Tairua Boat Show 2020

With the plug pulled on this year’s The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in Auckland and Tauranga Fishing and Boat Show due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the folks at Grady-White Boats NZ decided to step in and help out the marine industry and their local Tairua, Coromandel economy by organising a boat show next month, which will be open to all public for free.

“The show is quite unique, as we’re operating the show at a totally non-profit basis to boost the local economy/businesses for exhibitors and also make the show totally free to come to for the public,” said Stuart Arnold, managing director, Grady-White NZ and Pacific Islands.

The show, which will be held over the weekend of 8 and 9 August 2020 at the Tairua Marine, will have more than 70 models on display from exhibitors such as Surtees, Extreme, Rayglass, Stabicraft, Sealegs, McLay, FC Boats, and, of course, Grady-White Boats.

Showgoers will also be able to see the latest gear from Yamaha New Zealand and have an opportunity to experience the new Yamaha Helm Master system and see the latest Yamaha New XTO V8 425hp motors in action.

Marine electronic companies such as Simrad, Garmin, Raymarine, Humminbird, and Minn-Kota will also have their latest gear on display.

“For fishing enthusiasts, we have displays of the latest from Shimano, Okuma, Kilwell, Seahorse Kontiki, and Penn fishing tackle, and stands from New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, Legasea, etc.,” said Arnold.

“Dive enthusiasts will be able to check out displays from Slash Dive, Beuchat, Atlantis, and Rob Allen Spearfishing gear supported by our awesome local fishing and dive gear shop Dutchy’s, who will also have a great range of gear available for sale at the show.”

Other stands include Coastguard Whitianga and Whangamata, who will have a water demo boat on safety and bar crossing, along with Hutchwilco, BLA New Zealand, BALEX, Fusion, Ultralon U-Deck, Honda NZ, Propspeed, and more.

“Tairua and Pauanui fishing club will be open both days for food and drinks and we will have some great forums going on with Fishing & Adventures Scott and MIG, Jason from Strikezone Charters on soft baiting and jigging, and Milan and Nathan from their fishing show,” said Arnold.

“It’s going to be a great show, and all are welcome. Tairua is a fabulous town on the Coromandel with some excellent restaurants, cafés, and shops, and plenty of local accommodation, so come along and make a weekend of it and support the New Zealand marine industry and local Coromandel businesses.”