KEY POINTS:
More kudos for the New Zealand marine industry at an international superyacht function in the United States on the weekend.
Eleven of the 25 finalists at the 2007 International Superyacht Society Design Awards in Florida, featured New Zealand equipment, hardware or services.
Three of the finished boats that were nominated as finalists were also built in New Zealand.
Alloy Yachts' 41m motoryacht Como won the award for Best Interior Design for a power boat. The interior, designed by English company Redman Whitely Dixon, was built by Tony Hambrook's team of craftsmen at Alloy's production facility in Henderson, Auckland.
Stuart Robinson, chairman of marine export group NZ Marine, said New Zealand's wide-ranging presence at the boat show illustrated just how critical New Zealand's expertise had become to the industry globally.
"A number of New Zealand boat building companies have established themselves as world-class players in this industry. But behind the scenes, there are innovative companies supplying all sorts of products and services to the international marine industry.
The awards "are testament to New Zealand's growing reputation as a provider of complete marine solutions", according to sponsor NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
A dozen New Zealand marine companies catering to the superyacht industry are exhibiting at the event in a large stand entitled "New Zealand New Thinking".
