Our History
An extract from pioneering jet boater Guy Mannering.
The shallow braided streams of the Canterbury's shingle rivers provided Bill Hamilton with a challenge. This inventive and adventurous sportsman - engineer responded by advancing the Archimedes creation of a water screw in a tube, refining it in early stages to become a powerful locomotion force, which unlike a propeller, was contained within the boat and enabled high speed progress over the shallowest waters.
Since about 1953, first a trickle of admirers, then a flood of enthusiasts became equipped with Hamilton jets from the Christchurch factory. By 1957 boats were to be found throughout New Zealand, adventuring far into the rougher reaches of rivers and enjoying the remarkable and unique properties of the new water jet propulsion. The boats were almost all of wooden construction, which proved of limited value when in inevitable collision with rocks and the watercourse.
The fortunate appearance of fibreglass [circa 1958] pioneered more resilient hulls which could be mass produced hugely advancing the greatly expanding ownership, and preparing for the ultimate building by the 1970's of metal hulls intended to be a match for the solid encounters in the waterways.
An Association of owners of jet boats formed the New Zealand Jet Boat Association in 1962 with a foundation membership of 58 owners. The number has increased to about 2,000 at this time.
Similar Associations of jet boaters have formed in many countries around the world to address the many varieties of jet propelled vessels, wet bikes, jet-skis, pleasure craft, racing and marathon boats. The remarkable maneuverability of jet propulsion has attracted fishing vessels and high speed ferries, and is now universally accepted as propulsion in large vessels domestic and military.
Bill Hamilton’s remarkable contribution to marine propulsion has seen the jet universally employed and exploited by many nations, and in craft of many types and size. His achievements in engineering and his valuable services to manufacturing were recognised in June 1974 by his knighthood in that year's Queens Birthday honours.
Sir William Hamilton, Patron of the New Zealand Jet Boat Association, died in March 1978. Lady Hamilton accepted the invitation to continue patronage, and on her death in 1986 their son Jon, a foundation member took over the roll until his death in 2009. Today, prominent jet boater Phil Keisanowski is the Patron of the rebranded Jet Boating New Zealand.
How does it work?
The National Executive (the Executive) comprises the nine Branch Chairmen and up to 10 people elected by the JBNZ members. The Executive delegates day to day operations to the Management Committee which is made up of the elected members of the Executive.
The Board elects the President and Vice President following the Annual General Meeting. Members of the Management Committee are assigned Portfolios based on their interests and skills.
These portfolios are:
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Branch Liaison
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Constitution, Finance & Contracts
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Heritage Trust
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Information Technology
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JBNZ Benefits & External Funding
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Manufacturers
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Magazine, Handbook & Wallplanner
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Marketing & Social Media
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Media & Communication
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Membership Onboarding
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National Rally
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Rivers
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River Racing (NZJBRRA Rep)
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Safety - North Island
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Safety - South Island
Details of the current Management Committee members can be found here.
Branches
Jet Boating New Zealand has nine branches covering New Zealand. You can view the branch boundaries here. The Branch contacts can be found by navigating to the branch page. Our branches organise member activities ranging from River Runs to Charity Events to ‘Shed Days and Driver Training. The organisation of the annual National Rally and Conference events are rotated around the branches to ensure all members have an opportunity to contribute and take part.
Rules
Jet Boating New Zealand Incorporated is governed by the Constitution which can be found in the Annual Safety Handbook
About
About Jet Boating NZ
In 1962 with a foundation membership of 58 owners, the New Zealand Jet Boat Association was formed. While the associations' objectives and name has evolved over the years the underlying foundation and desire to provide for all Jet Boaters remains unchanged.
Going jet boating on waterways throughout New Zealand requires a great deal of time and expense to work through the regulatory environment. However, with the annual membership fee and growing membership, JBNZ can gather this information and advocate for its members to ensure speed uplifting's are gained and/or maintained.
The association's executive committee provides support for these activities, allowing the branch committees to focus on organizing their branch events and meeting the needs of their members.
JBNZ places safety as a top priority and is proud of the high standards that its members adhere to. The association equips its branches with essential tools to assist members in safety tips and training. Additionally, members can participate in branch activities that allow them to develop their skills in a controlled environment with a mixture of new and experienced members who can offer help and support.
JBNZ is a well-established organization that focuses on recreational boating. We have a competent executive team that is committed to upholding strong objectives and advocating for our members. Our primary goal is not only to increase our membership but also to promote safe recreational jet boating and being part of an inclusive jet boat community.
JBNZ is dedicated to fostering a community of safe jet boaters while keeping our waterways open for jet boating adventures that exceed 5 knots.
Membership is open to any interested person over the age of 16 years and also to "Family Members" (wife, husband, partner or child under 21 years of age). You can join JBNZ at any time by completing the application form here.
