TradeZone’s Commitment to Grassroots Powerboat Racing
TradeZone New Zealand has long been known for its network of locally owned and operated stores, offering top-tier tools, consumables, and components to industry professionals and weekend warriors alike. With 33 stores across the country, TradeZone’s reach stretches from the small towns to the big industries, making them an ideal partner for the NZPBA. The spirit of TradeZone aligns seamlessly with the powerboating community—both thrive on skill, precision, and the drive to tackle a challenge head-on.
Michael Stanton, head of TradeZone, commented on the natural fit between their organisation and the sport of powerboating. “TradeZone is all about grassroots sport,” Stanton said. “From the tinkering weekend warrior to the trade professional, this sport aligns with the kind of activity we support every day.” It’s more than a sponsorship; it’s a partnership that celebrates a community built on hands-on dedication and shared passions.
Supporting Rescue Teams: The Heartbeat of Powerboat Racing
A crucial part of this partnership’s focus will be on enhancing safety measures, specifically by providing new resources and support for the rescue teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes at powerboat races. These teams are the backbone of powerboat racing, ensuring the safety of racers and spectators alike, and their work is often as demanding as it is vital. With TradeZone’s support, the NZPBA will be able to provide upgraded rescue craft and equipment to teams across both the North and South Islands, enhancing their ability to respond quickly and effectively during events.
“The rescue teams are hugely excited,” shared Chris DeFeu, President of NZPBA. “We can’t do the sport without them, and thanks to this sponsorship, we’re able to give back to them with new gear, improved boats, and even some well-deserved apparel.” This investment will go toward maintaining the rescue boats and ensuring that these dedicated teams have the resources they need to operate safely and efficiently at every race.
A National Circuit with Local Roots
With this partnership, the powerboat racing circuit in New Zealand will see a new wave of interest and support from communities nationwide. TradeZone’s stores, dotted from Dargaville in the north to Invercargill in the south, connect closely with the various locales that host races. From scenic rivers to inland lakes, powerboat races take place on some of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterways, drawing fans from across the regions and bringing high-speed thrills to local communities.
Looking ahead, some exciting events are already lined up for the upcoming year. Notably, the TradeZone NZ Nationals will feature the highly anticipated 100th Masport Cup and the NZ F1 Tour, scheduled to take place at Lake Karapiro just outside of Cambridge in February 2025. These events promise to be showcases not only of powerboat racing but also of the strengthened partnership between TradeZone and NZPBA.
Celebrating Kiwi Ingenuity and Passion
New Zealand powerboat racing is a sport shaped by the hands-on, DIY spirit of its participants, many of whom take the “Number 8 wire” approach, building and maintaining their own boats with skill and creativity. Powerboats on New Zealand’s racing circuit come in all shapes and sizes, from the sleek Racing Runabouts to the adrenaline-pumping GP Hydroplanes capable of speeds over 250 km/h. It’s a sport that appeals to fans of speed, engineering, and teamwork, with racers, builders, and supporters all playing key roles in keeping the sport alive.
For TradeZone, supporting this sport is about fostering the connection between New Zealand’s culture of innovation and the thrilling, hands-on world of powerboat racing. “A lot of our stores, and our suppliers, would be interested to see how it’s tracking, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Stanton remarked, reflecting TradeZone’s enthusiasm for this unique opportunity.
The Road Ahead: An Energised Future for NZ Powerboat Racing
The NZPBA and TradeZone partnership brings a new level of support to powerboat racing in New Zealand. By investing in rescue teams, supporting local events, and celebrating the spirit of grassroots racing, this partnership stands to make a lasting impact on the sport’s future. With an energised national circuit, improved safety measures, and the backing of a company that understands the culture of both the industry professional and the weekend enthusiast, the future of New Zealand powerboat racing looks brighter than ever.
As powerboats continue to make waves on New Zealand’s waterways, fans and participants alike can look forward to a sport that’s safer, stronger, and more connected than ever before. This partnership is a testament to what can happen when two organisations share a vision and a passion, and it’s clear that the NZPBA and TradeZone are ready to take New Zealand powerboat racing to thrilling new heights.
