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 to 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.

 

Director

Formerly one of the top Business Intelligence Specialists in New Zealand banking, Sarah brings unique skills to 36° Brokers, as well as her passion for boating and sailing. Armed with a degree in Accounting and Information Management, her qualifications and experience are separating 36° from its competition and bringing brokering into the digital age.

Having joined 36° after having her first child, Sarah is excited about developing systems and databases that set a new benchmark for the industry, But at the end of the day, Sarah is ensuring the customer experience at 36° Brokers is unmatched anywhere.

General Manager

Serving as our newly appointed General Manager, Jono Bakker is a welcome new face to the team, bringing over 17 years’ experience in the marine industry.

Jono has served as the Sales Manager of Family Boats and General Manager of Southern Boats, and previously worked as a Boatbuilder, Draftsman, and Professional Yacht Crew. Jono’s on water experience includes competitive dingy sailing, multihull racing, and a few Coastal Classics.

Jono’s technical knowledge of boats is perfectly paired with his dedication to exceptional customer relations. Jono has a wealth of invaluable experience, industry connections and acute knowledge of the sale process, and we are thrilled to be able to leverage this experience in a management position.

Jono, his wife and young son, are the proud owners of a 93 year old kauri launch which they hope to one day get to her 100yr centenary celebration.

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.

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

M.+64 21 858 897

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.

 

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. 

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.

Broker - Whangarei 

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 baby boy.

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’.

Our specialist Multihull broker, Laurent represents the Whangarei area with his new office in Marsden Cove 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 his fast trimaran, kitesurfing, foiling and catching waves.

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.

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!

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.

Eric Pinel-Peschardiere

M.+689 87 70 77 16

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.

Broker - Picton

From the 36° Picton office, our highly experienced Broker Gordon Low offers a wealth of invaluable marine knowledge and a long list of accomplishments both at sea and in the sky.

Born in Malaysia and of Scottish decent, Gordon enjoyed a colourful upbringing, spending many years travelling internationally where his parents encouraged a true adventurous spirit. Immigrating to NZ at age 17, Gordon enjoyed many years boating on the Hauraki Gulf before moving to Picton to start a floatplane business (a combination of boating and flying).

Gordon has owned several launches, operated as a commercial skipper for 20 years in the Marlborough Sounds, and also flew commercially for Air NZ for many years. Owner of Gordon Low Marine T/A NZ Boat Sales Picton, Gordon built an enviable reputation in the industry built on honesty and integrity. We are honoured to have him pass the reigns to 36° Brokers and become a part of our experienced team.

Broker - Picton

From building canvas canoes out of wooden bicycle rims as an eight-year-old, to building a 50ft yacht from a half model in the back yard, Jan has either seen or done it all, including numerous coastal deliveries around New Zealand.

Jan has also managed to find time to complete 10 years as an active volunteer, fundraiser and board member for Coastguard and remains a trustee of the Picton Emergency Operations Centre.

Jan is now happily residing in the paradise of the Marlborough sounds enjoying time on his recently acquired Riviera 38 and looks forward to helping you find the boat of your dreams.

Broker - Wellington

George Janis, or ‘Gentleman George’ as he is affectionately known, is a well- respected Wellington identity and has been around boats since he was a child. 36° Brokers are thrilled to have George onboard representing the Wellington and Marlborough region, bringing expert knowledge of boating and the sale process to the table.

George loves nothing more than to share his passion, and pass on his nautical knowledge and expertise. Cook Strait is George’s SH1 to the Marlborough Sounds, and for many years he has been ‘crossing the ditch’.  George networks, so can transform the marketing on your vessel into quality results. He loves being with and meeting people.

It is said he is a workaholic and will always work hard to achieve and please, and will go the extra mile to make everyone happy in the purchase or sale of your vessel. 

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.

Marketing Manager

Frankie was raised on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, on her dads 50ft sail yacht, and spent most weekends underwater with her Dive Instructor mum.

After studying a Communication degree, Frankie headed overseas to join the Superyachts, where she gained an in-depth knowledge of the luxury marine industry. Here she grew a passion for boating, and fell in love with the Pacific Ocean, where she was anointed a "Shellback" by King Neptune himself. 

Equipped with marketing experience and her valuable marine background, Frankie joined the 36° Brokers team. Here she enjoys all things digital, and is excited to see 36° Brokers propel into a new era of marine marketing. These days Frankie and her family have swapped lifejackets for gumboots, as a Lifestyle Block owner where she loves to chat all things no-dig gardening!

PA to Conrad / Marketing Coordinator

Kayla is currently dedicated to being Director Conrad’s Personal Assistant, making sure all enquiries are handled, whilst supporting the Marketing team. 

An Auckland native, she was introduced to the yachting life early on, having a father that is a well-established boat builder. Kayla has been passionate for the water, surrounding herself naturally with friends who share the love of the ocean– most weekends  Kayla and her friends out Fishing or boating around to remote locations. 

Kayla spent many years on the high seas as Superyacht crew, working for a very well-known fleet of Luxury Yachts, developing her leadership and organisation skills, now reflected in her dedicated and structural ability. Five years later, Kayla has established herself here in Auckland where she fits right in with the team. When coming into the office you can expected to be welcomed with a warm, bubbly smile and directed in the direction you desire to go.

Jamaica Zessner

P.+64 9 903 1001

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. 

After spending a considerable amount working away on superyachts in the Pacific, U.S, and the Mediterranean, Jamaica has returned to her hometown of Paihia. Recently, she sailed back home from the Mediterranean on S/Y Gliss and joined the 36 Degrees team as one of their newest members. Based in Opua, she will be taking on the role as sales assistant and providing support to the 36 Degrees marketing team. 

Administration

Beth has lived in Auckland her whole life, always loving the fast-paced energy, interacting, and meeting new people all the time. Then she decided to further pursue her love of people by studying psychology.

Ohope was her second home growing up having so much extended family there and she fell in love with the water whilst camping and fishing there every summer since she was a kid. Beth is more than excited to broaden her experiences and embark on new adventures exploring the wonders of boats and the water whilst working with the 36 Degrees team. She loves connecting with people and hopes to welcome people with a friendly face wherever she goes.