he Auckland On Water Boat Show is officially still on, but with a new format, new name and new dates.

The Marine Industry Association (MIA) of New Zealand made the announcement last week, much to the delight of the marine industry. The show, now running under the new name of Auckland Boat Show, will take place from October 8-11, 2020.

The show is not only a major event for the marine industry nationwide but also a valuable and important event for Auckland. NZ Marine are hosts to this show and have been waiting to see how the Covid-19 situation develops. With an extremely likely chance that by show-time the country will be well into Lockdown 1 or better, the organisers felt they could safely give the show the green light.

By changing the branding name of the show to the Auckland Boat Show, the MIA felt it better reflects the now wider and more diverse exhibitors on display at the show.

Through industry demand, the show has grown over the last 22 years to incorporate more on-land displays of trailered powerboats and internal pavilion exhibits of marine equipment and service providers. As such, there has been an increase of displays on land – so the MIA believe the name change is a good reflection of exhibits on display across the board.

This subtle change will provide wider branding opportunities for exhibitors. The logo will look the same, as will the branding colours, and a key part of the show will continue to be boats on display and ready for sea trial on the water.

The new dates are timed to bring the show into daylight saving and the final week of school holidays. Also, the show will be just two weeks prior to Labour weekend to ensure the industry motivates the boating public to get back into boating mode.

There is also a reduction in show entry ticket prices from NZ$25 to $19.50, including GST.

One of the most significant changes in the move for the on-land exhibitors to The Cloud on Queens Wharf. The plan is to have trailered powerboat companies on display right outside The Cloud.

The Cloud is a great ready-made venue with all required facilities in place, including an internal café lounge area with panoramic views overlooking the Waitemata Harbour.

The on-water display in the inner heart of the Viaduct Harbour will be retained and will free to the boating public.