We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the recent changes in the customs process for importing boats into New Zealand. These changes were implemented without warning to the marine industry, causing significant disruption and uncertainty.

Customs' Reasoning:

Customs has been asked by the government to increase revenue, and their response has been to disallow yachts from selling in New Zealand without paying full importation fees. Customs hopes to generate this income at the expense of the marine industry.
Customs has expressed that one of the reasons for this sudden change is the issue of abandoned boats in New Zealand. A few boats have been left in boatyards for over a year, accumulating costs that the government has had to cover. Customs should change their rules to deal with this issue more swiftly before these bills add up.
Impact on Cruisers and the Marine Industry:

Many cruisers have expressed their intention to leave New Zealand to avoid paying the new importation fees. Additionally, cruisers in the Pacific have indicated they will not come to New Zealand due to the new customs approach. This shift is driven by the government's decision to charge importation fees on boats, aiming to generate revenue at the expense of the marine industry.

Economic Consequences:

The new customs rules are detrimental to the marine industry, which relies on attracting boats to New Zealand shores. These boats contribute significantly to the local economy by spending money on repairs, upgrades, and other services. The previous system allowed boats to come and go between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, fostering a sustainable economic cycle.

Affected Jobs and Regions:

The changes are impacting jobs across various sectors, particularly in Northland and Auckland. The ripple effect is also felt in regions like Tauranga, Picton, and the Sounds at the bottom of the South Island. The affected jobs include:

Sail makers
Riggers
Mechanics
Plumbers
Painters
Boat brokers
Chandleries
Cafes and restaurants
Marinas
Electricians
Boat builders
Skippers
Delivery crew
International Cruisers:

International cruisers, coming from Europe and the Americas, often start their Pacific journey at the Panama Canal. New Zealand is a highly anticipated destination, with many cruisers aiming to sail around the world or explore the South Pacific before flying home. The new customs approach threatens to deter these cruisers, impacting the local marine industry and economy.

Overseas Boat Sales:

Some overseas cruisers have come to New Zealand with the understanding that they have the option to sell their boats to overseas buyers without having to import their boat, as is common practice in Europe, the USA, the Caribbean, Tahiti, and Fiji. This option has now been taken away without warning, leaving some cruisers trapped and facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in importation fees. If the boat is sold to an overseas buyer, it could leave New Zealand and never return, resulting in the government receiving money without any added value to the local economy.

Comparison with Greyhound Racing Rule Changes:

Recently, the government announced changes to the rules affecting greyhound racing. It is intended that greyhound racing will be wound down over a 20-month period to enable the rehoming of racing dogs and to provide a transition period for people involved in the industry. This approach allowed for a smoother transition and minimised disruption. We question why a similar approach has not been taken with the marine industry, which is now facing sudden and unexpected changes.

Desired Outcome:

We want boats to be able to arrive in New Zealand with a Temporary Import Exemption (TIE) and for cruisers to be able to take advantage of duty-free prices in New Zealand, as it is a great incentive to attract them to New Zealand, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.
We want boats that decide to sell while in New Zealand to be able to gain permission to sell without incurring importation fees.
We want boats that sell to Kiwi buyers to pay importation fees so they become New Zealand registered and owned boats.
We want boats that sell to overseas buyers to be able to sell without incurring importation fees, and for these owners to have a grace period in New Zealand to spend money on upgrades, encouraging them to explore the Pacific and return multiple times to New Zealand.
We want customs to have the power to dispose of boats that exceed their 2-year TIE time allocation without incurring large marina storage fees.
Call to Action:

We urge the government to reconsider these changes and engage with the marine industry to find a solution that supports both revenue generation and the sustainability of the marine sector. By reverting to the previous customs process, New Zealand can continue to attract cruisers and boats, ensuring the prosperity of the marine industry and the jobs it supports.