Aged 16 I left Waitaki Boys High School Oamaru.

Joined the RNZ Navy, I wanted to be an engineer. With fairly good school marks I was put in the communications branch. I hated it! After some trouble and strife I was let out of the Navy.

Returning to Oamaru I did an apprenticeship with the Ford garage. After finishing I went truck driving for a while and then joined a general engineering workshop. Rising to leading hand and gaining welding certification and many other skills. I am also a skilled machinist as well as a top class Alloy and Stainless fabricator.

I've built two steel yachts and with our Roberts 36 cruiser "Crusoe" my wife Judy and our two small children extensively cruised the east coast of the South Island from Stewart Island to the Marlborough Sounds. This is where where Judy, myself and "Pudycat" have lived for 25 years.

I founded Waikawa Marine & Rigging in 2003 doing a rigging apprenticeship with the NZ Maine Industry Association and becomming a master rigger and alloy spar maker. Judys health took a dive in 2018 and required a lot of care from me. With a partial recovery 2 years ago I restarted my business working from home at 1701 Queen Charlotte Drive. With the mast trailer I can shift spars up to 20mtrs to my 24mtr mast loft/workshop. With a huge network of marine contacts I can fulfil almost any marine task and supply parts & chandlery at very competitive prices.

My work focus has shifted slightly at age 64. All the youngsters I trained over the years went overseas and did very well in the industry. So with no one to carry my legacy I now offer a free mentor and advice service in attempt to fill the knowledge void which is coming.

Talk to me - it will cost you nothing!
Geoff