By David Farrier
According to a new study, New Zealand is the 11th best country in the world for growing business. And today, boating business was alive and well at the final day of the Auckland on Water Boat Show.
“Really pleased – really starts the mark of the summer season,” says marine Peter Busfield.
Mr Busfield organises the show and says despite tough economic times, business is booming.
The editor of Skipper, a magazine for Skippers, agrees.
“When you see exhibitors happy, that means there's a lift in the economy,” says Keith Ingram. “Because to be fair, maritime industry has had a hard hit. But this has shown there's a light at the end of the tunnel.”
An estimated 100 boats have sold at the show, some for millions of dollars. Then there are the gadgets.
One simulator lets boat lovers try out the Hamilton Jet HT 1000 – just like playing Xbox.
Outside, there are boats galore. There's one called The Godfather and one that's Simply Red.
Richard Wardenberg has sold a few hybrids, powered by solar panels.
“The other great thing is that it's a big power plant,” says Mr Wardenberg. “Everything on board – we have a big fridge, microwave, inner-wave, no gas, no risk of explosion.”
More than 20,000 came through over the past few days, looking at boats.
The lifeguards told me it was a quiet day for them, but they did have to rescue a lady who fell in yesterday.
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