Business North December / January 2021

12 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Sue Russell Promotion of region paying off The group has been successful in attracting large volumes of vessels, of all shapes and sizes, to the region. C hairman of Whangarei Marine Promo- tions Group, Brian Caulton, says it’s success has been pivotal in the econom- ic success of the region. Back in the late 1980’s five businesses got together to start promoting Whangarei’s vessel servicing sectors, sending people to the Islands to attract owners and operators of ocean-going craft to choose New Zealand as a logical place to have their boats repaired and serviced. These yachts are coming from all around the world and, if east of the USA, com- ing through the Panama Cannel, then heading west across the South Pacific Ocean, “There’s nothing like the personal touch when promoting what we’re capable of sup- plying to this sector,” Brian explains. By working collaboratively and with a common interest to promote Whangarei’s marine facilities the Promotions Group has been successful in attracting large volumes of vessels, of all shapes and sizes, to the region and in so doing bring substantial dollars into the local economy. Boats have also grown in size and complex- ity and increasingly Catamarans are seen at Whangarei’s marinas and dry-dock facilities. Servicing them is complex in nature, requir- ing highly skilled people across a number of disciplines. There is a time-window that is critical when considering the distances these yachts and powered vessels have to travel, from the Pacif- ic Islands to New Zealand. “They arrive mid-November and stay until the end of May at which point they are ready to sail back up to the Pacific. One of the reasons they come down here is to avoid the annual cyclone season, so there’s a repetitive nature to their visits here.” And the significance of the industry’s input into the economy is substantial. The group have conducted research into the investment each boat on average brings to local business- es and the like. “Each boat, on average injects about $55k - $60k into the New Zealand economy, with over 500 international boats processed annu- ally, and the majority of those come here to Whangarei.” Whangarei Marine Promotions Group offers a number of key services to boat owners, including a business directory of its members, along with a portal for those seeking work on super yachts and the like to help them find out more about what that involves. There is also valuable information needed to apply for clearance to visit New Zealand while overseas. Members of the promotions group need to be nominated and seconded and a nine person steering committee assesses each application on its merits, bearing in mind the organisation has established its own code of conduct. Brian has been Chairperson for the past seven years and the organisation is currently lobbying for a way for crews to stay longer than initially planned due to the COVID global pandemic. “We’re campaigning to get Central Gov- ernment to allow these sailors to stay here through to May/June next year.” Given the frustrating situation of having to turn boats away there’s also a push to extend marina facilities and Brian says its pleasing to see that a new marina is planned for early next year. COME AND SEE US FOR ALL YOUR SAIL AND CANVAS NEEDS Custom Racing & Cruising Sails Dodgers • Biminis • Sail Covers Stack Packs • Dinghy Covers Interior & Exterior Marine Upholstery Deck Hardware and Rigging Service Available 1 Finlayson Street, Whangarei 09 430 2801 / 021 222 3902 phizzle@uksailmakers.com www.northlandcanvas.co.nz Absolute Stainless 12 Loygard Road. Port Nikau, Whangarei e: info@absolutestainless.co.nz p: 09 430 8608 www.absolutestainless.co.nz Benches / Range Hoods / Brackets / Flashings Hand Rails / Ladders / Bollards ABSOLUTE STAINLESS FOR QUALITY YOU’LL LOVE STAINLESS & ALUMINIUM SPECIALISTS A B S O L U T E Whangarei - Whangarei Marine Promotions Group