Underwater NZ Turning 50

In June this year, New Zealand Underwater is turning fifty years old and to celebrate will be hosting a Dive Exp Expo at Auckland’s Sheraton Hotel (June 6-8). This is the largest event in diving to ever have been held in New Zealand.

A commemorative book launch and evening to meet all of the association’s ex-presidents will start the proceedings.

On Saturday a diving industry technology Expo, historical museum and a guest speaker series will preceed a black tie dinner and entertainment by the Rodger Fox Big Band.

In the morning, Chris Carter Minister of Conservation will officially open the Dive EXPO. This part of the weekend is open to the public and tickets are available at New Zealand Underwater.

A naval recompression chamber and an unprecedented collection of historical memorabilia will be on display in a separate museum and theatrette.

The line-up of internationally recognised speakers includes: Rodney Fox, famous Australian shark attack survivor and shark conservationist; Bill Day, entrepreneur of the year (2000) and Mike Hatcher, underwater treasure hunter, salvor and sea captain.

On Sunday in conjunction with the association’s annual general meeting, three open workshops will be run throughout the day. At an environmental workshop, Rodney Fox will talk about shark conservation in Australia and there will be a discussion on marine reserves. At a technical workshop, dive legend Keith Gordon, will be demonstrating his remotely operated vehicle and footage shot of the shipwreck Niagara.

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