PRESS RELEASE 2 MAY 2012

TRISTRAM MARINE MOVING WITH CHANGING TIMES

Does the Marine Industy require two boatshows in Auckland within four months of each other?

For the first time in twenty years Lance Fink, Director of Tristram Marine, has decided only one boatshow in Auckland is required to generate enthusiasm in buyers towards the Marine Industry.

We have supported two shows for too long with split audiences not knowing which one they should attend. Our decision to support the Auckland On the Water Boatshow only, is due to:

• Timing of Show – September more appropriate than May.
• Viaduct atmosphere correct with upgraded area, public accessibility, restaurants, superyachts and general marine environment.
• The Marine Industry of New Zealand owns the Auckland On the Water Boatshow, so all profits go back into our own industry, i.e. further marine advertising, discover boating.co.nz, apprentice marine training organization etc.
• Cost effectiveness.

For manufacturers like Tristram Marine wanting to display new models for summer, the timing in September is ideal with New Zealand's holiday season approaching. Stock is also available due to our ability to consistently build product all year round. We want one large exciting show with the correct ambience – Let's sell the concept as well as the products.

Given the economic climate, the buying public are hesitant to give deposits in May towards a new boat for an October Labour weekend delivery. Despite this, our own sales at Tristram Marine have been fantastic over the last twelve months, not necessarily due to our attendance at boatshows, but as a result of producing a quality product and meeting the market with model requirements in these changing times.

For all retailers and manufacturers, marketing has evolved from just magazines, newspaper and boatshows, to involve real-time advertising via the internet, smart phones, email contact and social networking. As such, our decision to attend only one Auckland Boatshow in 2012 reflects a major change in our marketing strategy, directing marketing efforts into these other avenues in an attempt to cost-effectively meet changing buying trends of our consumers.

For some time we have been suggesting the Hutchwilco Boatshow date should be changed to suit the current market needs. We believe the Marine Industry would benefit as a whole if other exhibitors adopted a similar marketing strategy to align the Industry's marketing with the inherent change in buying habits.

We believe that if Tristram Marine is to rely heavily on Boatshows for all year round sales and business we are not doing our job in marketing correctly in this changing world.

For comments or questions please contact Tristram Marine:

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P: +64-7-849-5225