Whangarei Marine Group

12/06/2022

We look forward to welcoming you ⚓

New Zealand's border to open fully from July 31
New Zealand’s international border will reopen to visa applications, including for visitors and students at 11.59pm on 31 July, two months earlier than planned, reconnecting families, businesses and migrant communities.

Airlines and cruise ship companies planning a return to New Zealand in the peak spring and summer seasons will have the certainty they need to plan as the maritime border will open to foreign-flagged vessels at 11.59pm on 31 July.

Kia Ora! Greetings!Welcome to my home Aotearoa – Land of the Long White Cloud. I am tangata whenua, the people of this land. My ancestors were spiritually co...

05/06/2022

The Whangarei Marine Promotions group would like to extend a warm welcome to visiting yacht owners and their crew.

Whangarei has a strong tradition of boat building and is a leading marine centre with professional companies and talented craftsmen.

We are confident you will find the experience and expertise needed for any repairs or a full refit of your yacht.

In addition to a full range of marine services and supplies, you will also find Whangarei and the surrounding area a place to spend some time enjoying our famous New Zealand landscape.

Discover the Whangarei District.Enjoy the subtropical climate, rich culture, incredible walks and beaches, and beautiful waterfalls. Find fabulous markets, m...

01/06/2022

All Marine, all the time

“Passionate about all things marine”

All Marine began life over 40 years ago, originally known as Cater Marine Whangarei.

The well-loved chandlery store enjoyed a full rebrand in 2006, becoming All Marine, and growing into a larger, more extensive supply store for visiting yachties and local boaties.
With a heritage spanning more than 40 years, All Marine have firmly cemented their reputation as the Whangarei marine experts, getting boaties back in the water where they belong.

Northland is a boat-owner’s paradise, and their team live and breathe boats just as much as their customers.

Locally well known owners Richard and Dianne finished up their time at All Marine as of May this year.

The couple made the decision to sell All Marine and enjoy a semi-retired lifestyle with lots of boating time included, of course.

The new owner Brent Klink is a genuine, down to earth Kiwi bloke with a keen interest in boats and all things boating related. Brent is looking forward to continuing to provide the exceptional service that All Marine has been known for since its inception.

“All of our in-store crew are boaties, meaning you won’t have to explain yourself or use landlubber terms when dealing with us.”

Their skill sets cover the full spectrum, with Paul and his extensive yachting knowledge, Helene the fishing fiend, and Kerry, who keeps the office ticking and is our backup for running the shop with all its products.

What they don’t stock they can usually source in short order, and they also specialise in sourcing the hard-to-get gear. The All Marine team get just as excited about new products as their customers, but are sure to get hands-on experience with new marine equipment before they promote it to their fellow boat enthusiasts.

“We only source and supply marine chandlery we trust – giving us a reputation as Whangarei’s marine experts.”

“We can also assist with installation of electronics, anchor winches, bow thrusters and if we don’t know how to do it we will know someone that does.”

If you are after enthusiasm, in-depth product knowledge and down-to-earth good old-fashioned customer care, visit All Marine at Port Road.

31/05/2022

ABSOLUTE STAINLESS

Celebrating twenty one years in business this October 2022, Whangarei based Absolute Stainless has established a polished reputation for quality craftsmanship, timely delivery and good customer service.

Specialising in the fabrication of aluminium and stainless products for the commercial, marine and residential sectors, the company’s range of projects is diverse and often designed for the high-end market.

Brass and copper is also becoming a favourite of high-end architects and discerning clients looking for something just a little different and the team at Absolute Stainless is happy to oblige.

The driving force behind Absolute Stainless is husband and wife team Sue and Simon Mehrtens. After gaining extensive knowledge working in the marine/boat building industry in Perth, Western Australia, Simon returned to New Zealand where he continued to work in the marine industry in Whangarei.

After seeing a gap in the local market for high quality stainless fabrication Absolute Stainless was born in 2001. Initially working out of a small shed, in 2019 the business was relocated to a new purpose-built workshop in Logyard Road, Port Nikau, Whangarei.

“The workshop is now large enough to fit all the machinery that we need to get the work done, says Sue. Having the larger premises means we can accommodate larger machines and undertake larger projects.”

Currently the commercial sector would be our largest industry with many large and varied jobs, from commercial kitchens fit outs; fabricating benches, shelves and extractor units; the manufacture of handrails and balustrades in public facilities; custom made level-entry drains; drink fountains, custom
flashings and internal guttering’s.

We were very proud to have built the Golden Cupola for the new
Hundertwasser Building. That’s a large gilded aluminium dome with a 1200mm diameter stainless steel ball on the top of it.

“That was an awesome project to be involved with.”

Absolute Stainless have recently built and installed the Rolling Ball Clock that has taken pride of place in the Whangarei Town Basin.

Measuring 6m x 4m by 2.5m high and encased in a glass structure with a distinctive curved roof, balls roll around the clock on polished stainless steel rods that indicate the time.

Working on all sized vessels either doing maintenance and repairs or producing new fittings, Absolute Stainless’s marine products includes bow rails, handrails, ladders, rocket launchers, bow rollers, bollards, bimini supports, rod holders and specialised brackets and various items for the galley.

"Our residential work includes interior and exterior fittings and structural work for local, rural and coastal environments."

With a talented team of tradesmen and apprentices and a supportive vibe within the workshop, Absolute Stainless has forged a relationship with many repeat customers looking for a unique custom made projects, but always with quality in mind.

We welcome all new customers.

30/05/2022

The place to be 🫶

Beautiful islands are dotted along Whangarei’s coastline, some offering good overnight anchorages for cruising boats. These include the highly-acclaimed divers’ paradise, the Poor Knights, and the towering Hen and Chicken Islands.

The coastline also boasts some of the most attractive coves and beaches in the country. Ranked 3rd in the world with National Geographic.

Just a couple of hours north of Auckland, discover the subtropical Whangārei district. Explore the attractive city and Town Basin precinct. Discover the supe...

25/05/2022

|| Member Highlight ||

Canvas and Covers Whangarei is a local, family owned and operated business by Brendan and Penny Lockie.

"Our focus is on providing a great service and creating high quality custom products, using only materials that we know and trust."

They are located in central Whangarei on Reyburn street, so are are easy to find, and within walking distance from the marina and hardstands for any visiting sailors.

If you have any canvas work you require, be it boat work, shade sails, awnings, outdoor curtains, ziptrak screens, trailer covers or anything else you can think of, they can help you out. They service the Whangarei and greater northland area.

"We can give you a free, no obligation quote and are very mobile so if you cant get to us, we can come to you. We take pride in all our work no matter the size of the job. We only use quality materials that are made to last as well as look the part."

Come and see us!
​
Canvas and Covers Whangarei ltd
13 Reyburn street
Whangarei, NZ

23/05/2022

Blue is Back

The South Pacific is open to superyachts and primed to be the next great charter destination.

Coordinated superyacht chartering procedures in the main South Pacific countries, eased border restrictions, safe cruising, diversity of sights and new marina and refit facilities, have created irresistible cruising in the world’s most undiscovered destination; the South Pacific.

Earth’s playground is open for business. New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and Australia have coordinated superyacht procedures for ease of cruising across this ultimate destination.

Each country boasts widely-differing and interesting cultures, sights and cruising grounds, but with the added bonus of closely aligned charter and entry rules. This allows yachts to enjoy multiple seasons across the vast blue of the South Pacific, including consecutive charter seasons.

All four countries have announced removal of Covid-19 border restrictions and from August 2022, visiting yachts can stay two or more years in each country on a revolving basis that now allows them to enjoy the South Pacific indefinitely.

The coordination allows superyachts to create multiple charter seasons across the wide blue spaces of the South Pacific. With the countries dotted down the Pacific and each equipped with superyacht infrastructure, yachts are able to plan seasons in Tahiti and Fiji, before moving on to spend time in New
Zealand and Australia, and back into the islands if they choose.

The refit hub of New Zealand allows for warrantee repairs and service schedules for new builds, or complex refits to be undertaken to facilitate multiple seasons.

The South Pacific offers a year-long summer climate for charter yachts, with the Tahiti and Fiji season from May to October and the New Zealand and Australian season from October to May.

The islands of the South Pacific deliver idyllic atolls, white sand beaches, crystalline waters and rich cultural experiences, while New Zealand boasts an adventure around every headland, award-winning hospitality, the adrenaline capital of the world, and ancient landscapes. Australia is a haven for wildlife found
nowhere else on earth, cosmopolitan cities, and long reaches of white, sandy coastline.

With endless stretches of islands and beaches, untouched dive sites, superyacht-friendly legislation, safe destinations and welcoming cultures, the South Pacific is well on its way to becoming the world’s next great charter hot spot and ultimate getaway for superyacht owners.

How to get there? Superyacht New Zealand has produced a summary of the entry rules for each South Pacific country and a fact sheet for superyachts visiting New Zealand, which can be found at www.superyachtnewzealand.co.nz

23/05/2022

|| LOCAL STORY ||

Whangarei company successfully pivoting with trying times

Wynn Fraser Paints was established in 1948 by Northland entrepreneur and identity, Wynn Fraser. Having been established in 1948 the business has grown from a very small general store in Ruakaka, still visible on the state highway, to the largest independently owned coatings distributer in New Zealand.

The business was most recently purchased by Allan Gray in 2017. Supported by a talented team of colleagues who are committed to continuous improvement, they are proud to have won various industry awards including the Westpac Business of the Year Award on multiple occasions.

The Wynn Fraser team are renowned for their exceptional knowledge, and the expert advice and support they offer to paint professionals in the automotive, industrial, marine, wood care and decorative trades.

“This year marks four and a half years since I purchased the company,” Allan says. “The time has absolutely flown by and I have had an absolute ball. I am so proud of what has been achieved by the team here as it has developed over that time. Just like any great team always changing, always growing, always improving.”

One of the biggest challenges over these recent unpredictable years has been in automotive colour and to a lesser extent industrial coatings. Most of the supply issues Wynn Fraser Paints are experiencing is related to world-wide constraints on raw materials and logistic demands that are out of their control.

“As one can imagine that has put those left standing under a great deal of pressure and I have to admit that in some areas we are not able to offer the same level of service that you would normally expect from us. All I can do is apologise for that and ask for your continued patience and understanding, we will soon all be out of this, fingers crossed.”

That said, the shop looks better than ever. The business development team out in the market are well respected and operate with a high level of skill and integrity and the shop based team are doing a great job to keep walk-in customers well serviced as well as ensuring the team out in the field are well catered for. To try to mitigate the current supply issues Wynn Fraser Paints purchases in bulk when it is available.

“The shop is currently bursting at the seams with over $1,500,000 of stock,” says Allan, “so if we don’t have exactly what you want we should have a viable alternative. To try to minimise price increases we are now also parallel importing as much as we can.”

The local team are very lucky to be supported by some of the very best suppliers here in New Zealand which makes a real difference to how they can look after their customer’s needs.

Wynn Fraser Paints

20/05/2022

WHANGAREI MARINE GROUP

The Whangarei Marine Group was set up to promote, streamline and improve the services available to international yachts visiting our unique city. Membership is open to all Whangarei marine businesses with a proven track record of quality work and service in Whangarei.

Our members offer a comprehensive range of top quality and easily accessible services. They agree to abide by the Group’s code of conduct, which ensures a high standard of work and customer satisfaction.

Whangarei has a strong tradition of boat building and servicing the marine industry. Among the Marine Group’s members are many long-established businesses. Some are small family affairs where the person doing the work is also the owner, while others have developed into large companies. The theme running through them all is a commitment to quality and their customers: the visiting sailors.

If you need information or help finding services you can contact any of our members, whose details are provided on this website.

www.whangareimarine.co.nz

Using the information we provide on our website owners and crew of yachts cruising in the South Pacific can either plan and make bookings for major refits well ahead, or if they need more urgent work done, they can have their needs rapidly assessed.

The logic is simple: without the visiting yachts Whangarei would not have such a vibrant and diverse marine industry. Local boaties and sailors, many of whom work in the marine industries, also benefit from these high quality services, as does the community at large, who enjoy hosting such an interesting range of visitors.

Many of our clients are repeat customers or have heard about our city’s reputation from others sailing the South Pacific. We are client-focused businesses, who know that if we provide exceptional customer services and workmanship, then you will be our best advertisers.

17/05/2022

MEMBER PROFILE

Metro Glass has always strived to offer their customers the highest level of product availability and the highest standards of technical expertise and workmanship.

The company has a designated team which specialises in marine contracts requiring compliance to ABS, NZMSA and Lloyds survey, which necessitates the continual upgrading of their own glazing systems from all available avenues of technology. This level of expertise carries over to smaller and larger refit projects, sealant and adhesive knowledge, and stocks of same for supply for many purposes.

Metro Glass also has the ability to form Acrylic and Polycarbonate to any shape. Compound curved toughened and laminated glass is also available with little delay. Our friendly and competent team are always available to discuss and advise.

28 Porowini Ave Whangarei
Phone: (09) 438 9399
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.metrodirect.co.nz

13/05/2022

WYNN FRASER PAINTS

Welcome to Whangarei, please come in and see
why we are Northland's favourite paint shop or ask your fellow cruisers.

Qualified and knowledgeable team

Best range in Northland (& probably NZ)

Free Yard visits for tailor-made specifications & advice

Special Deal for Cruising Yachties

GST exempt

Free delivery

It's easy to find us at 8 Okara Drive
Ph: 09 438 1624
Freephone: 0800 499 663,
Fax 09 438 3740

[email protected]
www.wynnfraser.co.nz

12/05/2022

EVERYTHING A CRUISING YACHT OWNER COULD ASK FOR!

Beautiful islands are dotted along Whangarei’s coastline, some offering good overnight anchorages for cruising boats. These include the highly-acclaimed divers’ paradise, the Poor Knights, and the towering Hen and Chicken Islands. The coastline also boasts some of the most attractive coves and beaches in the country. Ranked 3rd in the world with National Geographic.

Whangarei’s sub-tropical climate means water sports and paddle boarding rate highly on the local community’s agenda and include diving, surfing, kayaking, kite-boarding and great fishing.

Road trips and tours will lead you to discover the beauty of the district’s countryside, with fertile farming and horticultural land interspersed with native bush and exotic forest plantations. Townships throughout the Whangarei District offer local galleries, museums, wineries, eateries, parks, tours and special events.

Accommodation throughout the district ranges from camping grounds through family-run B&Bs to first class waterside accommodation.

www.whangareimarine.co.nz