open top white boat on the water

The world’s largest boat club operator and part of the Brunswick brand, Freedom Boat Club, is expanding into New Zealand. Continuing its plans for expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, the strategic move will establish three key locations, leveraging the country’s position as the global leader in per capita boat ownership at 20 per cent. 

The operations will begin in early 2025, with Auckland’s Westhaven Marina as the flagship, followed by locations in Christchurch and Queenstown. This expansion of the Freedom Boat Club will be spearheaded by marine industry veteran Scott Williamson, whose family’s 45-year legacy in New Zealand’s maritime sector through Sports Marine positions the franchise in a strong position. 

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Williamson highlights the opportunities: “We’re excited to partner with such a globally respected brand and to offer our members incredible benefits. Freedom’s subscription-based model enables us to connect with a new generation of boating enthusiasts and reach a broader range of boat users.”

David Kurczewski, general manager of Boating Services Asia-Pacific, emphasises the importance of the New Zealand market, “offering boaters a new way to explore stunning waterways at home and across New Zealand and expand their boating lifestyle with opportunities at hundreds of locations around the world.” 

Freedom Boat Club members gain access to over 400 locations worldwide; last year, the first move into Asia Pacific was made with locations in Australia, and earlier this year, the firm expanded worldwide, acquiring locations in South Florida, Denmark, Spain and the USA. 

The flagship Australia Club will be located at d’Albora The Spit, Mosman on Sydney Harbour and will open in July 2023.

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President of Business Acceleration at Brunswick Corporation notes how the expansion aligns with broader goals: “This partnership represents an incredible opportunity to onboard the next generation of boaters and introduce the synergies of the Brunswick portfolio throughout New Zealand.” 

The first Westhaven Marina location will provide members with access to the Hauraki Gulf’s prime boating destinations, including Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island and the Coromandel Peninsula.

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