THE relationship between Fiji and New Zealand’s yachting industries is about to strengthen as both countries move to organising an industry day that will promote each country’s booming yachting sector.

The event at Port Denarau is scheduled for August 5 and will feature New Zealand marine stakeholders.

Port Denarau managing director Nigel Skeggs said cruising yachtsmen would have the chance to engage representatives from 25 New Zealand companies covering facilities and services including marine products, equipment, vessel agency services, refit and maintenance.

“The cross-nation promotional event is the first of its kind that New Zealand and Fiji have hosted in tandem and is part of a wider initiative to attract super yachts to the Pacific region,” he said.

“The open day will also feature seminars on passage planning between Fiji and New Zealand, destinations in New Zealand, weather patterns, Customs clearance and biosecurity requirements.

“New Zealand has recently introduced a 24-month temporary import entry (TIE) for visiting vessels.

“This means yachts are able to stay in the country for up to two years, undertaking a mix of charter work, owner cruising and maintenance most of which qualifies for exemption from the local 15 per cent goods and services tax.

NZ Marine executive director Peter Busfield said working with the Fijian yacht industry made sense to the company.

“Helping yachts gather the information they need to enjoy a longer stay in the Pacific and make the most of their time here, means more work for all of us, Fijian and New Zealand industries, alike,” he said.

The open day is presented by NZMarine, Destination NZ and Port Denarau Marina.