Under the theme, Navigating the Future,the NZ Marine Industry Conference 2025 brought together 140 delegates, 23 expert speakers, and ten supporting sponsors in what was the largest and most dynamic gathering in the event’s history, expertly emceed by Ross Blackman. Hosted by the NZ Marine Industry Association, this year’s conference, held 11 to 13 August at the stunning Trinity Wharf Hotel in Tauranga, explored technology and forward-focused strategies that are steering New Zealand’s $3 billion marine sector toward global leadership.
Marine industry leaders, from Bay of Islands to Invercargill, convened for two days of presentations, group discussions, networking, and sessions that inspired and informed. Trailblazers in the field of AI, Justin Flitter of New Zealand AI and Craig Fenton of Fenton Innovation, gave powerful and eye-opening sessions on the capabilities of AI, providing delegates with plenty of inspiration to take back to their workplaces. NZ Marine’s 100% owned MAST Academy of New Zealand also shared how they are using AI to drastically reduce the time needed to develop new qualifications and resources to train our industry’s apprentices and workforce.
The conference was also an opportunity for an update session on our 2023 Powering Up Boating panel. Representatives from Q-West Boatbuilders, EV Maritime, Vessev and Naut demonstrated their progress in sustainable power solutions – electric propulsion systems, hybrid technology, and foiling vessels underscored a commitment to clean, efficient boating. Conference delegates were also able to enjoy exhilarating demo rides, from the hotel wharf, on the newly launched 8m electric powerboat from Whangarei-based company Naut.
Export strategies were another key focus of the event with the founder of Navman and past director of Fusion, Sir Peter Maire sharing what he had learned from his many business ventures, on developing new products and successfully exporting and international marketing and distribution methods. Executive Director of Export NZ Joshua Tan enlightened delegates on the challenges and opportunities from the US initiated tariff wars. Beyond the technology and trend forecasting, the conference offered the perfect opportunity for marine industry leaders to connect and collaborate. The evening of Tuesday, 12 August, featured a lively conference dinner, where attendees enjoyed great food and wine, and were entertained by renowned New Zealand comedian Ben Hurley, a light- hearted end to a day filled with insight and innovation.
Attendees brought with them innovative ideas and the conference vibe demonstrated NZ’s marine industry is in good heart and is facing an exciting future. In opening the conference, President Tracey Stevenson said “It was great to see so many of our industry get together to celebrate successes and look into the future”. NZ Marine Executive Director Peter Busfield “We’re proud to see so many industry leaders uniting to navigate the future, together. This is key to our success”.
