Conrad Gair
Director
Introducing Conrad, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of expertise in the boating industry. His lifelong passion for boats, cultivated from his upbringing around the Hauraki Gulf, has endowed him with a comprehensive understanding of sailing, multihulls, and powerboats.
In 2014, Conrad identified an opportunity to enhance New Zealand's high-end brokerage sector and established 36° Brokers. Over the past decade, he has led the company to remarkable success, solidifying its position as Auckland and New Zealand's premier brokerage.
Through Conrad's strategic leadership, 36° Brokers has secured exclusive dealership rights for four major international brands in New Zealand, a testament to his astute business acumen.
With offices situated across the country and in the South Pacific, Conrad's vision and expertise continue to propel 36° Brokers as the pinnacle of brokerage excellence in New Zealand, delivering unrivaled service and industry insight.
Sarah Gair
Director
Formerly one of the top Business Intelligence Specialists in New Zealand banking, Sarah brings unique skills to 36° Brokers, as well as her passion for boating and sailing. Armed with a degree in Accounting and Information Management, her qualifications and experience are separating 36° from its competition and bringing brokering into the digital age.
Having joined 36° after having her first child, Sarah is excited about developing systems and databases that set a new benchmark for the industry, But at the end of the day, Sarah is ensuring the customer experience at 36° Brokers is unmatched anywhere.
Jono Bakker
General Manager
Jono has been a key member of our team for the past three years, serving as our General Manager and bringing over 20 years of experience in the marine industry. Jono has an impressive background, having previously held positions as Sales Manager of Family Boats and General Manager of Southern Boats, along with experience as a boatbuilder, Draftsman, and Professional Yacht Crew. His on-water experience includes competitive dinghy sailing, multihull racing, and participation in several Coastal Classics.
Jono’s technical knowledge of boats is perfectly paired with his dedication to exceptional customer relations. With a wealth of invaluable experience, industry connections, and acute knowledge of the sales process, Jono continues to be an asset to our management team.
Jono, his wife, and their young kids are the proud owners of a 100-year-old kauri launch, a testament to their passion for maritime heritage and craftsmanship.
Blair McNaughton
Services Manager
Blair McNaughton has logged 70,000 nautical sea miles throughout a career spanning 13 years – seven working on Super Yachts around the World, and the past six years working in Auckland's marine industry. His first-hand experience of the rigours a boat endures in the marine environment has built a wealth of knowledge on how to maintain and protect his clients' investment so they can enjoy peace-of-mind cruising.
He brings to 36° Brokers his knowledge of the ins and outs of maintenance, on-board systems, and a reliable network of suppliers and contractors. In addition, Blair's client relationships, many of which are long standing, are founded on integrity and good communication.
Julia Hamilton
Operations Manager - 36° and The Yacht Collective
Julia Hamilton, our Operations Manager, brings extensive maritime experience and passion from her Auckland, New Zealand roots. With a diverse career spanning yacht racing, coaching, and charter boats in both New Zealand and the Mediterranean has honed her skills and instilled a profound love for the sea, she's also a qualified commercial skipper and a strong advocate for safety and compliance.
When Julia isn't managing our operations, you'll likely find her out on the water, continuing to explore her love for sailing and sharing her expertise with fellow enthusiasts. With Julia at the helm of our operations, you can trust that we are in capable hands, navigating towards success with precision and dedication.
Robbs Hielkema
Broker - Bay of Islands
Rob, or ‘Robbs’ as he’s commonly known, is the Northland broker for 36 Degrees, located at the Opua-based office in the Bay of Islands.
Bringing a friendly and personable approach to brokering in the North, Robbs enjoys talking boats almost as much as he does being on the water. His background in professional yachting and vast experience of cruising, racing, and delivering countless yachts across the globe means he has a keen knack for finding suitable vessels to match buyers needs.
When he’s not selling, listing, or talking boats, Robbs is either out on the water coaching young sailors, kitesurfing, or exploring the Bay Of Islands.
If you’re in and around Opua, pop in and say hi at the office next to the General Store on the wharf.
Harry Clark
Broker - Auckland
If you’ve recently participated in any local sailing regattas, there’s a high chance you’ve come across our youngest yacht broker Harry. Harry is a man of the sea and a passionate sailor with incredible depth of boating knowledge across power boats, catamarans, and yachts.
Harry grew up on Sydney Harbour where he learnt to sail before moving back to his native New Zealand and establishing himself in the Marine Industry. Competitively Harry has participated in many coastal and Bluewater series, including the Coastal Classic (Winner 2019), 18ft skiff world championship, White Island, SSANZ events, and much more. In his spare time Harry enjoys cruising on his Ross 830 or his families Riviera 51 in the stunning Bay of Islands.
Harry represents true versatility, with his love for boats and connections in the industry making him a perfect advocate for clients looking to buy or sell their dream vessel.
Trent Stillwell
Broker - Auckland
Trent was raised on the Hauraki Gulf and is a native of the Auckland area. An experienced marine salesman and avid fisherman with a decade’s experience in the industry; Trent is truly knowledgeable and passionate about boating.
Starting out selling fishing gear, Trent soon started his own business manufacturing boat trailers, successfully supplying some of the industry’s best boat builders. After transitioning into a Yacht Broker role, Trent’s true gift is in great customer service, as he strives to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience selling or purchasing your next vessel.
Having bought and sold his way through several vessels over the years until owning his current trailer boat, Trent spends most of his spare time enjoying inshore fishing, up and down the coast and further afield targeting blue water beasts.
Paul Richardson
Broker - Auckland
Paul found his love of sailing at a young age through sailing Optimists and Hobie Cats in Papua New Guinea, and he is no stranger to the water. After returning back to New Zealand before high school, he continued to spend time out on the water most holidays!
After graduating with a bachelor of business from Otago University, Paul has worked in sales roles both within the grocery and home appliance industries.
His spare time is devoted to sailing aboard a Ray Beale 40 owned by his family anywhere within the Hauraki Gulf as well as engaging in any water-based activities.
He seized the chance to join the 36° Brokers Sales Team due to his love of sailing and desire to broaden his professional network. Paul is looking forward to taking his sales experience and combining it with an industry that he has a genuine interest in and passion for!
Quentin Lowe
Broker - Auckland
Quentin's love for the sea started at age 7 in an Optimist dinghy. His racing journey, from P Class to Starling, led him to the RNZ Yacht Squadron Youth Team under Harold Bennett. A certified NZ shipwright with advanced skills, Quentin combines technical expertise with seafaring prowess.
In 1996, Quentin embarked on a 12-year adventure aboard Superyachts, covering over 80,000 nautical miles and visiting prime destinations worldwide. This experience honed his seafaring skills and deepened his love for the marine lifestyle.
In 2008, Quentin moved to Phuket, Thailand, joining Simpson Marine, Asia’s top brokerage firm. His yachting experience ensured a successful career in yacht brokerage until 2012.
Quentin eventually returned to New Zealand, reconnecting with the Hauraki Gulf. Settling with his family, he enjoys sharing this boating paradise with friends and newcomers.
Today, Quentin helps others with boat purchases and sales, offering his expertise and friendly approach to ensure smooth marine adventures.
Grant Edwards
Broker - Auckland
Grant is originally from the picturesque Bay of Islands. Growing up on the water and with over a decade of experience in the marine industry across a variety of vessels, Grant has cultivated a deep-seated expertise for boats of all kinds. His passion for boating and his extensive hands-on experience make him a valuable addition to 36 Degrees team.
After spending a year immersed in luxury yacht brokerage in the Mediterranean, Grant has now brought his extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication back to New Zealand where he has established himself in Auckland.
Whether you’re in the market to buy or sell, Grant is committed to delivering outstanding service and expert guidance. His goal is to ensure that your boating dreams become a reality, providing you with a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Laurent Boudou
Broker - Whangarei
Born in Germany and raised in the wild French Guiana of South America, Laurent had the chance to grow up in a very multicultural environment. Speaking French, German and English, he now resides in New Zealand with his wife and baby boy.
Laurent has an impressive quota of sea miles having spent the last decade on Superyachts; on deck, in the engine room or at the helm of numerous prestigious mono and multihulls from 40’ to 120’.
Our specialist Multihull broker, Laurent represents the Whangarei area with his new office in Marsden Cove where he will implement a strategy to grow our sales network in the region. Utilising his worldwide networks, and technical knowledge of yachts, Laurent plans to take an information and detail based approach to sales. This paired with his positive and can-do attitude will ensure you get the best result for your vessel.
If he’s not selling or talking boats, you can be sure to find him on the water sailing his fast trimaran, kitesurfing, foiling and catching waves.
Chris Nel
Broker - Bay Of Islands
Brett Eaton
Broker - Tauranga
Brett is our regional Broker for the wider Bay of Plenty, based in Tauranga. Having sold his successful manufacturing business in the early 2000s, Brett returned to his original passion for the sea. From his early days sailing a P-Class to crayfishing and working on charter boats, he brings over 15 years of marine brokerage experience to the team and our customers.
Brett is best described as professional, persistent, and personable. Known for his effective communication skills, he welcomes your inquiries about any on-the-water pursuits. Whether you're looking to buy or sell a vessel, Brett's extensive knowledge and dedication ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.
Eric Pinel-Peschardiere
Broker - Tahiti
Éric’s boating resume is impressive to say the least and his knowledge of the French Polynesia cruising region second to none. After training as a professional photographer in Paris, Éric soon found himself head over heels for Tahiti where he settled in 2000, starting a business in Photography and Web Development.
Éric’s love for boating sharpened as he spent many years sailing 18’ hobie cats, and providing private guided tours and sailing lessons. He soon purchased a 46’ catamaran, extensively cruising the Caribbean and Transpacific, all with his partner and two young daughters onboard. Fun fact; First French TV channel (TF1) have reported on his family’s lifestyle, you can check it out here.
8 years and 10,000 nautical miles later, Éric now lives in Papeete. As vice president of the Association des Voiliers en Polynésie, (Sailing Boats Association Polynesia) Éric has a wealth of boating networks, of which brings tremendous value to his role in Brokerage. A big advocate for sustainable boating, and a deep seeded love for the water, Éric is a stellar addition to the team.
Gordon Low
Broker - Picton
From the 36° Picton office, our highly experienced Broker Gordon Low offers a wealth of invaluable marine knowledge and a long list of accomplishments both at sea and in the sky.
Born in Malaysia and of Scottish decent, Gordon enjoyed a colourful upbringing, spending many years travelling internationally where his parents encouraged a true adventurous spirit. Immigrating to NZ at age 17, Gordon enjoyed many years boating on the Hauraki Gulf before moving to Picton to start a floatplane business (a combination of boating and flying).
Gordon has owned several launches, operated as a commercial skipper for 20 years in the Marlborough Sounds, and also flew commercially for Air NZ for many years. Owner of Gordon Low Marine T/A NZ Boat Sales Picton, Gordon built an enviable reputation in the industry built on honesty and integrity. We are honoured to have him pass the reigns to 36° Brokers and become a part of our experienced team.
Jan Bisman
Broker - Picton
From building canvas canoes out of wooden bicycle rims as an eight-year-old, to building a 50ft yacht from a half model in the back yard, Jan has either seen or done it all, including numerous coastal deliveries around New Zealand.
Jan has also managed to find time to complete 10 years as an active volunteer, fundraiser and board member for Coastguard and remains a trustee of the Picton Emergency Operations Centre.
Jan is now happily residing in the paradise of the Marlborough sounds enjoying time on his recently acquired Riviera 38 and looks forward to helping you find the boat of your dreams.
George Janis
Broker - Wellington
George Janis, or ‘Gentleman George’ as he is affectionately known, is a well- respected Wellington identity and has been around boats since he was a child. 36° Brokers are thrilled to have George onboard representing the Wellington and Marlborough region, bringing expert knowledge of boating and the sale process to the table.
George loves nothing more than to share his passion, and pass on his nautical knowledge and expertise. Cook Strait is George’s SH1 to the Marlborough Sounds, and for many years he has been ‘crossing the ditch’. George networks, so can transform the marketing on your vessel into quality results. He loves being with and meeting people.
It is said he is a workaholic and will always work hard to achieve and please, and will go the extra mile to make everyone happy in the purchase or sale of your vessel.
Andrea Chapman
Accounts
Andrea is an invaluable accounts team member, providing essential support in invoicing and payments for our clients and industry suppliers. From the initial deposit to a successful settlement, she supports the entire sales process, bow to stern.
Originally trained as a school teacher, Andrea decided to pursue her passion for computer systems and teaching others how to use them. It was during this time that she discovered her exceptional skills in Excel and Accounting.
Andrea first developed a love for marine at a young age, learning to sail in Half Moon Bay. Throughout the years she has owned several power vessels, and often enjoys a spot of fishing when the conditions are good. As a certified Divemaster, Andrea finds joy in exploring both above and below the water.
Kayla Symmans
Group Marketing Manager
With a passion for the industry and a knack for organisation, Kayla recently took the helm as Group Marketing Manager. Though new to the leadership position, she brings over three years of experience to the team, accelerating her growth in all things marketing since joining us.
Kayla's dedication is already evident in the new systems she's begun implementing, streamlining processes for both clients and staff. Fully focused on her marketing role, she brings her expertise and leadership to the team.
Growing up in Auckland, Kayla's connection to the water runs deep. Her father, a well-established boat builder, instilled in her a lifelong love for the ocean. Surrounded by friends who share her passion, weekends are often spent exploring remote locations by boat or casting lines for a relaxing fishing trip.
Prior to her marketing success, Kayla spent years honing her leadership and organisational skills as crew on a renowned fleet of luxury super yachts. These experiences are reflected in her dedicated work ethic and structured approach – qualities that continue to benefit both her colleagues and clients.
Whether you're a client or colleague, Kayla's warm smile and positive attitude are sure to brighten your day. She's always happy to point you in the right direction, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Beth Maloney
Executive Assistant / Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Beth serves as the Executive Assistant and Sales & Marketing Coordinator at 36 Degrees Brokers. With a strong commitment to excellence and a deep passion for the boating industry, Beth plays a vital role in supporting the team and enhancing client experiences. Her organizational skills and creative approach to marketing ensure that clients receive the best service possible.
After studying psychology, deepening her understanding of client needs and enhances her communication skills. This background allows her to connect with clients on a personal level, making their journey in the yachting community even more enjoyable. Connect with Beth to discover the exciting opportunities available at 36 Degrees Brokers!
Georgia Wilshire
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
Meet Georgia, a water enthusiast whose childhood by the ocean fuelled her passion for sailing, surfing, and boating. After completing a degree majoring in Nutrition and Exercise Science, she pivoted to marketing to diversify her skill set. Now an entrepreneur, she owns a company specialising in import, marketing, and sales. Her love for the sea remains steadfast, leading her to join the 36° team as a member of the Marketing Team and as 36° Social Media Coordinator.
Jamaica Zessner
Sales and Marketing Assistant
Jamaica's background growing up in the Bay of Islands and being immersed in the marine culture has shaped her passion for the ocean. With her experience in diving and free diving, as well as crewing for tourism vessels in the Bay of Islands, she developed a deep connection to the maritime world. This connection led her to pursue a career in the yachting industry, where she gained valuable skills in team management and communications.
After spending a considerable amount working away on superyachts in the Pacific, U.S, and the Mediterranean, Jamaica has returned to her hometown of Paihia. Recently, she sailed back home from the Mediterranean on S/Y Gliss and joined the 36 Degrees team as one of their newest members. Based in Opua, she will be taking on the role as sales assistant and providing support to the 36 Degrees marketing team.
Emma Nelson
Sales and Marketing Assistant
Emma's passion for the marine world began in South Africa, where she grew up in a motor boating family, exploring and fishing along the wild African coasts. Emma has fully embraced the ocean-centric lifestyle since moving to New Zealand in 2016 with her young family. Relocating from bustling Auckland to serene Northland, she’s become deeply involved in her husband's tender boat building business.
Her love for sailing was cemented after completing her first Route 66 race in 2020. Emma is always eager to join any boat crew and has found, "It's better to know someone with a boat than to own one." Now based in Marsden Cove, Emma brings her passion and enthusiasm to our Sales and Marketing team and is ready to support and drive our mission forward.