Setting up a surfboard business in New Zealand

[Livi]

Hi there New Zealanders,
Anyone surf on here?
Just wanted to ask question on where to set up my companies as a surfboard manufacturer.
I need a place which has waves, surfers, but not too many shapers?
Also, I do surf photography... Can anyone help???
Regards
Dale
www.ecticshortys.com
www.walkerlongboards.com

[kowhai]

Hi again. As mentioned before, my OH is a surfer.

In the North Island = Whangarei, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Raglan, Mt Maunganui ( Tauranga ). These are the major surfing towns/cities, although surfing is also enjoyed around other cities - ie Wellington.

South Island = Kaikoura, Dunedin, there are surf breaks around Invercargill also ( remote ).

Many boards are imported . Not sure what the demand for handmade boards is - admittedly my OHs boards are all locally made. ( kids boards made in ? China ).

Perhaps consider a recce before committing to moving. Whether NZ has the population to support another surfboard shaper is IMO debatable.

[kowhai]

Thought you might find this interesting. Makes for bleak reading - sorry.

http://www.shapersalliance.co.nz/future.html

[Livi]

Cool,
Thanks,

Its the same the world over really!! Shame really. Money grabbing is a global epidemic!!!

Dale would just like to see what oppertunities are over there. He can turn his hand to anything really!! Very talented like that!!

[Nathan]

I'd be surprised if you can get high quality blanks that are NZ made... and that would make them expensive.
Do you know where NZ shapers' blanks come from?

[Livi]

Nathan,
You play guitar? Or make them?
Be nice to have a jam with you...
Love strutting & singing
Thanks for you replys to my post

[Livi]

Thanx everyone for your input!
Most blanks these days come from the US, Oz South Africa, ect...Even to the UK...
So having Oz so close, the chances are I'll import!
What are the vans like out in NZ? Expensive or not?
Better for me to import, or just buy there? (Camper/transporter)
Life is so much fun when I have a load of boards hand shaped, in the back of my van. Allows me to surf, meet people, & sell them my product that I ride & have fun on

As for imports from China...We need to stop funding these big guns as they pay peanuts, & let the kids that make them become ill due to not giving them the right protective clothing...

Look forwards to setting up!
My Mentor will poss say I set up as the blank maker over there if no1 is doing so already???

Cheers
Dale

[Livi]

Kowhai,
You have been a great help...I am thankful my friend
You surf? If so we'll have you on 1 of mine in no time...
People here in the UK are loving them & dropping large names to ride mine...
Regards
Dale

[kowhai]

Thanks Dale ! Er - but no, I'm the " chick" with the camera taking photos of her man. Now Im reliving it all over again with my boys - until it becomes too uncool to have Mum within 200metres of the beach. They'll be wanting to upgrade before long and OH is getting older so the boards keep getting longer ! Will certainly keep an eye out for those boards of yours.

[kowhai]

Hey Dale ! Check this site out too.

http://www.careers.govt.nz/default.a...103&id1=J80223