Tidelines: New harbourmaster for Auckland

Experienced mariner and administrator John Lee-Richards has been appointed to replace James McPetrie as Auckland harbourmaster and regional on-scene commander. He comes to the role after five years with the Maritime Safety Authority, where he had a number of roles, including supervision of oil-spill response. He was more recently deputy harbourmaster for the Northland Regional Council in Whangarei. He had previously served in the merchant Navy.

Brokerage opens

Auckland waterfront identity Ian Walker has opened a new brokerage at Westhaven. His company, GI Marine, will run from the Pier 21 Centre at 11 Westhaven Dr. Walker has spent 18 years in the marine industry, actively involved with both charter services and brokerage, most recently as brokerage manager of Oram's Marine. The new operation has been appointed the exclusive New Zealand agent for the Warkworth company Wavecrusher Boats.

Brunswick moves

American engine-building giant Brunswick Corporation has been seeking US$150 million ($243 million) to fund further acquisitions. The company's marine assets include Mercury and Mariner outboards, Mercruiser sterndrives and inboard engines, and a huge range of pleasure boats, including Sea Ray, Bayliner, Sealine and Bermuda. In 2003 Brunswick acquired an interest in the New Zealand companies Navman and Rayglass/Protector.

Water-Watch

The winter racing programme continues this weekend. Main activity:

Saturday: MRX winter match-racing series (RNZYS); Women's winter series continues (Ponsonby CC); Fully crewed winter series (Richmond YC).

Sunday: Fully crewed series continues (RAYC); Winter series continues (Ponsonby CC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Customer Service Centre on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.