M
ore than 31,000 
visitors cast off for the 
annual event, which 
featured the country’s 
biggest showcase 
of marine products, 
innovation, fishing gear, and family-
friendly attractions - alongside 
celebrations recognising seven 
decades of Kiwi boating culture.
This year’s coveted Surtees / 
Yamaha Grand Prize Package - 
including a brand-new boat, motor, 
and trailer package - went to 
long-time attendee Mark Stamm, 
who has been coming to the show 
with his brother since 2001.
The pair have long joked that if 
they ever won the boat, they’d split 
it in half - with Mark taking the front 
and his brother taking the back.  
After leaving the show on Sunday, 
the brothers stopped for dinner 
on the way home and reportedly 
said, "Well, we’ll have to come back 
next year." Moments later, Mark 
received the life-changing phone call 
confirming he’d won the grand prize.
General Manager Helen Kay said 
the 70th anniversary event 
highlighted just how passionate 
New Zealanders remain about life 
on the water, "To celebrate 70 years 
and see the industry and boating 
community turn out in such strong 
numbers was incredibly special. 
70th Hutchwilco 
New Zealand Boat Show 
Reels in Thousands
The milestone 70th edition of The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show has wrapped 
up after four hugely successful days at the Auckland Showgrounds, proving 
New Zealand’s love affair with boating and fishing is still running full throttle.
The coveted Surtees / Yamaha Grand 
Prize Package valued $380,000 
was a big draw card at the show.
26  FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE
70th Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 
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