Richard Branson tests Auckland innovation

Sir Richard Branson - in New Zealand to catch the finals of the Rugby World Cup - has been seen out on Auckland waters testing an innovative form of Kiwi transport.

On board a New Zealand-designed Sealegs amphibious marine craft, the British entrepreneur took off from Takapuna Beach for a blast around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour earlier today (21.10.2011).

Since its launch in 2004, Sealegs has become the world’s largest manufacturer of amphibious boats with over 600 craft in more than 12 countries and offices in USA and France.

Dinner event
Branson is in Auckland to host his first ever publicly ticketed dinner event for New Zealand’s business elite. His visit coincides with the Rugby World Cup Final between the All Blacks and France this Sunday, 23 October.

"It’s great to be back in Auckland. I love coming here and can’t think of a better time to be here than during the Rugby World Cup," said Branson.

"The people I have met here have really reaffirmed what I have always thought about New Zealand. There is a wealth of talented and unique businesses in Auckland that are thriving both domestically and on the international stage.

"For a small country, New Zealanders are certainly pushing the boundaries on the innovation front."

Kiwi innovation
Auckland mayor Len Brown said the visit would inspire further innovation from Auckland businesses.

"Sir Richard clearly has an affinity with New Zealanders, sharing the same entrepreneurial spirit that Kiwis are so well-known for."

As a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Richard Branson founded companies including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Blue, and Virgin Active, which employ over 40,000 people across 30 countries with revenues exceeding $NZ25 billion.

Sir Richard is perhaps equally as recognised for his successful world record attempts at the fastest crossings of the Atlantic Ocean, by boat and balloon, as well as his record for crossing the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle.

Auckland is a marine-based city - bordered by two harbours and two oceans - with numerous water-based activities, and what is rumoured to be the highest boat ownership per capita in the world.

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Kiwi innovation