ABOUT
Lees Boatbuilders is one of the longest standing family owned boatbuilding businesses in New Zealand. We started on Kawau Island in 1951 and our traditional timber skills that hark back to that time have been retained and cherished. However as different boatbuilding materials and methods have been embraced over the years it has added to an incredible depth of knowledge and skills within our staff which allows us to tackle a wide variety of work.
These days a lot of our business is high end restoration work on older timber vessels. This involves getting boats to a "better than new" stage and we are immensely proud and passionate about the work that leaves our yard.
OUR TEAM
Our staff are all avid boaties. Their spare time often absorbed in and around boats and they all have a passion and enthusiasm for boats. Boats are our thing!
GREG LEES
DIRECTOR
Greg's early years were spent in and around boats including many years in the family business before operating his own insurance brokerage in the city whilst still part of the Sandspit boating community. However the call of the ocean was loud and he returned to the yard in 1992 and took over the business from his father Tim. Greg is a born and bred Kawau/Sandspit local and has a great passion and wealth of knowledge of the area, it's people and their boats.
DALE COLLINS
FOREMAN
Our foreman Dale is a qualified boatbuilder with over 35 years experience and also a seriously talented spray painter. He has an eye for detail and makes sure any work bearing the Lees Boatbuilders name retains the level of workmanship that the company was founded on. After dozens of personal boat projects in his spare time, Dale is currently enjoying taking his whanau on tours in the family camper van.
ANGELA STILL
ADMIN
Angela's dedicated work in the background is the glue that keeps the administration side of the business running smoothly. She keeps the boys in line and adds a female perspective to the lunch room discussions.
ANTON PARKER
LOVES SAILING
Anton joined us in 2023 and started his adult boatbuilding apprenticeship in early 2024. While he has a Sports and Exercise degree, he has also been a chef, professional mountain biker and captained super-yachts for several years before settling in NZ to start a business building tiny houses - including his own. A competent and experienced sailor, Anton recently purchased his own yacht. He brings experience, willingness, versatility, and depth to our team.
GRAEME KEARNEY
EX NAVY
Graeme is an Able Seaman with a naval background. He is a former Sandspit Harbourmaster and still does some contract work on oil rig tenders. Given his lifetime of practical boating experience, Graeme is an extremely versatile staff member.
VINCENT TERZIEFF
FISHING MAD
Vincent started his apprenticeship in 2018 and graduated in 2025. In addition to being a keen and knowledgeable fisherman, Vinnie's woodworking skills have developed to an exacting and very high standard. His talents have produced some beautiful wood worked items, joinery, and half-models.
DAVE JACKSON
EXPERIENCED!
Dave is a retired boatbuilder who is here on a daily basis. He was, for many years, the slip master at Sandspit Yacht Club. He served his time with Roy Paris and has an extensive knowledge of boatbuilding and the history of the Auckland Classic fleet.
CHRIS GORDON
XMAS PRESENT
Chris came to help out “just up to Christmas“ 10 years ago. With an experienced boating background and having worked in building and joinery most of his career, he soon became a highly valued member of the Lees team. His skills made the transition to the marine industry an easy one and we hope “just up to Christmas” lasts a few more years yet.
HOLLY
LOVES STICKS
Holly's friendly face is likely the first you will see when you visit our yard. Throw her a stick and you have a friend for life.