XPO Exhibitions is proud to announce Stabicraft, one of New Zealand’s most iconic aluminium boat manufacturers, as the Official Grand Prize Boat Partner for The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in 2027 and 2028. The two-year partnership reunites two of the country’s best-known boating names and coincides with Stabicraft’s 40th anniversary in 2027, providing the backdrop for what organisers expect to be a landmark year at New Zealand’s largest boating event.
Stabicraft and XPO are already developing a major anniversary activation. Full grand prize details, supporting partners and visitor experiences will be announced closer to the show. Stabicraft was selected following a competitive Expression of Interest process open to current and prospective boat, engine, trailer and marine technology partners.
Stabicraft has exhibited at the Boat Show for decades and previously supplied the grand prize boat from 2013 to 2015. Founded in Invercargill in 1987 by Paul Adams, the company has grown into an internationally exported New Zealand success story, built around innovation, safety and performance-driven aluminium design. Adams, a Boat Show Hall of Fame inductee, will join the Stabicraft team at the 2027 show.
Stabicraft CEO Aaron Greene said the company had achieved strong sales at the event over many years, including at the 2026 show. “We’re pumped to be partnering with XPO to tell our story of New Zealand manufacturing excellence and further showcase our brand as a leader in trailer boats, not only to New Zealand audiences, but to consumers and dealers from neighbouring countries too.”
XPO also acknowledged Surtees for its decade-long partnership as grand prize boat provider, during which more than $2.5 million in premium boat packages were given away, alongside valued support from Yamaha, Garmin, Hutchwilco and other marine suppliers.
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually. The first major announcement detailing the 2027 prize boat package will be released in the coming months. “Stabicraft, XPO and leading marine engine and technology providers are working on something very special,” said XPO Exhibitions’ Brent Spillane. “We believe this game-changing grand prize package will generate excitement across New Zealand and attract a significant uplift in high-intent visitors.”
