Jobs go in boat industry

More jobs will be lost in the marine industry as another boat-maker blames the strong New Zealand dollar for its closure.

The largest maker of inflatable boats, Aquapro International, said yesterday it would close its Auckland-based factory next month.

The move is part of a merger with its parent company, RFD New Zealand .

It follows the collapse of an internationally renowned boat-building company, Marten Yachts, which has gone into voluntary liquidation owing $6 million.

Aquapro's managing director, Paul Goddard, said yesterday its hand had been forced by the high dollar and lower offshore wages.

Key industry figures believe more closures are on the way.

The loss of the America's Cup has added to the impact on the industry in the past year, with exports dropping about 20 per cent from a high of $525 million in 2003.

Kevin McPherson, the general manager of NZ Marine, which represents exporters, said this week he thought there would be more rationalisation in the industry. But he believed that the industry was strong enough to take advantage of growing markets in Asia and Europe.

The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise official with responsibility for the industry, David Penny, said he too believed there would be fewer companies in future.

"The industry has real potential to grow, but it will not do it under the old business model," he said.

"It will not do it on the basis of being craftsmen. It must do it on the basis of strong professional management."

New Zealand needed to move away from custom-made boats to production-line vessels, he said.