48 | MARINE Oborn’s Nautical Proud supplier We are a dynamic team of dedicated ropemakers with over 60 years of combined experience in research, rope and yarn making. Proudly Supporting Oborn’s Nautical Get in touch 03 329 5837 rope@nautilusbraids.co.nz www.nautilusbraids.co.nz Marine business with sailors at the helm Grant and Matt Oborn: Oborn’s Nautical now operates from Shakespeare Road in Waltham, a location chosen for its close access to Christchurch waterways. T T Kelly Deeks “Our customers love talking about their boats, their trips, and their racing stories. We love hearing that because we are the same.” Sixty years after opening its doors, Christchurch-based Oborn’s Nautical is marking a milestone built on family leadership, specialist marine knowledge, and a willingness to evolve with changing industry demands. Founded in 1966 by Ted Oborn, the business has grown from a small Christchurch operation supplying hard-to-source boating equipment into a nationally recognised specialist, now supplying specialist products and rigging systems across sailing and marine, architectural, and structural applications. Third-generation owner, Matt Oborn, says the milestone is a proud moment for the family. “It is our 60th birthday and that is pretty special. My grandad Ted started the business, then my dad Grant drove it for about 50 years. I have taken over as the third generation, so there is a lot of family history here.” While Ted established the business, Matt says Grant was the key force behind its long-term growth, expanding operations and relocating the business as it developed into a larger marine supplier. Oborn’s Nautical now operates from Shakespeare Road in Waltham, a location chosen for its close access to Christchurch waterways. The company was born at a time when marine supplies were limited in New Zealand. As Christchurch’s sailing scene expanded, demand grew for specialist gear, repairs, and fabrication that were not readily available locally. Ted identified the gap and began producing and sourcing the equipment sailors needed. Today, the business operates a retail store, online sales, and workshop services covering ropes, rigging, mast repairs, spars, fittings, and marine safety equipment, supplying customers throughout New Zealand. A major turning point came with diversification into architectural and structural rigging, using marine-based systems for suspension cables, bracing, flag poles, balustrades, and engineered solutions across multiple sectors. The move opened new markets and helped smooth seasonal fluctuations in marine demand. Oborn’s Nautical has contributed to a number of Canterbury projects, including public artworks, structural cable systems, and commercial fit-outs, applying marine engineering principles in new environments. “We get some unusual requests, but that is what we enjoy,” says Matt. “A lot of our skills transfer from holding a mast up to supporting a sculpture or architectural feature.” Longstanding supplier relationships have played a key role in that capability, including Ronstan, which has supplied the business since the mid-1970s, forming a partnership of more than 50 years. Oborn’s Nautical has navigated major challenges, including the Christchurch earthquakes and Covid, adapting its operations while maintaining continuity for customers and suppliers. A major step forward came with the launch of its online store shortly before Covid, allowing the company to continue trading, refine its digital platform, and supply customers nationwide, including smaller centres without local marine suppliers. Matt says that adaptability, alongside strong relationships and practical experience, has been central to the company’s longevity. “We have built a good reputation around New Zealand for helping people and giving good service and specialist advice. “We are sailors ourselves, so we understand the products because we use them. “Our customers love talking about their boats, their trips, and their racing stories. We love hearing that because we are the same.” With Grant still regularly involved in the business, Matt says the focus remains firmly on steady improvement and customer support. “We want to keep improving, keep solving problems, and keep looking after people. If we do that, there is no reason we cannot keep going for many more years.”
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