A global network of New Zealanders working on and around boats is being called on to help find millions of dollars of new work for the country's marine industry.
The industry hopes its role in Team New Zealand's defence of the America's Cup this year will help galvanise expats around the world to get in behind.
Decades of international success, building and sailing yachts, has created a global network of New Zealanders in marine work and the Marine Industry Association wants to turn them into tipsters for the sector.
A superyacht refit is worth millions of dollars and businessman Gary Paykel says a New Zealander on an overseas-based boat can help bring that money to this country.
Friends of New Zealand Marine hopes to connect up with that network, brief them on industry developments, and encourage them to spread the word.
Managing director of Auckland-based Southern Spars Richard Lott says New Zealanders overseas have already helped bring his company work.