The 25th Auckland Boat Show will open with a new initiative aimed at strengthening diversity and connection across the marine sector — the inaugural Women in Marine event.
Designed to foster confidence, professional growth and meaningful industry connections, the event will bring together accomplished women from across boating, marine business and ocean sport.
The morning session promises inspiring conversations, connections and impact.
Event MC Nicky Vaux — marina entrepreneur, boating advocate, public speaker and host of The Boat Princess podcast — says creating dedicated space for women in the marine industry is both valuable and necessary.
“Women bring a different perspective and management style to the table which improves the efficiency and success of any business,” says Vaux. “An event like this with a majority of female attendees gives us the different space that we need to focus on women.”
“I am excited to visit Auckland and give women key takeaways and encouragement. We have all faced the challenges and we can share the moments and ideas of how to counteract that and how to progress.”
Joining Vaux on stage will be an impressive panel including Hillary Buckman, Managing Director of Ocean Media; Isabell Zitzelsberger, founder of Wild Chix; and Olympic sailing champion Jo Aleh, the first woman to sail with Emirates Team New Zealand.
Isabell Zitzelsberger, founder of Wild Chix inspires women to embrace the outdoors and build confidence in boating, fishing, and hunting.
Isabell comments “I’m genuinely excited to be part of the Women in Marine event and the Auckland Boat Show this year. Boat shows have traditionally been seen as spaces for men – but in reality, they’re for ocean lovers and boating enthusiasts of every gender. It’s incredibly powerful to see more space being created for women in this industry – from complete beginners to experts – and to open the floor for real questions, learning, confidence and career development on and around the water.”
Hillary Buckman, Managing Director of Ocean Media, an Australian publishing house focused on the premium yachting industry
Hillary Buckman is also enthusiastic about supporting this new initiative: “New Zealand is where it all started for me, so it always feels special to come home and reconnect—with fellow Kiwis and with an industry that has shaped so much of my journey. The marine world is built on relationships: real conversations, shared knowledge, and supporting one another. Bringing people together, strengthening connections, and encouraging more women across all areas of the marine sector is something I’m proud to support and excited to be part of.”
The Women in Marine event will be held at Level 3, the Viaduct Events Centre, on Thursday 5 March from 8.15am-9.30am.
Auckland Boat Show Exhibitors (with an exhibitor badge) have complimentary access to this event.
Exhibitors RSVP to
If you are not an exhibitor and would like to attend, a discounted single day ticket to the Auckland Boat Show for Thursday only can be purchased, which will allow access to the Show before opening hours. (You must have this ticket for early access, a normal single day ticket will not be accepted). Purchase a ticket HERE.
For more information, visit www.auckland-boatshow.com
