Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL), New Zealand’s leading marine electronics company and the manufacturer of the globally recognised WASSP multibeam sonar range, is proud to celebrate a significant milestone as Managing Director Gareth Hodson marks 30 years of service, with 15 years as Managing Director, a position he continues to hold.
Gareth’s connection with ENL and the marine industry stretches back even further than his official start date. At just 12 years old, he was involved in supporting the first Furuno Fishing Tournament on Waiheke Island, ferrying anglers ashore by tender during what would become one of New Zealand’s most iconic fishing events. The tournament went on to run for a further 19 years and became the largest marine event ever held on a New Zealand island.
Gareth officially joined ENL as a teenager, entering the marine electronics industry from an electrical background and qualifying as a Marine Electronics Technician in 1994. His early career included a role in product validation and research and development, followed by time on Canada’s east coast helping deploy an ENL-developed electronic net monitoring system for the commercial fishing sector.
Following an overseas rugby opportunity in Wales, where he played against renowned teams including Cambridge University and Cornwall County as part of the prestigious Crawshays touring side, Gareth returned to New Zealand and gained valuable commercial experience in the marine leisure sector before rejoining ENL as Commercial Product Manager.
Over the next three decades, Gareth progressed through the business, becoming a Director 20 years ago and Managing Director 15 years ago.
Under Gareth’s leadership, ENL has transformed from a highly respected New Zealand marine electronics company into a globally recognised marine technology business with established distribution channels in more than 40 countries. During this time, Gareth has played a pivotal role in the development and global expansion of the WASSP brand, helping establish New Zealand-designed and manufactured technology on vessels operating around the world.
Today, thousands of commercial operators, surveyors, researchers, offshore contractors, and vessel owners rely on WASSP multibeam technology to map, navigate, and understand the underwater environment.
“Gareth’s contribution to ENL has been extraordinary. His passion for innovation, commitment to customers, and determination to build a world-class New Zealand technology company have helped shape ENL into the organisation it is today. The growth of the WASSP brand and ENL’s international success are a direct reflection of Gareth’s leadership and vision.” Says head of R&D Matthew Taylor.
Throughout his career, Gareth has invested countless hours travelling internationally, building relationships with distributors, customers, and partners across the globe. His efforts have been instrumental in establishing ENL’s reputation as a trusted provider of advanced marine electronics and sonar technology.
At the same time, Gareth has championed investment in research and development, helping build a world-class engineering team that continues to develop innovative solutions for the commercial fishing, exploration and superyacht, offshore, defence, and hydrographic survey sectors.
Reflecting on his career, Gareth remains focused on the values that have underpinned ENL’s success.
“Our relationships and reputation as a marine electronics solutions provider are paramount,” said Hodson. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team and loyal customers throughout my career. What we’ve achieved together over the past 30 years is something I’m immensely proud of, and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for ENL and WASSP.”
As ENL celebrates Gareth’s 30-year milestone, the company also looks to the future, continuing to invest in innovation, global growth, and the next generation of marine technologies.
With more than 80 years of history and a presence in over 40 countries, ENL remains committed to delivering world-class marine solutions from New Zealand to the world.
