NZ Marine Transport Association

Hot off the press – the September/October issue of Professional Skipper is out now!

Inside, we take a closer look at Victoria Police’s powerful new Kiwi-built patrol vessel, explore the hidden forces driving our ocean currents, go behind the scenes with a cruise ship captain, celebrate Panapa Paniora’s journey from skipper to mentor, and launch our new Women in Maritime column.

Looking for a Father’s Day gift? Subscribe during September and go in the draw to win a $250 Prezzy Card and a free annual subscription. The winner will be announced in our next issue.

Subscribe now at www.skipper.co.nz

Nelson’s marine sector has every reason to be proud.
Our latest issue of Skipper magazine has had a fabulous response from right around the motu, and we were delighted to shine a spotlight on the new Calwell development at Port Nelson and the wider network of port and precinct businesses that make Nelson one of the strongest marine service hubs in the southern hemisphere.
This issue also features the remarkable repower of Sealord’s factory trawler Tōkatu, one of the most impressive engine refits completed in New Zealand, delivered in Nelson by a skilled regional team.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, opened their doors, shared their stories and helped showcase the depth of capability sitting around Nelson’s working waterfront.
Read more at www.skipper.co.nz

We’re proud to be a sponsor of the NZ Marine Transport Association Conference 2026, being held at the Beehive today.

This year’s programme is focused on Building the Future Fleet — bringing together Operators, Innovators, and Regulators to shape what’s next for the industry.

We’re excited to be part of the conversation and support the future of marine transport.

What a fantastic few days in Wellington at the 2026 Q-West Boat Builders NZMTA Conference.

It was a real privilege to stand before industry peers and announce the recipients of this year’s NZMTA Young Seafarer of the Year and NZMTA Seafarer of the Year awards—recognising two outstanding individuals who represent the strength, professionalism, and future of New Zealand’s maritime sector.

Congratulations to our winners:

🏆 NZMTA Young Seafarer of the Year – Levon Mosdell, Marlborough Tour Company

A well-deserved recognition for an emerging maritime professional already demonstrating exceptional commitment, capability, and leadership potential early in their career.

🏆 NZMTA Seafarer of the Year – Rob McKnight, Fullers360

A fitting acknowledgement of a highly respected industry professional whose contribution to New Zealand maritime reflects excellence, dedication, and service to the sector.

These awards are a reminder of the depth of talent we have across our industry—from the next generation stepping forward, through to those who continue to lead by example.

A sincere thank you to Margaret Wind, Chris Musgrave and the entire NZMTA committee for delivering another excellent conference and bringing the industry together once again.

And now, attention turns to 2027—an especially significant year as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the NZMTA. A milestone worth celebrating, and I’ve no doubt next year’s conference will be something special.

The latest issue of Professional Skipper is out now, bringing together the people, vessels and issues shaping New Zealand’s boating and maritime sector.
This month we head to Picton, where TCC Boats has delivered Intrepid, a smart new catamaran for Beachcomber Cruises and tourism work in the Marlborough Sounds. We also look at how conflict around the Strait of Hormuz reaches New Zealand through fuel prices, freight costs and export disruption, and why freedom of navigation matters so much to a trading nation.
Inside the issue, we explore maritime history, rogue waves, marine survey advice, ports, marinas, fisheries, ocean law, Navy news, TAIC, Maritime NZ updates and more.
A strong issue full of local stories, practical insight and sector perspective.
www.skipper.co.nz

NZMTA Q-West Conference - 2 weeks to go -

NZMTA Q-West Conference - 2 weeks to go Final preparations are underway for the Q-West NZMTA Conference 2026, with the maritime sector set to come together in Wellington on 13–14 May.

NZMTA Conference 2026 - Join us in Wellington -

NZMTA Conference 2026 - Join us in Wellington The countdown is on for the 2026 NZMTA Conference, with a terrific response already from across the sector and strong interest in what promises to be a valuable and enjoyable event in Wellington.

NZMTA Conference 2026 - Join us in Wellington -

NZMTA Conference 2026 - Join us in Wellington This year’s theme, ‘Building the Future Fleet - Operators. Innovators. Regulators’, speaks directly to the issues shaping our sector right now - regulation, workforce development, vessel innovation, safety, resilience, port access, investment and more.