New Zealand’s marine sector goes global and social with a networking initiative linking expat-Kiwis and their pool of connections, expertise and reputation to lift the local industry.
Launched by the brand new Zealand Marine Industry (NZMI), the hot social network may be open to Kiwis working within the marine sector worldwide who would like to support their home industry.
The selection of expat-Kiwis engaged on superyachts and within the supporting marine industry abroad is estimated at thousands, and their combined connections and good reputation are seen as a valuable resource in driving new business home.
The new initiative ‘Friends of NZ Marine’ is geared toward harnessing those Kiwi connections through social media networks to assist boost future business. The recent Zealand marine industry currently has NZ$1.7 billion turnover which incorporates NZ$650m in exports – from a workforce of 8000 employees including 450 apprentices.
The aim is to double exports inside the next seven years.
Emirates Team New Zealand
NZ Marine Industry executive director Peter Busfield said Friends of NZ Marine was launched on the Auckland Emirates Team New Zealand base, because they’re among the New Zealand industry’s most dynamic ambassadors.
“Emirates Team New Zealand is the most effective example of what Friends of NZ Marine is all about. It truly is high profile, has a name for the very best quality and is made of a collection of people that have many, many connections worldwide.”
At the time of the announcement the ETNZ base was being dismantled and loaded into containers, at the side of the large AC72 catamaran to be shipped to San Francisco for the forthcoming 34th America’s Cup.
New Zealand may have a sturdy presence both off and on the water in San Francisco, and Busfield believes Friends of NZ Marine can be well positioned to take maximum good thing about Emirates Team New Zealand’s high profile. The initiative may also be aimed toward international boat shows, conferences and the networks of NZMI’s 450 member companies.