Women in Marine Event
Women in Marine: Inspiring conversations, real connections, lasting impact
The 25th edition of the Auckland Boat Show opens with an inspiring new initiative: our first Women in Marine event.
We are excited to bring together a group of successful and inspiring women from across the marine industry to explore how we can build confidence, embrace discomfort, and network with purpose. Together, we’ll discuss why putting yourself out there matters—even when it feels awkward—and how creating genuine connections can transform your experience in the industry.
This event is designed to spark meaningful conversations, foster authentic relationships, and provide practical strategies attendees can take away and put into action. We believe participants will leave with new skills, fresh perspectives, and, most importantly, new friendships.
Our MC, Nicky Vaux, is a marina entrepreneur, boating advocate, and public speaker, well known to many through her podcast The Boat Princess.
Nicky Vaux says she is thrilled to be part of the Auckland Boat Show and especially excited about this event: “There are some incredible women in the marine industry in New Zealand—and many more I am yet to meet. This event is about bringing us together, sharing our stories, and recognising that we are not alone. We have strategies we can use to build our success and relationships we can grow together. As cliché as it sounds, a rising tide really does lift all boats. Let’s create our own rising tide.”
Isabell Zitzelsberger, founder of Wild Chix inspires women to embrace the outdoors and build confidence in boating, fishing, and hunting.
Isabell, founder of Wild Chix comments “I’m genuinely excited to be part of the Women in Marine event and the Auckland Boat Show this year. Boat shows have traditionally been seen as spaces for men – but in reality, they’re for ocean lovers and boating enthusiasts of every gender. It’s incredibly powerful to see more space being created for women in this industry – from complete beginners to experts – and to open the floor for real questions, learning, confidence and career development on and around the water.”
Hillary Buckman, Managing Director of Ocean Media, an Australian publishing house focused on the premium yachting industry
Hillary Buckman of Ocean Media is also enthusiastic about supporting this new initiative: “New Zealand is where it all started for me, so it always feels special to come home and reconnect—with fellow Kiwis and with an industry that has shaped so much of my journey. The marine world is built on relationships: real conversations, shared knowledge, and supporting one another. Bringing people together, strengthening connections, and encouraging more women across all areas of the marine sector is something I’m proud to support and excited to be part of.”
Event Details
Thursday 8.15am-9.30am
Level 3, Viaduct Events Centre
Auckland Boat Show Exhibitors (with an exhibitor badge) have complimentary access to this event.
EXHIBITORS RSVP TO caroline@nzmarine.com
If you are not an exhibitor and would like to attend, we are offering a discounted single day ticket to the Auckland Boat Show for Thursday only, which will allow access to the Show before opening hours. (You must have this ticket for early access, a normal single day ticket will not be accepted). You can purchase your ticket here