Helping More Women Get Confident on the Water As an industry, we spend a lot of time talking about boats, engines, electronics and safety equipment. But one of the biggest opportunities to improve boating safety starts with something much simpler—confidence. That’s where Wild Chix is making a real difference. Founded by Isabell, Wild Chix is a New Zealand organisation dedicated to empowering women in the outdoors through practical, hands-on education. Their boating programmes are designed to help women gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to become active, capable crew members and confident skippers. Many women spend years on boats but have never… Read More

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, which returns to Auckland Showgrounds from 14–17 May, marks a milestone, as the country’s longest‑running boat show celebrates 70 years.  Since its earliest days, the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show has evolved alongside the country’s boating and fishing culture. In 2026, that legacy is front and centre, with special activations and a programme designed to honour the past while showcasing the very latest in marine innovation. With more than 40 new companies on board, emerging technology and fresh industry releases, the show has cemented itself as New Zealand’s largest marketplace for boating and fishing.  Alongside the anniversary celebrations, visitors can expect a host… Read More

Quality boats and innovations, serious buyers and strong industry on Sunday after four busy days at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour. With 235 boats on display, more than 200 exhibitors and an estimated 1,200 sea trial trips, boat sellers reported strong interest from genuine prospective buyers, while exhibitors launching new products and equipment also reported significant sales activity and valuable industry connections forged across the four-day event. Quality was evident across the entire event and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many observed that crowds were genuine, serious boat owners and enthusiasts, there to explore new boats and equipment, connect with… Read More

Confidence, courage and backing yourself were the themes of the Auckland Boat Show’s inaugural Women in Marine event, which drew a crowd of 115 industry professionals on 5 March. The gathering highlighted the growing contribution of women across the marine sector, from on-the-ground operations to sailing,  media and business leadership. Speakers included Olympic Gold Medallist and America’s Cup trailblazer Jo Aleh, founder of Wild Chix Isabell Zitzelsberger, and Ocean Media’s Managing Director Hillary Buckman, Managing Director of Ocean Media, with MC marina industry veteran Nicky Vaux. “What stood out for me was that each of these leading women had the… Read More

The line-up of boats, activities and exhibitors in next month’s Auckland Wooden Boat Festival has been revealed. Majestic A-class yachts with B-Class and K-Class beauties. Classic launches and old-school work boats, and a treasured restored scow. An Australian ‘Couta’ boat, a converted fishing trawler, cruising boats with stories to tell, and passage yachts that have been the places dreams are made. Iconic racing legends from decades past, and just about every rig configuration you can imagine. More than 100 of New Zealand’s best examples of maritime history will be on display at the upcoming Auckland Wooden Boat Festival.  And that’s… Read More

With one year to go, The Ocean Race 2027 is set to deliver the ultimate test in offshore sailing with a monster of an opening leg from Alicante to Auckland – the longest in race history. The record-breaking opening leg will take crews halfway around the world, setting sail on January 17, 2027, from Alicante, Spain, embarking on an unprecedented first leg that will take them to the other side of the planet, with an anticipated arrival in Auckland of February 20. The extraordinary 14,000 nautical mile passage will set the tone for what is widely regarded as the toughest… Read More

S Auckland’s waterfront came alive last night as superyacht captains, crew, and industry leaders gathered for New Zealand’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function, the largest networking event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Hosted by NZ Marine, the event brought together representatives from 50 leading marine companies and crew from approximately 30 superyachts. Guests enjoyed an evening of connection and collaboration, with newcomers celebrating their first season in New Zealand alongside returning crew eager to share experiences. Peter Busfield, Executive Director of NZ Marine, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to captains and crew for choosing New Zealand, while acknowledging the… Read More

Photo credit: Live Sail Die The Auckland Wooden Boat Festival comes back to the city’s waterfront in March 2026 and organisers are calling for owners of wooden boats, big and small, from sailing boats to run abouts to work boats, to unite in bringing the event to life.  The date is set for 13-15 March 2026, across four neighbouring Auckland venues: the Viaduct Events Centre, Jellicoe Harbour, the New Zealand Maritime Museum and the Percy Vos Heritage Boat Shed. A flagship event of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival, the free event is created to tell the stories of the… Read More

Keynote speaker Justin Flitter of New Zealand Ai leads delegates in an AI workshop. Under the theme “Navigating the Future,” the NZ Marine Industry Conference 2025 brought together 140 delegates, 23 expert speakers, and ten supporting sponsors in what was the largest and most dynamic gathering in the event’s history, expertly emceed by Ross Blackman.Hosted by the NZ Marine Industry Association, this year’s conference, held 11 to 13 August at the stunning Trinity Wharf Hotel in Tauranga, explored technology and forward-focused strategies that are steering New Zealand’s $3 billion marine sector toward global leadership. Our conference venue – Trinity Wharf… Read More

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′… Read More