Yachting New Zealand and Hospitality New Zealand have launched a 12-month pilot programme, the first collaboration of its kind between the grassroots sport and hospitality sectors in Aotearoa.
Ten yacht and boating clubs drawn from across the country have been chosen to take part, each receiving structured support aimed at lifting the quality of their hospitality operations, developing their workforce, and putting them on a more sustainable commercial footing. The selected clubs are Kerikeri Cruising Club, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club, Napier Sailing Club, Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club, Waikawa Boating Club, Nelson Yacht Club, Pleasant Point Yacht Club, and Charteris Bay Yacht Club. Their selection reflects a deliberate spread across regions, club sizes, and operating models.
The impetus for the programme came from the clubs themselves. Growing numbers of affiliated clubs had been seeking guidance on improving their food and beverage offerings and establishing themselves more firmly as community hospitality venues.
Yachting New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said strong club interest had made both the opportunity and the need plain. "We received a high level of interest from clubs throughout the country, which reflects both the opportunity and the need in this space," he said. "This pilot allows us to test a targeted approach, working alongside Hospitality New Zealand to provide clubs with the tools, advice and support they need to strengthen their hospitality offering."
Through the programme, participating clubs will have access to the full suite of Hospitality New Zealand's services, including workforce training delivered through the Typsy platform, licensing guidance, HR support, and, where required, legal advice and mediation. A regional manager will onboard each club within the first month and remain their primary point of contact for the duration of the programme.
Armitage was clear that simply distributing resources falls short of the goal. "It's important that clubs are not just given resources, but are supported to apply them in a way that delivers real value on the ground," he said.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Kristy Phillips highlighted the central place these venues hold in their communities, while acknowledging the pressures many face. "Hospitality venues, yacht clubs and boating clubs all play a vital role as places where people gather, connect and feel part of a community. But we also know many venues are operating in a challenging environment," Phillips said. "This partnership with Yachting New Zealand will help strengthen these community connections while supporting selected clubs to improve their hospitality operations. We look forward to working alongside each club and providing practical, ongoing advice and support."
The programme carries particular significance for Nelson Yacht Club, which has spent the past two years completing costly seismic strengthening work. Manager Tim Fraser-Harris welcomed the club's inclusion. "We are delighted to have been selected for the pilot. We have an exceptionally fortunate position on the Nelson waterfront and are looking to increase community use of the Aurora Lounge, our newly refurbished venue and function room," Fraser-Harris said. "With cost increases across the board, growing our venue hire income will be key to rebuilding our finances following the seismic work and ensuring the club's long-term sustainability. We are excited to embark on this journey with Hospitality New Zealand and look forward to seeing where it takes us."
Armitage confirmed the pilot will be closely monitored, with scope to broaden the initiative if results are positive. "If the pilot proves successful, we will explore how this collaboration could be incorporated into our broader membership offering in the future," he said.
Clubs that expressed interest but missed the cut for this first intake have not been ruled out entirely. Should the programme demonstrate clear value within the first six months, Armitage said a second cohort would be formed, with those clubs given priority. "If this initiative demonstrates clear value within the first six months, we will look to extend the programme to a second cohort, with those clubs prioritised," he said.
Throughout the pilot, participating clubs will be encouraged to share feedback regularly, helping to refine the programme and ensure it delivers meaningful outcomes across the wider club network.
