Covid forces Auckland Boat Show to cancel for third time
The 2022 Auckland Boat Show, due to take place 17-20 March, has been cancelled.
Organisers say it is becoming “increasingly unlikely” that Auckland would be in the Orange Level of the country’s covid traffic-light system in time for the show to take place successfully. Therefore organisers have agreed that the only option is to cancel the show.
The news comes after the 2020 and 2021 editions of the show were both cancelled due to uncertainty over covid restrictions.
New Zealand’s longest-standing on-water boat show typically attracts thousands of visitors over four days in central Auckland and is one of Australasia’s leading boat shows. This year’s event had included the build of a made-for-purpose show marina, expanding on the America’s Cup marina facilities, which was to begin in late February.
“The set up for the show was scheduled to start in the next couple of weeks but, with New Zealand likely to be at Red Level of its Covid-19 framework, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s show; the third consecutive time it’s been necessary to cancel over the past couple of years,” says organiser Stacey Cook.
“Over 1.4 million New Zealanders go boating every year, so being on the water is part of our DNA. We’re devastated we won’t be able to share the latest in technology, equipment and new boat and engine models with visitors. It’s a huge loss to Auckland and to New Zealand.”
Cook encourages boaters to visit the Auckland Boat Show website to view the latest boats and products from companies that were to exhibit.
Exhibitors were supportive of the decision to focus on the next edition of the show, with unanimous agreement of cancellation during Friday’s meeting, according to organisers.
The New Zealand marine industry has enjoyed strong performance over the last couple of years, with local order books full as New Zealanders turn to their own lakes, rivers and oceans to enjoy the best of their backyard through the pandemic.
“We were delighted to hear from many of our exhibitors this morning of how busy they have been, with sales and services at a near all-time high,” adds Cook.
Dominic Lowe of Multihull Solutions says he has noticed an upsurge of interest nationwide. “There has been a very strong pre-owned market, which has gathered momentum over the last two years with more Kiwis remaining at home and wanting to get out on the water locally,” he says.
“This has resulted in fewer numbers of available pre-owned vessels throughout the industry, and now we are now seeing a dramatic increase in enquiry for new vessels.”
The Auckland Boat Show is run by the NZ Marine Industry Association for the benefit of its 500 members which manufacture and import boats and marine equipment or provide services nationwide.
The show will return in early 2023; from 9-12 March. While this year’s show was slated to be the biggest yet, organisers say they plan to come back bigger again in 2023, taking full advantage of using the space set aside in Jellicoe Harbour, previously the America’s Cup team bases, and next to the site from where Emirates Team New Zealand successfully defended the 36th America’s Cup.
Ticket holders will have their tickets automatically transferred to the 2023 show or will be able to receive refunds from iTicket; with more details available directly from iTicket soon.
