Change of helm at Cruise New Zealand
Having experienced New Zealand’s largest cruise season yet and the opening of Auckland’s Shed 10 Cruise Terminal, Cruise
New Zealand’s founding Chairperson, Captain Craig Harris, is stepping down on a high.
Captain Harris formally stepped down as Chairperson at the recent Cruise New Zealand Annual General Meeting and
Conference. Port of Tauranga’s Commercial Manager, Graeme Marshall, was elected in his place. Mr Marshall will be
supported by Kevin O’Sullivan, Environment Southland’s Maritime Manager as Deputy Chair.
Captain Harris founded Cruise New Zealand in 1994. Since then, cruise arrivals to New Zealand have grown by more than
ten times. Today, cruise passenger arrivals to New Zealand outnumber arrivals from the UK, New Zealand’s third largest
inbound market. The cruise sector is worth $310.3 million to the economy and accounts for 5330 jobs.
During his time as Chairperson, Captain Harris lobbied tirelessly for a cruise-dedicated terminal on Auckland’s Queens
Wharf to sustain the growing cruise industry to New Zealand, ensured policies and regulations were cruise-friendly, and
encouraged the growth of cruise ports and the corresponding breadth of tour products. Captain Harris’ goodwill and
passion for the industry was recognised and acknowledged over the years, culminating in him being made a Member of the
New Zealand Order of Merit earlier this year.
ENDS