Perpetual Guardian is our new presenting sponsor!

A New Zealand business with origins dating back further than most of our most famous classic boats, has come onboard as the first presenting sponsor of the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival.

Charlotte Lockhart and Andrew Barnes, founder of Perpetual Guardian and owner of the classic boat 'Ariki’ / Photo (c) Live Sail Die

Perpetual Guardian Group, New Zealand’s premier provider of the full suite of estate planning services, was founded more than 140 years ago in Auckland, a time when the city was growing and relied on wooden boats for coastal trade and almost all transport.

Patrick Gamble, Perpetual Guardian CEO, says that it is great to have the opportunity to align a Kiwi business that helps to create and preserve legacies, with a prestigious festival that will tell the stories of Auckland’s maritime heritage.

Andrew Barnes, Perpetual Guardian founder and classic boat owner, says, “Perpetual Guardian has long enjoyed bringing meaningful events to life in Auckland. The city’s maritime heritage is important to my partner Charlotte Lockhart and I, and we know it means a lot to Aucklanders. The opportunity for Perpetual Guardian to help tell these stories and make these connections is truly special.”   

Auckland Wooden Boat Festival Co-Festival Director Tony Stevenson says that Perpetual Guardian’s support helps ensure that not only the inaugural event is sustainable, and that it has an opportunity to continue to succeed in the future.

“We couldn’t be more delighted with the support of Perpetual Guardian and everyone who is contributing time and financial support to help to bring this free event on Auckland’s waterfront together for all Aucklanders. “

The inaugural Auckland Wooden Boat Festival is part of the Moana Ocean Festival, organised by members of the Tino Rawa Trust and the Classic Yacht Association with the support of Tātaki Unlimited, the New Zealand Maritime Museum and Eke Panuku to tell the story of Auckland’s maritime history from early Māori times through to today. From its festival village in Wynyard Quarter, it will offer up timeless activities like sail making, boat building, try-sailing sessions, seminars and films, and an astounding display of more than 150 boats.

1-3 March 2024, Jellicoe Harbour, Wynyard Quarter, the Viaduct Events Centre and New Zealand Maritime Museum.

The majestic Ariki - photo (c) Live Sail Die