Showcase sells out!

The inaugural NZ Marine Export Showcase has sold out.

The Showcase, running throughout the ten days of the Auckland Stopover, is designed to offer New Zealand’s leading marine industry innovators and suppliers  a unique opportunity to exhibit products and information to the 200,000+ expected visitors and to build relationships with the international yachting world via access to the Volvo Ocean Race exclusive hospitality facility.

“The Auckland Stopover is bringing the elite of the international yachting world to New Zealand for the first time in a decade,” says Kerry Ellis, Head of Venues & Operations for the Stopover. “In recent years, NZ companies have had to work offshore to reach this exclusive market. The Showcase is a one-off opportunity for NZ marine export companies to market their products and services at home in a fantastic setting.”

The Showcase will feature just 30 stands on the ground floor of the brand-new world class Viaduct Events Centre, with the Volvo Open 70s fleet moored in Pit Lane as a backdrop. Showcase Exhibitors have access to the exclusive Latitude Lounge on the third floor of the Centre, giving them the chance to mingle with the movers and shakers of the international yachting world as well as offering first class hospitality to key customers and clients.

“Nothing like this has ever been done in New Zealand,” says Ellis. “New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and other government departments immediately recognised the huge potential economic benefits of the Showcase and are giving the event great support.”

The Auckland Stopover has appointed a Network Manager to liaise with all Exhibitors over the coming months to develop and deliver an individual marketing programme around the Showcase.

“This will include support for international activity at the other Stopovers, communication with international specialist media, setting up factory tours and a wide range of other activities,” says Ellis. “One of our key legacy aims is to create lasting benefits for New Zealand’s marine industry and we will be providing all the support we can to our Exhibitors.”

PM views trophy

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key viewed the Volvo Ocean Race trophy at the official opening of the Auckland International Boat Show on 14 September.

Key (right), pictured with Peter Busfield, CEO of the NZ Marine Industry Association, officially opened the event which was held in the Viaduct Harbour - the venue for the Race Village for next year's Auckland Stopover during the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race.

Hundreds of high-class power and sail, new and used, private, charter and classic vessels were on display on the specially constructed floating marina. The show spanned both sides of the Viaduct, starting with exhibits on Te Wero island and coming across to the Marine Village where the latest boats, marine engines, electronics and accessories were on display.

Volunteer manager appointed

Ruth Tuiraviravi has been appointed to head up the Volunteer Programme for the Auckland Stopover. 

A former NZ national rower and aid worker, Tuiraviravi developed and managed the very successful volunteer programme for the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro.

"We're delighted to welcome Ruth on board," says Port Director Tom Mayo. "She brings top level expertise in this area and will do a fantastic job for the Auckland Stopover."