Wellington-based boat painting company Top of the South Marine Coatings has shifted its operation to Greymouth – a move owner Greg MacDonald says is aimed at expanding the business into boatbuilding and training apprentices.

“I’ve wanted to adjust the direction of the business for quite a few years now. I’m a qualified boatbuilder and I believe there’s an opportunity to offer new builds for clients. And given the real shortage of boatbuilders – especially timber boat specialists – throughout New Zealand, offering a formal training programme could help to bolster the ranks.

“I’ve considered introducing the change while we’ve been in Wellington (based at the Seaview Marina), but the facility is too small and it’s very difficult to find bigger, affordable premises.”

Greymouth had friendlier options for MacDonald, and thanks to help from the Provincial Growth Fund, a new shed is being erected over the port’s existing slipway. The slipway has side-shift capabilities and can accommodate numerous boats at a time.

The company’s name and contact details remain unchanged.

email: totsmarinecoatings@gmail.com www.totsmarinecoatings.co.nz