Peter Busfield: How New Zealand Built a World-Class Marine Industry

What can the rest of the boating world learn from New Zealand?

In this episode of The Boat Princess Podcast, Nicky Vaux sits down with one of the most influential figures in the New Zealand marine industry, Peter Busfield, former Executive Director of the NZ Marine Industry Association, former CEO of NZ Marine Export Inc and Superyacht NZ, and former President of the Boating Industries Association of New Zealand.

Peter has spent more than 30 years helping shape and represent New Zealand’s marine sector, and in this conversation we explore his remarkable career, his lifelong love of boating and the industry he has played such an important role in developing.

We talk about the Auckland Boat Show, which Peter helped establish in the late 1990s. First held in 1999, it has developed into New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show and operates under a model that is increasingly unusual internationally.

The Auckland Boat Show is owned and managed by the NZ Marine Industry Association. It is an industry-led, not-for-profit event designed to promote New Zealand’s marine sector, with funds generated by the show reinvested into initiatives that support and grow the industry.

Peter and I discuss whether this model could offer lessons for other marine markets as boat shows around the world evolve. In Australia, for example, we have recently seen greater involvement from commercial event operators such as Informa. It raises an interesting question for the future: who should own and operate a boat show — the marine industry itself or a professional commercial event company?

We also talk about the Millennium Cup, New Zealand’s prestigious superyacht regatta, and the role events such as this play in showcasing New Zealand as a world-class destination for superyachts, marine tourism, refit, boatbuilding and the wider marine industry.

Another fascinating part of our conversation is New Zealand’s approach to developing the next generation of marine talent through MAST Academy and its marine apprenticeship and training pathways. We discuss the importance of creating skilled boatbuilders, marine technicians and specialist tradespeople — and why investing in training is so critical to the future of the boating industry.

Peter shares his thoughts on how the industry has changed during his career, why a relatively small country like New Zealand continues to punch well above its weight in international boatbuilding and the superyacht sector, and what the future of boating, boat shows, marine apprenticeships and major marine events might look like.

And, of course, we talk about something Peter and I have very much in common — a genuine love of boats and being on the water.

A fascinating conversation with a man who has spent three decades helping steer the New Zealand marine industry.

Topics discussed: Peter Busfield | NZ Marine | Auckland Boat Show | Millennium Cup | New Zealand Marine Industry | MAST Academy | Marine Apprenticeships | Boatbuilding | Superyacht NZ | New Zealand Superyachts | Marine Industry Training | Boat Shows | Future of Boating | Marine Tourism | The Boat Princess Podcast

What is it really like to work aboard some of the world’s largest and most luxurious superyachts?

My guest, Erin Pickering, knows firsthand.

Erin began her career in the media world in Australia, but quickly realised that spending the rest of her twenties behind a desk wasn't for her. So she did something rather brave — she boarded a one-way flight to Europe and set out to find herself a job in yachting.

She secured her first position aboard a 35-metre Sunseeker, beginning a career that would take her through the ranks of the superyacht industry and ultimately to the role of Purser aboard Steven Spielberg's megayacht.

But behind the glamour of the superyacht world lies a very different reality.

In this conversation, Erin and I talk about the isolation and intensity of working aboard yachts, the extraordinary standards expected of crew and what actually happens behind the scenes when you're looking after some of the wealthiest people in the world.

We also delve into what happened when COVID hit the superyacht industry. For Erin, what was supposed to be a 10-day schedule became 110 days, creating a whole new set of logistical, operational and very human challenges.

And, of course, I had to ask: Is working on a superyacht actually anything like Bravo's Below Deck?

Having reached the pinnacle of her yachting career, Erin eventually made the decision to leave life onboard, return to Australia and establish her own business, Holystone. We talk about making that transition and ask an interesting question: when you've spent your career surrounded by extraordinary wealth and luxury, what does success look like for you personally?

For anyone thinking about a career in yachting or superyachts, this episode offers some valuable advice and a realistic look at the challenges involved — but also captures just how exciting, adventurous and rewarding this extraordinary industry can be.

For more information on Erin's Business go to:

https://www.holystone.au/

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🎙️ Stephen Heese of Chris-Craft: Passion, Risk & the Story Behind an Iconic Boating Brand

In this episode of The Boat Princess Podcast, I sit down with Stephen Heese, President of Chris-Craft, to talk about far more than boats.

We explore the fascinating history of Chris-Craft, an iconic American boating brand with a story stretching back more than 150 years, and Stephen shares his own journey with the company — including his perhaps unexpected connection to Australia.

We delve into how Chris-Craft has grown and evolved while protecting the heritage and craftsmanship that make the brand so distinctive, its sale to Winnebago Industries, and what being part of a larger group has meant for a brand with such a long and treasured history.

We also look to the future of boat shows. Why do they exist? What role do they really play for manufacturers, dealers and consumers? And in a changing world where we can research, compare and even buy so much online, what does the boat show of the future need to look like to remain relevant?

One thing that becomes very clear during our conversation is something I see time and again across the marine industry: boating is an industry built on passionate people. People who genuinely love what they do, love the product and love being on the water.

We also talk about risk and aspiration. When we're younger, many of us are prepared to take career and business risks that we might think twice about later in life. But without people prepared to take those chances, where do the entrepreneurs, innovators and small businesses of tomorrow come from?

That leads us into a broader conversation about Australia’s changing capital gains tax environment, and whether tax policy can unintentionally influence aspiration, entrepreneurship and the willingness of people to take risks, build businesses and invest in their future.

From the evolution of a 150+ year-old boating icon to the future of boat shows, business ownership, career choices and calculated risk, this is a conversation about much more than boats.

Ultimately, it’s about the people, passion and aspiration that keep our extraordinary industry moving forward.

🎧 Join me and Stephen Heese of Chris-Craft for this episode of The Boat Princess Podcast.

Welcome back to The Boat Princess Podcast.

This episode was recorded in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy, where Ethan Zone and I were both attending the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference. It was the perfect setting to sit down and discuss one of my favourite topics—the future of marinas and the boating industry.

Ethan is the CEO of the Tingdene Group, a remarkable British family-owned business whose story is one of innovation, vision and diversification. Founded in 1969 as a manufacturer of high-quality park homes, Tingdene has evolved into one of the UK's leading operators of residential parks, holiday parks and marinas. Today, the Group owns and operates 12 marinas across the UK, has an extensive boat sales network, and continues to develop exciting innovations in floating homes, bringing together its decades of expertise in residential living with the ever-growing appeal of waterfront lifestyles.

During our conversation we discuss where the marina industry is heading, what we need to do to attract younger generations into both boating and careers within our industry, and why creating vibrant marina communities will become increasingly important. We also explore how changing customer expectations, sustainability, technology and floating living could reshape the marinas of tomorrow.

Whether you work in the marine industry, own a marina, or simply love spending time on the water, this is a fascinating conversation that looks beyond where we are today and into what the future may hold.

To find out more about the Tingdene Group and their marinas, visit https://tingdeneboating.com.

And if you'd like to learn more about Empire Marinas Group, our family-owned marinas, boating facilities and everything we do to help people enjoy life on the water, visit https://www.empiremarinas.com.au.

Now, let's head to Venice for my conversation with Ethan Zone of the Tingdene Group.

Welcome back to The Boat Princess Podcast.

This episode was recorded when I caught up with Alisdair Martin, now Head of Industry Relations for Boats Group, at IBEX 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Much has changed for Alisdair since we recorded this interview (his title on Linked In for a start), but the conversation is just as relevant today. Alisdair has built an impressive career in the global boating industry and is President of the Marine Marketing of America Association and Vice President of Strategy and Sales at the NMMA too, but as you'll hear, his start in the United States was a little more daunting than most—making his journey to one of the marine industry's most influential leadership roles all the more inspiring. It's a story that's absolutely worth sharing even if a little after it was recorded, and I think you'll really enjoy it.

Our conversation goes far beyond boating marketing. We explore some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the recreational boating industry today, including how we attract new people into boating and, perhaps even more importantly, how we retain them for years to come. We discuss the evolving role of boat shows, changing consumer behaviour, customer retention, boating industry trends, and why great marine marketing is about creating lifelong boaters—not simply making the next sale.

Whether you work in the marine industry, exhibit at boat shows, own a marina, sell boats, market marine products and services, or simply love the boating lifestyle, this episode is packed with insights and practical ideas from one of the industry's leading voices.

So grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy my conversation with Alisdair Martin from Boats Group, recorded live at IBEX 2025.

Going to IBEX in 2026?

Find out more here: https://www.ibexshow.com/

To find out more about the Marine Marketers of America Association of which Alisdair is the President go here:

https://www.marinemarketersofamerica.org/

Today on The Boat Princess Podcast, we're joined by one of the most respected and influential voices in the marine industry, Nancy Cueroni, Senior Vice President of the National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA).

With an impressive 27-year career dedicated to supporting and advancing the recreational boating industry, Nancy has witnessed remarkable transformation across every facet of the business—from evolving consumer trends and technological innovation to changing distribution models and workforce challenges. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and industry leaders, helping shape the conversations and strategies that drive the marine sector forward.

In this episode, Nancy shares her professional journey, reflects on the biggest changes she has seen over nearly three decades in the industry, and discusses the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. We also explore her concerns for the future of boating, including workforce development, industry sustainability, market fluctuations, and how the next generation of boating enthusiasts will shape the industry's direction.

Whether you're a marine professional, boat owner, or simply passionate about the future of boating, Nancy offers valuable insights, practical perspectives, and a wealth of experience gained from nearly three decades at the heart of the industry.

As she hands the helm to her Protege Emily Saving we listen to what Emily looks forward to bringing to the table for the future of the National Marine Distributors Association.

Please welcome Nancy Cueroni and Emily Saving to The Boat Princess Podcast.

This podcast was recorded at IBEX in 2025

To find out more about IBEX:

https://www.ibexshow.com/

To find out more about the NMDA:

https://www.nmdaonline.com/

To sign up for our Newsletter or find out about more of what we do at The Boat Princess or to enquire about sponsorship go to:

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Welcome back to The Boat Princess Podcast—where we dive into the stories shaping the marine industry, one conversation at a time.

Today’s episode comes to you from a somewhat luxurious and beautifully soundproofed location… the back of a Bentley Flying Spur at the Southampton Boat Show (thank you Bentley Motors). And joining me in the passenger seat is someone who has become a leading voice in marine marketing and communications—Kate O’Sullivan, founder of ADPR.

With a background in PR and a deep understanding of the marine space, Kate has built ADPR into one of the most respected communications agencies in the industry, working with some of the biggest names in boating. Known for her strategic thinking and no-nonsense approach, she’s passionate about helping brands tell better stories and connect more meaningfully with their audiences.

Kate’s journey from employee to employer is one that many aspire to but few truly understand, and in this episode she shares what that transition really looks like behind the scenes. We talk candidly about leadership styles, building a team, and the mindset shift required to step into ownership.

We also zoom out to the bigger picture—what the boating industry could be doing better when it comes to promoting itself, attracting new audiences, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.

And of course, Kate breaks down ADPR’s ACE system—her strategic framework that’s helping marine brands communicate more effectively and grow with purpose.

It’s insightful, honest, and set against the unmistakable quiet luxury of a Bentley —so settle in and enjoy the ride.

#Bentley #BoatPrincessPodcast #SouthamptonBoatShow #MarineIndustry #BoatingLife #Yachting #WomenInBoating #MarineMarketing #PRIndustry #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BrandStrategy #ADPR #PodcastLife #LuxuryLifestyle

Maximilian Eagle and I met some 4 years ago when he was very green in this industry. It has been such a pleasure to see him grow with Sunseeker London Group and to bump into him at multiple Boat Shows in Europe.

I have to say, Sunseeker London Group always take such care of me at Boat Shows. They are one of my favourites for relationship building, and this podcast along with some others, was recorded onboard an absolutely stunning Sunseeker at Southampton Boat Show because of their and Sunseeker International's generosity in giving me such a luxurious space to record.

My boating life began on Poole Harbour, in the UK, home of Sunseeker, so I must confess I have always had a soft spot for them.

Max is a young man - still in his 20's and he displays an honesty and openness that is refreshing in the world of Boat Brokerage. In our conversation we delve deep into his career path and the challenges he had to face on the way - one of which was the ultimate challenge anyone can face - thankfully he came through that - for which I and I am sure many many others, especially his family, are truly grateful. You see, when we see Max now, on the Sunseeker stand, presented meticulously with a smart outfit and haircut many would envy, we might make assumptions. Max is the perfect example of what Boat Brokers often have to do themselves - don't judge a book by it's cover. Get to know the real person and build a relationship with them - that is in fact how you build trust for them to buy from you rather than another broker. People buy from people and I am sure that is why Max's career continues to grow.

With boys his age myself, I have to say, without being condescending, that I am incredibly proud of this young man and it was such a moment of joy for me to interview him on my podcast.

I hope you enjoy it. I hope it will encourage other young men and women to become part of the boating industry - we need you. We need your fresh approach, your enthusiasm, your drive, your innovation, your openness, your smiles and frankly we need young people to realise that this industry is in dire need of you. The average age for someone in the US in this industry is 64. That's scary. And something we need to fix.

Hopefully my conversation with Max may be a small start - please pass it on to anyone you think might be inspired to join us.

Nicky x

For more info on Sunseeker London Group go to:

https://www.sunseekerlondon.com/luxury-yachts/office

For more information on Sunseeker International go to:

https://www.sunseeker.com/

Please review this podcast so it reaches more listeners

and sign up for my news and event invites at:

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