Australian Marine Exporters in force in Auckland

by AIMEX on 22 Sep 2011 With New Zealand being a significant trading partner for the Australian marine sector a number of Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) businesses exhibited at the recent Auckland International Boat Show, 15-18 September.

This show is one that many businesses exhibit at each year. This year AIMEX exhibitors reported a particularly successful show and were pleased with the quality of visitors with many leads to follow up.

'Auckland International Boat Show has been a show on our calendar for many years, this year the enquiry level has been really encouraging with considerable leads,' said Steve Vincent – Austral Propellers and AIMEX Director.

Sean Griffin, GME stated: 'Whilst GME is a regular exhibitor at this event, we attended the 2011 show without any great expectations. The marine market in NZ has been pretty flat for the past 12 months; however, we were pleasantly surprised by the number and quality of visitors to our booth over the duration of the show and particularly the very keen interest and sales of GME’s GPS equipped EPIRBs. From an exhibitor’s perspective, I would also complement the show organisers, Marine NZ for their professional approach and excellent attention to detail.'

Carl Amor, Director at Aqualuma Marine Lighting was at the show with dealers and distributors based in New Zealand. Carl said 'The show was very good for Aqualuma and business enquiries increased from the past years.'

Despite the current exchange rate, there also appeared to be considerable interest in Australian boat builders with LeisureCat Australia, Seawind Catamarans and Lightwave Yachts all pleased with the interest in their boats, particularly the multi hull models. The recent legislation changes resulting in purchasing boats and cruising Australian waters for up to 12 months with no GST incurred has certainly been a positive selling point for these builders.

Louise Overall from Lightwave Yachts said: 'Our previous buyers have said that the recent changes in GST legislation would have been another great draw card for their buying an Australian boat, this is really encouraging and we are certainly promoting this excellent change to prospective buyers at the show.'

Australian companies present at Auckland International Boat Show included Aqualuma Marine Lighting, Adit Marine, Austral Propellers, GME, LeisureCat Australia, Lightwave Yachts, Ocean Media, PolyFlex Group, Pyrotek Noise Control, Ronstan International and Seawind Catamarans.