Marine industry blueprint

By ELLEN READ

Continued access to the foreshore and local government zoning to allow facilities near the water are vital for the marine industry's future, says a report.

Without such safeguards the industry's potential to double its $1.26 billion turnover by 2015 would suffer.

The study was released by the Marine Industry Association yesterday.

Association president Bob Tait said it showed the industry - the country's largest manufacturing sector behind primary industries - could continue to be one of the most valuable for the economy.

"The first manufactured export ever to leave these shores was a yacht. We have always been world leaders in yachting and are now the second largest producers of sailing superyachts in the world," he said.

Around 8000 full-time equivalent people are employed by almost 13,000 companies engaged in boatbuilding and supplying marine goods.

Of the sector's current turnover $525 million, or 42 per cent, is exported. The study forecasts the industry doubling in size in dollar terms by 2015, but only if its masterplan is put in place.

This plan includes requirements for strong leadership and trade organisations, continued investment in training and retaining qualified boat builders, exposure of the local industry to international designers and buyers, retention and attraction of international boating events, acquisition of land near deepwater access and the development of a marine centre at the Viaduct Harbour.

"This independent report shows very clearly that the marine industry can not only survive the loss of the America's Cup but can actually continue to grow at a very substantial rate," Tait said.

The Employment Relations Act was singled out for attention, with industry people saying "its application in many circumstances is seen as an impediment to business efficiency and therefore economic growth".

The study shows that the yachts and launches sector is the most vulnerable as other countries can produce these more cheaply. This leaves the domestic market vulnerable to competition.

Skilled workers, strong cluster groups, access to waterside sites to reduce cartage costs and regulations aimed at helping the industry were vital to protect New Zealand's position, it said.

New Zealand Marine


Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/marine