The NZ Marine board confirmed the appointment in late April. Gillespie spent 13 years in the Royal Navy before a career in banking, then led Coastguard NZ from 2015 to 2025 through a sustained period of growth and rising operational demand.
“New Zealand’s marine industry is resilient, but like other sectors, grappling with rising fuel costs and weakened consumer demand,” he says. “But there are positives. Kiwis love getting on the water, 40 percent of us participate in boating each year, and we have a strong domestic market.”
He also points to a favourable exchange rate and New Zealand’s standing as a superyacht and cruising destination, where visiting owners can combine world-class sailing with access to maintenance and refit facilities.
Gillespie has spent his opening weeks meeting industry leaders and will be at the Hutchwilco Boat Show this weekend.
NZ Marine represents more than 500 member businesses spanning boat building, marine services, electronics and marina operations. The sector turns over around $3 billion annually, exports $800 million worth of goods each year, and employs 8,000 people across the country.
