His appointment marks an important step for NZ Marine in its efforts to continue to support and represent the marine sector across Aotearoa New Zealand.

As Executive Director, Gillespie will be responsible for setting the organisation’s strategic direction, strengthening relationships across industry, government, and the wider community, and leading NZ Marine through its next phase of development, and filling the large shoes left by Peter Busfield.

His main focus will be supporting New Zealand’s marine industry through the current fuel crisis while creating the  means for the association’s members to thrive when the economy recovers.

“New Zealand’s marine industry is resilient, but like others, the sector is grappling with rising fuel costs and weakened consumer demand, resulting in association members tightening their belts,” he stated.

Kiwis love getting on the water, which means that ordinarily we have a strong domestic market, and the New Zealand marine industry’s well-deserved reputation for quality, innovation and performance means that our products are in demand around the globe.

“Right now we are focused on supporting our members to weather this storm and preparing to make the most of improved conditions when they arrive.

“With a favourable exchange rate and a marine environment of exceptional beauty, New Zealand is a sought-after destination for cruising and superyachts. With superb onshore facilities that can support visiting yachts of all sizes, boat owners know that during a season in New Zealand they can experience some of the best sailing in the world and make use of our maintenance facilities to service or refit their boats.”

In his first weeks in the role he is taking the pulse of the industry and will be making the most of the opportunity to meet industry leaders and businesses at this weekend’s Hutchwilco Boat Show. Callum also brings a wealth of experience in financial and change management from a career in the banking sector.

The New Zealand marine industry spans recreational and commercial boat design, manufacture and maintenance, marine electronics, marina operators and related marine service providers. As one of New Zealand’s largest specialised manufacturing sectors it generates approximately NZ$3 billion in sales, NZ$800 million per annum in exports and employs 8,000 people across New Zealand. NZ Marine represents more than 500 industry members.

nzmarine.com