Competitive yacht racer Tristan Campbell has spent his life in and around New Zealand's waterways, and the majority of his career in the marine industry. As National Sales Manager of Kiwi Yachting, he’s built a reputation of reliability and thorough knowledge of marine hardware.
Tristan has an extensive network of marine trade contacts, and strives to connect boat owners with them through BoatSmart HQ. Alongside holding national sailing titles, Tristan has gained a high level of expertise in sailing vessel management and all types of power craft.
Living right on the doorstep of Tutukaka Marina, Tristan is the Boatsmart HQ First Mate you can depend on in the Northland region.
With over 15 years’ experience in the Marine Industry, Hugo started his career as a single-handed sailing coach down at Murrays Bay Sailing Club. Following his passion for boating, he completed his Boat Building and Marine Systems engineering apprenticeships in New Zealand before heading overseas on Super Yachts. He worked his way up to Chief Engineer on vessels over 50mtrs and is still a standby engineer on some of the local yachts here in New Zealand.
Hugo is now settled down after a life on the water up on the Whangaparaoa Coast and if not found at the local Marinas in the Rodney area, you’ll see him out fishing on his own boat or catching a wave at the local surf breaks.
Yachtmaster Dominic Ryan-Kidd is the BoatSmart HQ First Mate for Westhaven and Orakei, as well as Bayswater, Milford and Hobsonville Marinas in Auckland. Dominic has a wide-ranging background in sailing, IT and farming.
After competing in the Whitbread Round the World Race and the Round Ireland race, Dominic worked as a sailing instructor and engineer, where he gained his Yachtmaster’s qualification.
Dominic has spent the last 25 years managing teams building analytic data models for large corporations, and is now re-indulging in his passion for boating.
Aaron Beattie has over 30 years experience in all aspects of boat building, making him the ideal First Mate to look after your vessel. After completing his Boat Building apprenticeship with Terry Bailey Boat Builders, Aaron moved on to McMullen and Wing Boat Builders, where he worked on superyachts. He was even involved with the famous black boats that brought the Americas Cup to New Zealand for the first time.
Aaron has since formed his own company, Lifestyle Yachts where he’s built ten vessels for renowned boat designers. Lifestyle Yachts also carries out repairs, maintenance, alterations and insurance work - so you could say Aaron is an all-round boat guru!
Aaron looks after BoatSmart HQ clients in a variety of locations in the Coromandel area including the Whitianga and Pauanui waterways.
Former British Army major Clive Poultney is the director of Vessel Management Tauranga Ltd, and brings a wealth of experience to this role. After spending 25 years in the Royal Engineers, Clive and his family moved to New Zealand.
Clive has gained Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance and Boatmaster qualifications, giving him the skills and knowledge to come in handy as Tauranga’s local First Mate. In his spare time, he enjoys crewing a yacht, sailing, ocean fishing, freshwater fishing, kayaking and takes every opportunity to be outdoors.
Passionate fisherman and diver Dion Brown has a wide range of career experience, including operations and general management. He has enjoyed over 40 years on the sea; extensively explored the Marlborough Sounds; Hauraki Gulf along to the North Cape; and sailed the Ionian Sea and English Channel.
His passion for the Marlborough region is deep seated and his roots in the Queen Charlotte Sounds go right back to the 1960s. Based in Marlborough, Dion is our BoatSmart HQ First Mate for the Picton, Waikawa and Havelock Marinas.
Class 3 Marine Engineer Tav Kaipeti has over 20 years experience in all aspects of the marine industry, making him an ideal First Mate to look after your boat.
Upon completing his engineering study at the Australian Maritime College, Tav started his career as an Engineers’ Sailor in the Tuvalu Maritime Police Service, where he worked his way up to Second Engineer.
Tav came to New Zealand and completed his study for Marine Engineer class 3 in 2016. He then served as Chief Engineer on government vessels, doing preventative maintenance and setting tasks for junior engineers.
Tav is our BoatSmart HQ First Mate for the Te Ana Lyttelton and Queenstown marinas.
Craig started his career at the ripe age of 18 as a flotilla & bare boat skipper in Greece. From there he worked his way up the ranks to Chief Officer on vessels up to 55m for over 10 years in Europe, Caribbean and Maldives.
He relocated to Australia where he worked as a skipper on a 98ft yacht before transitioning to a land-based role as service & warranty manager for 2 years, successfully overseeing a fleet of up to 15 new build yachts.
His passion for the maritime industry, coupled with his extensive knowledge, makes him a trusted and reliable source for all aspects of yachting.
Scott is a licensed electrician commencing his electrical trade at the Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney back in 1995. His passion with boating started over 30 years ago when he first started racing Manly Juniors at age 8. Scott has experience on all boats from Trailer Boats and Dinghies through to Large Sailing Catamarans, Yachts and Powerboats.
He has been regularly called upon to assist with Boat relocations and deliveries up and down the east coast of Australia. With a passion for boating & electronics, Scott founded Shellharbour Marine Electronics, an expansion to his already successful residential, commercial electrical and security company.
In his down time, Scott can be found on the water, sailing or on his jet skis, or enjoying music festivals. Scott is very well respected and highly recommended with his can-do attitude, work ethic and commitment to perfection forming the basis of his success in business to date.
Recently joining BoatSmartHQ servicing Melbourne, Andrew has owned and operated a successful brokerage business specialising in high end ski and wake boats for the past 6 years. Through this time Andrew has understood the needs and gaps for boat owners in the Melbourne area and looks forward to assisting owners with their vessels.
With over 15 years sales and marketing experience across automotive and property development, Andrew’s experience spans both the marine industry along with strategic business planning.
Terry brings a wealth of real-world experience and a lifelong connection to Australia’s coastal industries. With over 16 years in the commercial fishing sector, Terry has operated across Northern Australia, from Hervey Bay to Karratha, working within the Northern Prawn Fishery and taking on a variety of roles including Torris Straits cray diving, coral trout, barramundi and mackerel line fishing and Gulf of Carpenteria mud crabbing.
His expertise extends beyond the catch, with extensive hands-on involvement in vessel refit and maintenance projects, and off-season work aboard Great Barrier Reef dive and charter vessels. A passionate angler and long-time member of the Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANZA), Terry continues to hold both Australian and world record catches in recreational sport fishing.
Now embarking on his next chapter, with deep roots in Australia’s marine environment, he’s excited to bring his experience, drive, and authenticity into new ventures ahead.
Clive Jones is a seasoned mariner with a lifelong passion for boating and a proven record of professionalism at sea. A qualified Yachtmaster since 1986, Clive has spent decades as a Sailing Instructor, Charter Skipper, and commercial operator on vessels ranging from private yachts to large catamarans. His experience spans both sail and power, including command of a 24m party catamaran, a Riviera 60, and numerous yacht deliveries along Australia’s east coast.
He has participated in prestigious offshore races such as the Sydney to Hobart and the Fastnet, demonstrating strong seamanship and teamwork under demanding conditions. In addition to his extensive practical experience, Clive’s background in Business Management and marine engineering gives him a thorough understanding of vessel maintenance, safety systems, and operational efficiency.
As a First Mate, Clive brings not only technical proficiency but also a calm, reliable presence on board, ensuring smooth operations and an excellent guest experience. His passion for the sea, attention to detail, and leadership make him a valued member of any crew.
From Superyachts to the Sunshine Coast — Bringing World-Class Vessel Care Home
Born in Papua New Guinea and raised on the water, a lifelong passion for the sea led from early days fishing with family to working as a dive instructor on the Great Barrier Reef. That foundation evolved into a 22-year career in the world of superyachts — captaining vessels over 60 metres, overseeing new builds, and travelling the globe to serve some of the world’s most prominent yacht owners.
After decades at sea, one lesson stands out: a boat is never just a boat. It’s freedom, adventure, and time spent with the people who matter most.
Now settled on the Sunshine Coast with his wife and two young daughters, that same dedication to quality and care drives the local BoatSmart HQ Sunshine Coast franchise. Backed by national systems and technology, BoatSmart HQ delivers complete vessel management — from monthly inspections and preventative maintenance to expert oversight by a dedicated First Mate.
It’s about taking the stress out of ownership, ensuring every vessel is always ready to go, and helping owners focus on what truly matters — creating unforgettable experiences on the water.
