About Us

Welcome to NZ Fishing Floats.

We are a family business now owned by Marty.

Mum and Dad purchased the business in 1988 and operated it as the Float Factory.

The first factory was a simple concrete block single garage type arrangement, dark and dingy. When it rained the rain ran down a bank at the back and then over the floor and out through the front. So everything was raised off the floor on pallets. (A photo is below, with the bank and old house that used to be above it now long removed).

 

It was then moved to an old butcher shop in Paeroa which was purchased and converted for use. After continual issues with security at the time it was moved to a purpose built workshop on a family small farm where it remains till this day.

The production methods remain as they were then involving hands on labour and attention to detail - this means each float is a high quality NZ made item. Over time Dad developed some new shapes, unique to us, we see them copied in the marketplace - often from people who got samples or product from us - but we remain confident that our original High Density product is superior in quality , longevity and we offer the same great family service. Dad came from a family of fisherman and had a keen interest in developing things. 

Many of our customers, particularly in the commercial space have been with us from the very beginning and we value that. They're great marine supply businesses, knowledgeable and good payers which is important in a small family business. Some of them are on to their second generation of ownership as well with us.

In 2021 mum decided it was time for her to take a step back, she was turning 70 and still working hard everyday between the farm and floats. Now she just helps at any opportunity, puts the floats on the courier, advises and does her farm work. Marty got involved and with her help and overseeing abilities has been developing the business a little. We've come forward a few years with email, a website, internet banking and replaced some of the original equipment.

The floats are mainly used in the Commercial Fishing industry with some exposure to marine farming. They are also used in recreational fishing and other manufacturers use some floats as components in their specialist products such as nets, long lines and diving flags. In NZ we call them Floats, elsewhere or in conversation around yachting etc you may hear them called a buoy.

The floats, particularly the round ones, are often also used in craft products as they enable a base shape for items to be attached to etc. 

There is also a duck decoy which is realistic and is practically unsinkable even with an  errant shot or two.