on 7 Sep 2021
Event will return in original March slot for 2022, after second cancellation due to Covid
The organisers of the Auckland Boat Show (NZ Marine Industry Association) have confirmed the 2021 edition of the show, which had been due to start on October 7, has been cancelled due to Covid restrictions. The event is now set to go ahead from March 17-20, 2022, in its original late-summer slot.
“New Zealand’s longest-standing on water-based boat show was scheduled to open on 7th October, 2021, but with uncertainty on which restriction levels will be in force at that time, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s show,” organiser Stacey Cook said in a statement.
It is the second cancellation for the show, which last took place in 2019. New Zealand has been largely successful in controlling the virus but is currently trying to stamp out an outbreak of the Delta variant, which has seen Auckland placed in a level 4 lockdown until next week. The country has imposed strict border controls since the onset of the pandemic, and it now seems unlikely the country will reopen its borders imminently.
“With over 1.4 million New Zealanders going boating every year, boating is a way of life for many and we know that the boating public will share our disappointment in not being able to see and experience the latest in technology, equipment and new boat and engine models on offer at the now-cancelled show,” says Cook.
The 2022 show will be larger and have a new layout and more space on land and water, taking full advantage of using the space set aside in Jellicoe Harbour, previously the America’s Cup team bases, and next to the site from where Emirates Team New Zealand successfully defended the 36th America’s Cup.
Exhibitors were supportive of the decision to focus on the next edition of the show, with unanimous support during Thursday’s meeting, according to event organisers.
“Agree completely with the decision. Let’s put as much as we can into March’s show and make it as big as we can,” said Dean Horgan of R Marine Flagship.
“We love attending this show and sea-testing on the water but it totally makes sense to cancel for this year. Bring on the March show!” added Luke Ogle of Blackdog Cat.