Conrad Gair

Director

It’s fair to say that Conrad has salt water running through his veins! Growing up on the Hauraki Gulf, he’s been involved in sailing all his life and even won a world championship in 2000.

However, far from just a pure sailor, Conrad has also owned several launches, even lovingly re-building a Salthouse Corsair with his own hands. 

A consummate sales professional, Conrad had a stellar career in real estate before following his passion back go the sea where he helped establish and build New Zealand Multihull Solutions most successful brokerage. 

In 2014, Conrad saw an opportunity for change in New Zealand’s high-end brokerage and established 36° Brokers. With an extensive monohull database, connections around the globe and a reputation for integrity and service delivery, Conrad aims to make 36° Auckland and New Zealand’s premier brokerage.

Jono Bakker

General Manager

Jono has been a key member of our team for the past three years, serving as our General Manager and bringing over 20 years of experience in the marine industry. Jono has an impressive background, having previously held positions as Sales Manager of Family Boats and General Manager of Southern Boats, along with experience as a boatbuilder, Draftsman, and Professional Yacht Crew. His on-water experience includes competitive dinghy sailing, multihull racing, and participation in several Coastal Classics.

Jono’s technical knowledge of boats is perfectly paired with his dedication to exceptional customer relations. With a wealth of invaluable experience, industry connections, and acute knowledge of the sales process, Jono continues to be an asset to our management team.

Jono, his wife, and their young kids are the proud owners of a 100-year-old kauri launch, a testament to their passion for maritime heritage and craftsmanship.

Eric Pinel-Peschardiere

Sales Broker - Tahiti

Éric’s boating resume is impressive to say the least and his knowledge of the French Polynesia cruising region second to none. After training as a professional photographer in Paris, Éric soon found himself head over heels for Tahiti where he settled in 2000, starting a business in Photography and Web Development.

Éric’s love for boating sharpened as he spent many years sailing 18’ hobie cats, and providing private guided tours and sailing lessons. He soon purchased a 46’ catamaran, extensively cruising the Caribbean and Transpacific, all with his partner and two young daughters onboard. Fun fact; First French TV channel (TF1) have reported on his family’s lifestyle, you can check it out here.

8 years and 10,000 nautical miles later, Éric now lives in Papeete. As vice president of the Association des Voiliers en Polynésie, (Sailing Boats Association Polynesia) Éric has a wealth of boating networks, of which brings tremendous value to his role in Brokerage.  A big advocate for sustainable boating, and a deep seeded love for the water, Éric is a stellar addition to the team.

Blair McNaughton

Services Manager

Blair McNaughton has logged 70,000 nautical sea miles throughout a career spanning 13 years – seven working on Super Yachts around the World, and the past six years working in Auckland's marine industry. His first-hand experience of the rigours a boat endures in the marine environment has built a wealth of knowledge on how to maintain and protect his clients' investment so they can enjoy peace-of-mind cruising.

He brings to 36° Brokers his knowledge of the ins and outs of maintenance, on-board systems, and a reliable network of suppliers and contractors. In addition, Blair's client relationships, many of which are long standing, are founded on integrity and good communication.

Julia Hamilton

Operations Manager - 36° and The Yacht Collective 

Julia Hamilton, our Operations Manager, brings extensive maritime experience and passion from her Auckland, New Zealand roots. With a diverse career spanning yacht racing, coaching, and charter boats in both New Zealand and the Mediterranean has honed her skills and instilled a profound love for the sea,  she's also a qualified commercial skipper and a strong advocate for safety and compliance.

When Julia isn't managing our operations, you'll likely find her out on the water, continuing to explore her love for sailing and sharing her expertise with fellow enthusiasts. With Julia at the helm of our operations, you can trust that we are in capable hands, navigating towards success with precision and dedication.

Robbs Hielkema

Broker - Bay of Islands

Rob, or ‘Robbs’ as he’s commonly known, is the Northland broker for 36 Degrees, located at the Opua-based office in the Bay of Islands.

Bringing a friendly and personable approach to brokering in the North, Robbs enjoys talking boats almost as much as he does being on the water. His background in professional yachting and vast experience of cruising, racing, and delivering countless yachts across the globe means he has a keen knack for finding suitable vessels to match buyers needs. 

When he’s not selling, listing, or talking boats, Robbs is either out on the water coaching young sailors, kitesurfing, or exploring the Bay Of Islands.   

If you’re in and around Opua, pop in and say hi at the office next to the General Store on the wharf.

Chris Nel

Broker - Bay Of Islands

After almost a decade working on Super Yachts from 20-100m as a Marine Engineer, Chris has returned to NZ and based himself in Northland. Being involved in the Super Yacht industry from New Builds to Used vessels he has gained a unique perspective through purchases, sales and surveys, offering a wide range of skills and experience to draw from and of much value to our clients.

Recently, Chris has worked in roles such as the commissioning engineer for new builds such as the 85m ‘Bold’ from Hanseatic Marine, Perth Australia to one of the operational engineers on ‘Lady S’, a 93m Royal Van Lent Feadship launched in 2019, taking her through her 2 year warranty period. Chris's technical knowledge is of great value during the sale and purchase process, and he offers much insight to his clients. Aside from his extensive career in marine, Chris is truely passionate about boating and being out on the water.

Harry Clark

Broker - Auckland

If you’ve recently participated in any local sailing regattas, there’s a high chance you’ve come across our youngest yacht broker Harry. Harry is a man of the sea and a passionate sailor with incredible depth of boating knowledge across power boats, catamarans, and yachts. 

Harry grew up on Sydney Harbour where he learnt to sail before moving back to his native New Zealand and establishing himself in the Marine Industry. Competitively Harry has participated in many coastal and Bluewater series, including the Coastal Classic (Winner 2019), 18ft skiff world championship, White Island, SSANZ events, and much more. In his spare time Harry enjoys cruising on his Ross 830 or his families Riviera 51 in the stunning Bay of Islands.

Harry represents true versatility, with his love for boats and connections in the industry making him a perfect advocate for clients looking to buy or sell their dream vessel. 

Trent Stillwell

Broker - Auckland

Trent was raised on the Hauraki Gulf and is a native of the Auckland area. An experienced marine salesman and avid fisherman with a decade’s experience in the industry; Trent is truly knowledgeable and passionate about boating.

Starting out selling fishing gear, Trent soon started his own business manufacturing boat trailers, successfully supplying some of the industry’s best boat builders. After transitioning into a Yacht Broker role, Trent’s true gift is in great customer service, as he strives to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience selling or purchasing your next vessel.  

Having bought and sold his way through several vessels over the years until owning his current trailer boat, Trent spends most of his spare time enjoying inshore fishing, up and down the coast and further afield targeting blue water beasts.

Paul Richardson

Broker - Auckland

Paul found his love of sailing at a young age through sailing Optimists and Hobie Cats in Papua New Guinea, and he is no stranger to the water. After returning back to New Zealand before high school, he continued to spend time out on the water most holidays!

After graduating with a bachelor of business from Otago University, Paul has worked in sales roles both within the grocery and home appliance industries.

His spare time is devoted to sailing aboard a Ray Beale 40 owned by his family anywhere within the Hauraki Gulf as well as engaging in any water-based activities.

He seized the chance to join the 36° Brokers Sales Team due to his love of sailing and desire to broaden his professional network. Paul is looking forward to taking his sales experience and combining it with an industry that he has a genuine interest in and passion for!

Quentin Lowe

Broker - Auckland

Quentin's love for the sea started at age 7 in an Optimist dinghy. His racing journey, from P Class to Starling, led him to the RNZ Yacht Squadron Youth Team under Harold Bennett. A certified NZ shipwright with advanced skills, Quentin combines technical expertise with seafaring prowess.

In 1996, Quentin embarked on a 12-year adventure aboard Superyachts, covering over 80,000 nautical miles and visiting prime destinations worldwide. This experience honed his seafaring skills and deepened his love for the marine lifestyle.

In 2008, Quentin moved to Phuket, Thailand, joining Simpson Marine, Asia’s top brokerage firm. His yachting experience ensured a successful career in yacht brokerage until 2012.

Quentin eventually returned to New Zealand, reconnecting with the Hauraki Gulf. Settling with his family, he enjoys sharing this boating paradise with friends and newcomers.

Today, Quentin helps others with boat purchases and sales, offering his expertise and friendly approach to ensure smooth marine adventures.

Laurent Boudou

Sales Broker - New Zealand

Born in Germany and raised in the wild French Guiana of South America, Laurent had the chance to grow up in a very multicultural environment. Speaking French, German and English, he now resides in New Zealand with his wife and soon first child.

Laurent has an impressive quota of sea miles having spent the last decade on Superyachts; on deck, in the engine room or at the helm of numerous prestigious mono and multihulls from 40’ to 120’.

Training to be our specialist Multihull broker, Laurent will soon represent the Whangarei area where he will implement a strategy to grow our sales network in the region. Utilising his worldwide networks, and technical knowledge of yachts, Laurent plans to take an information and detail based approach to sales. This paired with his positive and can-do attitude will ensure you get the best result for your vessel.

If he’s not selling or talking boats, you can be sure to find him on the water sailing, kitesurfing, foiling and catching waves.

Andrea Chapman

Accounts

Andrea is an invaluable accounts team member, providing essential support in invoicing and payments for our clients and industry suppliers. From the initial deposit to a successful settlement, she supports the entire sales process, bow to stern. 

Originally trained as a school teacher, Andrea decided to pursue her passion for computer systems and teaching others how to use them. It was during this time that she discovered her exceptional skills in Excel and Accounting. 

Andrea first developed a love for marine at a young age, learning to sail in Half Moon Bay. Throughout the years she has owned several power vessels, and often enjoys a spot of fishing when the conditions are good. As a certified Divemaster, Andrea finds joy in exploring both above and below the water.

Kayla Symmans

Group Marketing Manager

With a passion for the industry and a knack for organisation, Kayla recently took the helm as Group Marketing Manager. Though new to the leadership position, she brings over three years of experience to the team, accelerating her growth in all things marketing since joining us.

Kayla's dedication is already evident in the new systems she's begun implementing, streamlining processes for both clients and staff. Fully focused on her marketing role, she brings her expertise and leadership to the team.

Growing up in Auckland, Kayla's connection to the water runs deep. Her father, a well-established boat builder, instilled in her a lifelong love for the ocean. Surrounded by friends who share her passion, weekends are often spent exploring remote locations by boat or casting lines for a relaxing fishing trip.

Prior to her marketing success, Kayla spent years honing her leadership and organisational skills as crew on a renowned fleet of luxury super yachts. These experiences are reflected in her dedicated work ethic and structured approach – qualities that continue to benefit both her colleagues and clients.

Whether you're a client or colleague, Kayla's warm smile and positive attitude are sure to brighten your day. She's always happy to point you in the right direction, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

Georgia Wilshire

PA to Conrad / Marketing Assistant

Meet Georgia, a water enthusiast whose childhood by the ocean fuelled her passion for sailing, surfing, and boating. After completing a degree majoring in Nutrition and Exercise Science, she pivoted to marketing to diversify her skill set. Now an entrepreneur, she owns a company specialising in import, marketing, and sales. Her love for the sea remains steadfast, leading her to join the 36° team as a member of the marketing team and Director Conrad’s Personal Assistant.

Beth Maloney

Administration

Auckland native Beth thrives on the city's energy and loves meeting new people. This passion for connection naturally led her to pursue psychology studies. But Beth's heart also belongs to the water. Summers spent camping and fishing in Ohope, her family's haven, ignited a lifelong love for the aquatic world. Now, Beth joins the 36 Degrees team, eager to explore the wonders of boats and embark on new adventures while welcoming everyone with her friendly face.

Jamaica Zessner

Sales and Marketing Assistant

Jamaica's background growing up in the Bay of Islands and being immersed in the marine culture has shaped her passion for the ocean. With her experience in diving and free diving, as well as crewing for tourism vessels in the Bay of Islands, she developed a deep connection to the maritime world. This connection led her to pursue a career in the yachting industry, where she gained valuable skills in team management and communications. 

Emma Nelson

Sales and Marketing Assistant

Emma's passion for the marine world began in South Africa, where she grew up in a motor boating family, exploring and fishing along the wild African coasts. Emma has fully embraced the ocean-centric lifestyle since moving to New Zealand in 2016 with her young family. Relocating from bustling Auckland to serene Northland, she’s become deeply involved in her husband's tender boat building business.

Her love for sailing was cemented after completing her first Route 66 race in 2020. Emma is always eager to join any boat crew and has found, "It's better to know someone with a boat than to own one." Now based in Marsden Cove, Emma brings her passion and enthusiasm to our Sales and Marketing team and is ready to support and drive our mission forward.

Mathieu Voluer

Sales Broker - Tahiti

Mathieu Voluer is a seasoned professional with a deep passion for the maritime world, Mathieu’s boating resume is impressive, to say the least, and his knowledge of the French Polynesia cruising region is second to none. 

Mathieu's journey from academia led him to the open waters, where he embraced his love for sailing. He achieved the prestigious rank of Captain, first aboard 'Agility' in 2013 and later on 'Prana' in 2016. With years of experience navigating the seas, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for all things maritime.

Today, Mathieu has transitioned into the world of yacht brokerage, bringing his extensive expertise and passion to the team at 36 Degrees Brokers Tahiti. His unique blend of academic background, sailing prowess, and genuine love for the sea makes him a valuable asset in the world of yacht sales and an excellent resource for anyone seeking maritime guidance in French Polynesia.