On Sunday 27 April 2025, the first group of Australian rally participants sets off from Southport to Nouméa, New Caledonia. The passage is around 800 nautical miles and will take most of the vessels around 5-6 days to complete. The Island Cruising Pacific Rally (Also formerly known as the Down Under Rally) continues to grow from strength to strength and is now one of the most successful yacht rallies in the world. With over 175 registrations this year, the fleet is made up of yachts & powerboats, monohulls and multihulls ranging in size from a 32′ yacht to a 75′ launch.… Read More

In a challenging market, New Zealand marine companies are pulling together to further boating excellence.The Auckland Boat Show has just wrapped up after four successful days, and the 2025 show is emerging as one of innovation and collaboration.“In our industry, we are collaborating and pushing each other forward,” said Tracey Stevenson, president of the NZ Marine Industry Association at an exhibitor function on Friday night.“It’s been a challenging time for business, but looking around the show we can see the resilience of the New Zealand marine industry in innovating and meeting these challenges.”At the same exhibitor function Auckland Mayor Wayne… Read More

MAST Academy has reached an exciting milestone with the launch of its first campus-based training. Recently, the first cohort of students came together to begin A Taste of Marine Trades, a hands-on introduction to the marine industries.Led by Tyler Taua-Gordon of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, the day began with a karakia whakawātea (blessing ceremony). Tyler shared connections between the whenua, the people and the environment, while also offering guidance for a safe and enriching journey ahead for our new students.While work-based apprenticeships and MAST’s school-to-work programmes remain at the heart of what we do, this new campus training offers… Read More

The latest releases from New Zealand’s innovative marine industry will be presented in Auckland in March.The Auckland Boat Show returns to the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour next month and will continue its tradition of bringing together the best releases of the year’s innovations from New Zealand marine companies.The annual event acts as a new release hub for New Zealand’s marine companies as they showcase their innovative products and leading vessels. The summer event sees boatbuilders of trailer boats, RIBS, motor and sail yachts from across the country make the journey to Auckland to demonstrate their vessels in the… Read More

Auckland’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function took place last night with the largest crew turn out to-date for the event, which marks the opening of the 2025 summer cruising season in New Zealand.New Zealand’s Superyacht Welcome Function was held last night, with huge crew turn out for the event, which hosted more than 250 owners, captains, crew and industry leaders.“We’re thrilled to see such a robust turnout with the largest gathering of superyacht attendees in the Southern Hemisphere,” says NZ Marine executive director, Peter Busfield.“We know that New Zealand’s popularity as a refit and cruising destination is going from strength to… Read More

(c) America’s Cup(Emirates Team New Zealand’s win against the best of the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, France and the USA further evidences New Zealand has the world’s best sailors and is leading the world in boatbuilding innovation and technology.The NZ Marine Industry Association congratulates Emirates Team New Zealand, winners of the 37th America’s Cup, in a contest which set new records on the water.It has been a thrilling week of racing as New Zealand marine innovation has enabled new records on the waters of Barcelona. As the globe’s leading sailors battled it out on the water, it was the New Zealand… Read More

Following the tremendous success of its inaugural event, the Whangarei Maritime Festival is returning for a second year of maritime adventures. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Town Basin on October 12-13, 2024, this free festival celebrates Whangarei’s rich maritime history and offers a host of exciting activities for all ages.This year’s festival will once again welcome the legendary tall ship R Tucker Thompson, and for the first time, the New Zealand Navy will be joining the celebrations with special displays and interactive events. Families can also learn about career pathways in the maritime sector from MAST Academy with… Read More

The New Zealand Millennium Cup’s Notice of Race has been released this week.As the regatta returns to Auckland for the second year in a row, early entries have been quick to confirm their participation prior to the Notice of Race release, with six entries already signed up and more to come after an exceptional 2024 edition.“We really enjoyed our time at the New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta. From the first contact right through to racing, the people are genuine and it was the most down to earth, real, fun and welcoming experience; it’s a regatta the way regattas should be,”… Read More

NZ Marine members from far and wide gathered recently for a one-day NZ Marine Conference at NZ Marine HQ in Auckland.A strong line-up of speakers included international guests Darren Vaux, Australian-based President of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), and UK-based Joe Lynch F CIM Lynch, CEO of ICOMIA.  Darren Vaux and Joe Lynch gave delegates valuable insight into the global marine industry and future outlook, and an overview of ICOMIA’s Pathways to Decarbonisation Study.An eye-opening session on Artificial Intelligence by SupaHuman AI CEO Dave Howden inspired delegates to embrace the power of AI and emphasised the need… Read More