Trends and opportunities Download PDF
The market
The marine sector is New Zealand ’s largest non-primary industry. The New Zealand marine industry has a total product and services value of approximately A$1 billion and employs over 8000 people.
The industry has undergone significant growth over the last 10 years and it is forecast to further increase of 80 per cent by 2015.
New Zealand’s coastline, access to rivers and lakes, and temperate climate provides ideal conditions for marine activities. There are a large number of ports and marinas, which host a mixture of recreational and commercial activities.
New Zealand has excelled at superyacht manufacture (ranked sixth in the world) and developing a highly-skilled labour force. The competitive exchange rate, when compared to the USA and Europe, has assisted New Zealand to achieve its market share.
New Zealand is a significant and highly successful competitor in all forms of competitive sailing. It has a record of sustained achievement in the America’s Cup, and international ocean racing, in general.
Opportunities
While there are opportunities for Australian manufacturers, the market is extremely competitive and local operators have lower logistic costs supplying the local market. There is, however, significant opportunity to leverage economies of scale to provide component materials to New Zealand manufacturers.
There is regular demand for new ferries to replace existing vessels. Ferries transport cars, trucks, freight and passengers between the North and South Island (Wellington to Picton). Cities that have substantial harbours, such as Auckland and Wellington, use ferry passenger services.
Overall, the best opportunities in the marine industry in New Zealand are:
- Components and chandlery
- Materials into the New Zealand industry
- Competitively, well specified pleasure craft
- Working boats
- Defence vessels
Further information
For more detailed market information on New Zealand register your details here or for further information and to discuss your specific export needs to this market contact our New Zealand marine specialists within our Austrade New Zealand Marine Team |