Industries

The marine construction and refit industry, clustered mostly in the Whangarei and Opua Harbours, contributes over $60 million to the regional economy and employs over 450 people.

McRaes Group - specialising in marine hydraulics and engineering

The sector includes a core group of boatbuilders that build, repair and refit vessels including naval vessels, workboats, pleasure craft and superyachts.

Advantages include low labour and land costs, established facilities and a solid support industry of trades and professional services.

Whangarei also has established relationships and experience in naval shipbuilding. Work has commenced on a $100 million naval contract at the Whangarei Tenix yard.

Whangarei based SMI Group construct handcrafted interiors for luxury vessels

Whangarei and Opua are also often the first entry points for yachties sailing to New Zealand to escape the Pacific hurricane season.

Maintenance services available to these vessels include refrigeration, electronics and electrical, engine supply and service, haul-out and hard-stand, engineering, chandlery, glazing, sail and canvas makers, paint, riggers and sand blasters.

A focused industry group has been established, with representation from both the private and public sectors, to address challenges faced by the sector.

Related Websites

• Enterprise Northland
  Find out more about, and download reports on, the marine construction and re-fit industries in Northland
• New Zealand Herald: New Chapter for Whangarei Ship Building Industry
  View an article about the Tenix Navy contract