

Application information will be live on NZTE’s website by Monday 20 September, and specific questions can be forwarded to exporterallocation@nzte.govt.nz once you have read that information.