superyacht auckland nz

About Sea Breeze III

The story of us.

Boutique Superyachts represents New Zealand’s leading luxury classic superyacht charter. Sea Breeze III is like no other & her two year refit has been in keeping with her heritage, history, uniqueness of style, and very special features. Built-in 1976, originally christened Ulysses and owned by Graeme Hart, this beautiful classic 105 foot superyacht showcases the very best in craftsmanship & style.

On Sea Breeze we offer a looser kind of luxury boat charter, with the top-notch service and world-class service minus the pretension. Your boatel home away from home. From day events to overnight charters dive into some thing out of the extraordinary.

Charter & Venue Options

Christmas Parties

From that special celebration to Christmas Parties - Sea Breeze will create an memorable & unique...

Be at one with the sea on our wellbeing retreat that is magical & beyond the ordinary.

Sea Breeze III is perfect for an intimate, beautiful and unique superyacht wedding. Our fantastic team provides...

Harbour Cruise

A private boat cruise whilst listening to cool vibes for that special time with friends, family or work colleagues...

Sea Breeze III private yacht charter will be more than just a boating holiday it will be “A trip of a lifetime”...

Corporate Events

Sea Breeze III corporate yacht charter offers a fantastic platform to impress potential clients...

Boutique Superyachts

Berth J03 - Eastern Viaduct Te Wero Island Auckland CBD, 1010  

Get in touch

When you submit the form, we will send you our price sheet, so you can price your event or overnight charter.

LUXURY SUPERYACHT CHARTER

105ft/32m – Up to 80 guests – 4 staterooms with ensuites

Pacific Mermaid is Auckland’s premier superyacht for Corporate Events, On-water Parties, Luxury Holiday Escapes and Hauraki Gulf/Waiheke Cruising. At 105ft she offers 3 large entertaining levels, an integrated sound system, a dedicated bar and a highly experienced and attentive crew. Creating a unique and memorable superyacht experience for large groups or intimate private charter is what we do best!

CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

Luxury Corporate Entertainment on-water is what we do well. We can create a memorable day for your clients and colleagues they will remember.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Pacific Mermaid is spacious, elegant and the perfect on-water venue for a bespoke wedding, anniversary or birthday with family and friends.

DISCOVER NZ

Explore New Zealand's stunning coastline where secluded islands, beautiful beaches, photograph quality scenery and crystalline waters await!

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

The ultimate Christmas celebration: colleagues, clients, laughter, food and beverage, the beautiful Auckland Waitemata Harbour ……says it all.

PRIVATE CHARTERS

Explore new horizons with Pacific Mermaid and her fabulous crew in attendance. Let us spoil you with a personalised 5-star holiday.

EXPLORE PACIFIC ISLANDS

Escape to the tropics where sunshine, white beaches, warm azure waters and palm trees beckon. PM spent 5mths there 2023. Enquiries for 2024 open now...

Superyacht, Sunshine & Saltwater

Whether you are hosting a special event, celebrating a milestone or sharing a bit of luxury with family and friends, Pacific Mermaid and her amazing crew, should be your first choice.

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Super Yachts in Auckland

Superyachts are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking to charter a yacht for their next vacation. This is due in part to the growing Superyacht industry, which has resulted in more luxurious and well-equipped yachts being available for charter. Auckland is one of the most popular destinations for Superyacht charters, due to its sheltered anchorages, convenient location and abundance of luxury amenities. 

The city’s Viaduct Harbour is home to many of the world’s most luxurious yachts, and provides guests with easy access to all of Auckland’s best attractions. Waiheke Island, located just a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, is another and other popular destinations throughout the Hauraki Gulf for those interested in exploring the region by yacht. With its sheltered bays, beautiful beaches and boutique wineries, Waiheke Island is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer.

• Things To Do On Waiheke Island

For those looking to explore the region’s other islands, both the North and South Islands offer a variety of charter options. From luxury sailing yachts to smaller diving boats, there is a charter option to suit every interest and budget. So whether you’re interested in exploring Auckland’s viaduct harbour or sailing around the North Island, a Superyacht charter is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Luxury Yachts in Auckland Viaduct, New Zealand

1. azimut grande 25 metri.

The Azimut Grande 25 Metri is one of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive super yachts. Handcrafted in Italy, it features a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads. Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms and top-of-the-line amenities, making it the perfect choice for a luxury yacht charter. Whether you’re cruising the Mediterranean or exploring the coastline of New Zealand, the Azimut Grande 25 Metri will provide an unforgettable experience. Investing in a Super yacht in  Auckland provides the opportunity to explore all that this incredible city has to offer from the comfort of your own private yacht.

2. Benetti Delfino 95

Super yachts are a sight to behold, and the Benetti Delfino 95 is no exception. Measuring in at just under 30 metres, this luxurious vessel is perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Featuring five spacious staterooms, a sleek exterior design and a host of high-end amenities, the Delfino 95 is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Super yachts are known for their opulence, and the Delfino 95 does not disappoint. Whether you’re relaxing on the sundeck or enjoying a meal in the formal dining area, every moment onboard is sure to be unforgettable. If you’re looking for a truly exceptional experience, the Benetti Delfino 95 is the perfect choice.

• 13 Date Ideas for Auckland

3. Heesen 42M Steel

Heesen 42M Steel is one of the world’s leading builders of super yachts. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Heesen has over 25 years of experience in designing and building some of the most luxurious and technically advanced yachts available. The Heesen 42M Steel is the latest addition to their fleet, and it is sure to turn heads with its sleek lines and powerful engines. With a top speed of 14 knots this yacht is designed for long-distance cruising. And with five staterooms and a spacious flybridge deck, it has plenty of room for guests. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, the Heesen 42M Steel is the perfect choice.

4. Exodus Charters – Auckland’s Luxury Charter Boat

‘Exodus’ is the ultimate Auckland Charter Boat for party charters, snapper fishing, big game fishing, diving and relaxing adventures on the water! Embark on an Auckland charter boat trip you’ll never forget. Get the best Auckland charters for Harbour Cruises, Corporate Events, Fishing, and Diving.

Today, super yachts can be seen all over Auckland harbour. They are used both for transportation and recreation, and are available for charter by both locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a unique way to see Auckland, there is no better way than from the deck of a luxurious super yacht. 

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Conclusion: 

Super yachts have been an integral part of Auckland’s history for centuries. These luxurious vessels have been used for both transportation and recreation by both locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a unique way to see Auckland, there is no better way than from the deck of a super yacht.

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Cruise New Zealand

The ultimate on-water experience, step aboard one of our luxury charter vessels and experience an unforgettable cruise. enjoy a range of land and water-based activities accompanied by a sumptuous meal and beverages. perfect for special occasions, birthdays, weddings, christmas functions, corporate and client entertainment., cruise new zealand luxury charters.

Exceptional Luxury Charter Yachts

There are three luxury catamarans in the Cruise New Zealand charter fleet. The perfect way to enjoy cruising, on-water activities, fishing, and exploring the Hauraki Gulf and New Zealand’s coastal paradise.

Perfect for special occasions, weddings, corporate and incentive hosting’s.

Experience exciting on water activities including underwater scooters, jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkeling and more.

Food and Beverage

Enjoy exceptional on-board dining accompanied by fine wines and beverages.

I just wanted to thank you for a spectacular charter. All of our staff had an amazing time and from our initial enquiry through to the moment we left the boat everything was perfect. Nothing seemed too much trouble and you made sure everyone had a great experience. Austin - Activate Technologies Ltd

I would like to thank the team at Cruise New Zealand for the wonderful afternoon they put on for our staff end-of-year party. From the minute we arrived, we were extremely well hosted and entertained from watersports to great food and beverage. This is our third trip and we will be back again. Euan - Fernz Group

I have been chartering boats for client and staff events for many years and can honestly say that I can’t recall better service, a superb evening and vessel. The attitude of both the captain and crew was excellent, professional, yet friendly, very considerate and incredibly attentive making it a fantastic experience. David - Reconstruct

Just a quick note to say thank you.  Our cruise last Friday was amazing.  The boat, the crew, and the food were just fantastic, and I have had nothing but very positive feedback from our staff.  It was certainly one of the most successful and enjoyed Xmas functions I have ever organised. Denise - Reckitt Benckiser NZ Ltd

A momentous thank you to you and your wonderful team for providing a day yesterday that exceeded all expectations! The client we hosted was so happy. It was the best day ever – such a beautiful boat. Thank you so much to you all. Bree - APN Outdoors

We want to thank you for what was an unforgettable experience on the night of my 60th birthday. The crew was outstanding, and made our entire party feel very welcome. I had no idea that it would be such a luxurious and beautifully crafted motor yacht. A great experience, thank you for the opportunity. Gary Appleton

Thank you so much for all your help with our event. The evening was everything we expected and more! The crew were fantastic, couldn’t ask for better hosts. It was a fabulous venue for showing our latest range and our guests were impressed with the immaculate presentation of the boat and outstanding service. Sarah - KAGI Ltd

Cruise News

June 13, 2023

Craig Armstrong and Rua Moana feature on Stuff.co.nz

This is the Rua Moana, a luxurious 27-metre catamaran superyacht which was chartered by Prada when Auckland played host to the America’s Cup last year.

May 20, 2022

Cruise New Zealand feature on the Lap of Luxury

Rua Moana and the team from Cruise New Zealand feature in the second series of the Lap of Luxury which showcases New Zealand and Australia’s top luxury offerings.

July 22, 2021

Supporters of Live Ocean

We are pleased to support Live Ocean a marine conservation charity founded by sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.

May 3, 2021

Summer escape

Rua Moana – the perfect luxury vessel to enjoy that Special Event, Wedding, Birthday or Christmas Function.

April 19, 2021

Rua Moana features on the cover of Ocean magazine

Rua Moana means two oceans – an apt name for a classic catamaran that is already making waves in New Zealand and Australia.

October 27, 2020

America’s Cup Experience – Seats available to view the racing

America's Cup Experience - Seats available to view the racing for the Christmas and Prada Cups.

October 15, 2020

MV Rua Moana crew

The crew looks forward to welcoming you aboard MV Rua Moana for an unforgettable on-water experience.

June 14, 2020

Rua Moana gets splashed!

The spectacular super yacht, Rua Moana, launch day from build site at Pachoud Yachts in Tauranga to on water at Vessel Works dock.

October 2, 2019

Book your Christmas Cruise now

Guests receive a welcome glass of complimentary bubbles on arrival.

Yacht support in New Zealand & across the South Pacific

We are based at New Zealand’s superyacht hub at Auckland      Contact Now

WHY CHOOSE US?

We create unique experiences.

As Yacht Agents we evolve and adapt but never forget where we came from. Proud of our rich Maori heritage, we know the best ways to share it and customise your Itinerary to fill it with unforgettable moments for you and your clients.

WE TURN IMPOSSIBLE TO POSSIBLE

Going above and beyond is what we do, we are more than just agents. We create a friendship for life. We continually surpass our clients’ expectations, and our return clients prove that we have the experience and capacity to handle the full scope of superyacht requests.

WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU IN NEW ZEALAND

Our dedicated superyacht support team uses the best of its local knowledge to help yacht owners and crew fully enjoy their time in NEW ZEALAND

Catalano Shipping NZ and South Pacific

Catalano Shipping NZ is a premier superyacht shoreside support agency in New Zealand and South Pacific. Based in Auckland, the main superyacht hub, our yacht services cover all aspects of shore support; such as immigration, customs formalities, obtaining charter permits and guiding through the local tax policies, provisioning, bunkering, uniform supply, itineraries, crew placement, management of refits and much more.

LUXURY YACHT CHARTERS FROM THE AUCKLAND VIADUCT

Luxury Cruising New Zealand is Auckland's premier choice for corporate functions, luxury getaways, yacht parties and Waiheke Island escapes.

81 FT OF LUXURY FOR UP TO 45 GUESTS

For ten years Luxury Cruising New Zealand has been Auckland's premier choice for luxury yacht charters. Our stunning 81ft super yacht offers complete luxury and our crew ensure unrivalled service and safety. 

Whether you're chartering a yacht for a luxury cruise, corporate function, VIP entertainment, yacht party or Waiheke Island transfer; we know all the best spots and can organise everything for you. Catering is available, with an optional private chef, or alternatively you may choose to BYO. Just get in touch and we will organise a luxury yacht charter that's unique and memorable.

All charters include access to free watersports with our 15ft tender, complete with all the toys: waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and stand up paddleboarding. If you've never waterskied, wakeboarded or paddleboarded before, no problem, we can teach you. And if you're interested in fishing or diving, we also offer excellent luxury fishing and diving charters.

Our luxury charter yacht is berthed in the Auckland Viaduct (central Auckland), making it a perfect location to begin and end your charter. That being said, we can arrange alternative pickup and drop-offs, and have years of experience delivering guests to Waiheke Island and other popular destinations throughout the Hauraki Gulf. So if you're considering a Waiheke Island wine tasting, a secluded beach on Rakino Island, or a hike up Rangitoto Island's volcano; do it in style with Luxury Cruising New Zealand.

Get an instant quote online or feel free to give us a call. Because ff you're looking for a yacht charter in Auckland, you needn't look further than Luxury Cruising New Zealand. We want to help make your luxury cruise or yacht party an event you will never forget.

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Escape On The Seas

Auckland Luxury Yacht Charter

Join us on Voyageur, our 1958 62ft d/d kauri classic for your ocean adventure.

This seaworthy classic, with teak interior, is renown for handling the seas and is set up for your ultimate comfort. Charter our classic Auckland luxury yacht for an adventure you will never forget.

Boasting numerous cabins, and spaciousness on board, there’s plenty of room for entertaining, lounging, fishing, yoga, wining and dining – and while that is all going on still locations to get away and take time for yourself. Take a scroll through our gallery.

With a fully equipped kitchen on board, be your own chef – or relax and take ours with you. Music, no problem we have a full entertainment system, including television with surround sound servicing both indoor and outdoor spaces. Fishing, we’ve got everything for first-timers to game fishing all on-board. Spearfishing? just bring your gear. Plus we have some adventure equipment for snorkeling and paddleboarding.

Auckland’s Voyageur Luxury Yacht Charters are available for day trips, work tours, family holidays, VIP and celebrity transfers, ultimate game fishing, to tailormade excursions.

We recommend for the best getaway, an overnight tour or long-stay. Nothing beats sleepovers on the sea. Just imagine yourself cruising the seas taking in Aotearoa’s stunning scenery, fishing lines peeling catching dinner, exploring islands by paddleboard, free-diving for crayfish, lounging on the front deck, indulging in freshly caught sashimi as the sun sets, star-gazing as night falls, dancing and entertaining, sleeping to the ocean sounds, taking a dip in the ocean as the sun rises, dolphin watching – it’s limitless the experiences you can have out on the water on Voyageur Auckland Luxury Yacht Charter.

So, drop us a line and let’s get you out there for the experience you want.

The Facilities

Americas Cup

Our team at Voyageur Charters are currently welcoming expressions of interest for single, multi-day or full-term private charter hire for the Americas Cup 2020-21. Please register your interest now and let us know what you have in mind.

Have an event coming up and want to celebrate on the water? Perhaps you’d like to treat your employees to a day cruise and a spot of dolphin watching. Or your family to a spectacular island-hopping holiday. Or maybe you’d rather round up the crew, get your adrenaline pumping and reel in marlin? It’s all possible on Voyageur!

Get in touch now.

THIS COULD BE YOU.

Take a tour around Voyageur.

Check out some of our adventures on the sea and breathtaking locations we travel to across New Zealand.

Game Fishing

There's nothing as exhilarating as when a marlin smashes your lure! The sound of the line peeling out and all hands are on deck.  The boat is fully set up for game fishing, with two-game fishing seats ensuring anyone can have a go on the reel. 

Tailor-made

A day, a week, a month? stay as long as you want. Simply check the dates available, book away and you can decide what you want to do and when with our skipper. 

Take to the seas for a day out with friends, fishing trip, relaxed cruise, corporate event, island-hop adventure, even watch the Americas Cup live - or mix it all up. Whatever the occasion, let us know what you would like to do and our team can take care of it for you.

We know a day trip is never enough, and nothing beats sleeping out on the water - so stay the night. With 4 different cabins on offer, full kitchen, bathrooms and everything you need, book away an overnight say and our skipper will find a beautiful bay to spend the night.

You choose your adventure package or check the dates available and create your own. Taking into consideration the daily conditions on the water, our experienced skipper will do all the hard work for and guide you to the best spots, ensuring your journey on Voyageur is memorable.

Your tour comes with your skipper, host, deckhand and an option to book a chef; otherwise, you can bring your meals on board.   Ask us about what choices suit on the water.

We cater up to twenty-two people and sleep ten comfortably.

DISCOVER FREEDOM

Cruise onboard the Savoy, Auckland’s most in demand private yacht charter.

WHY SAVOY IS YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR A PRIVATE YACHT CHARTER

Savoy is Auckland’s most sought after private charter boat. With its expansive interiors and multiple outdoor areas catering for up to 50 guests, it is the perfect venue for entertaining in the scenic surrounds of Auckland’s  Waitematā  Harbour and the  breathtaking Hauraki Gulf, with its sparkling, island-studded waters.

Conveniently located in the bustling Viaduct Basin, Savoy presents a unique opportunity to create a wow factor event. Available for corporate events , private functions and fishing trips , Savoy operates 7 days a week all year round, with an industry expert bookings team and onboard crew to assist you with your event planning and on the day management, ensuring you are free to relax and enjoy your time onboard. 

Use the links below to explore our charter options or contact us to discuss your upcoming event. 

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Charterlink Supports a Pest Free Hauraki Gulf

About sailing bareboat charters auckland and hauraki gulf.

Travel Resources

Skipper planning resources.

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A B O U T   U S  

The superyacht hub of the south pacific.

From its location in the heart of central Auckland, on the edge of the Hauraki Gulf, Orams Marine has created a hub for superyacht refit and services. Spread over 19,274 square metres you’ll find an award-winning refit provider with leading superyacht tradesmen, multiple haul out options, and a comprehensive range of services to create an easy refit process for yachts and crew.

S E R V I C E S  

Capabilities

E X E C U T I V E   T E A M  

Neven Barbour

Ralph Andrews

Richard Low

Steve Cotton

Brett James

Andy Bailey

Peter Buffalora

Emma Hawkins

Courtney Hutson

Julia Buchan

Alan Faulconbridge

Henry Murchison

PLAN YOUR SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE SOJOURN FROM THE MONACO YACHT SHOW

Meet our Managing Director Craig Park at the Monaco Yacht Show, for expert advice on the South Pacific

THE REWARDS ARE WORTH IT

Orams Marine’s operations manager, Richard Low translated his successful career onboard yachts into a role within the Auckland refit yard. Now enjoying his thriving work life on-land, he describes how his crew experience gave insight into streamlining the refit process and shares his tips on making a successful move ashore.

+64 9 303 9999

[email protected]

0800 SY COAT

63 Mirrielees Road, Tauranga, New Zealand 3110

[email protected]

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Welcome to Super Yacht Coatings

New Zealand is an island nation located in the South Pacific. Surrounded by ocean, our history and who we are has been shaped by this environment. Our Marine Industry is world class and we are extremely proud to be part of it. Super Yacht Coatings specialises in painting Super Yachts - we are committed to providing the highest quality products and services in yacht painting. Perfection is what we always strive for.

A perfectly faired yacht is the basis of an excellent finish coat. Our highly skilled team have decades of experience in fairing new build's and refairing refits and restorations.

Super Yacht Coatings achieves the highest possible standard of finish from launches to high performance racing yachts to luxury super yachts.  

Project Management

We have the expertise and experience to assist with all new build and refit projects.    

Super Yacht Coatings are a team of New Zealand's most accomplished yacht painters. Our operational HQ is located in the beautiful Bay of Plenty , and from our purpose-built facility, alongside our Auckland operation, we manage projects throughout the country and worldwide. Together, we've worked on some of the world’s finest superyachts. Our clients have been amazed at the standard we achieve. Most importantly, they’re delighted they chose us. But don't take our word for it...read about it…

Mark hanna & regan woodward, two of new zealand's most accomplished yacht painters. you'll find us in auckland, that's..., 36° 52' s latitude, 174° 46' e longitude, together, we've worked on some of the finest super yachts. our client's have been amazed at the standard we achieve with our fairing and painting work. most importantly, they've been delighted they chose us to do it. but don't take our word for it...read about..., request a quote, what clients say, we decided to use super yacht coating’s premises in tauranga as a base for our large-scale refit in 2019…from start to finish they proved to be an exceptionally well organised and professional operation. mark, regan and ben have a very transparent, thorough, friendly and hands-on style of management. it was humbling to see their owner/operator style of management where they obviously cared deeply about the process and product. their ability to manage their skilled team and their experience shone through every step. they are already a beacon for the yacht industry in new zealand., captain tim michalick, s/y sassafras, super yacht coatings are masters of their craft, up-front, and have a great work ethic. their skill from preparation to final coat is second to none. it was a pleasure, never a chore, to work with them all. i have no hesitation in giving them my full recommendation., jono wishart, master, s/y encore.

I have worked with Regan and Mark on five new build super yachts over the last three years ranging from forty to sixty seven metres in length. During this time they have tackled the full spectrum of fairing and painting work, often working to tight deadlines. I honestly believe they achieve world class standards and the yachts they have completed speak for themselves. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone contemplating refit or new build painting or fairing work.

Dave way - alloy yachts.

Together, we've worked on some of the finest Super Yachts. Our clients have been amazed at the standard we achieve with our fairing and painting work.

• Meet The Team

University of Auckland taken to Employment Relations Authority by ‘Plan B’ academic Simon Thornley

Isaac Davison

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Dr Simon Thornley is in an employment dispute with his employer, the University of Auckland.

Already facing a potentially significant court decision on academic freedom, the University of Auckland is now involved in a new employment dispute.

The University of Auckland is dealing with another employment dispute over academic freedom, this time with controversial researcher and “Plan B” founder Dr Simon Thornley.

The doctor and public health lecturer has taken his employer, university vice-chancellor Dawn Freshwater, to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).

It comes as the Employment Court determines a complaint by high-profile microbiologist and science communicator Dr Siouxsie Wiles, whose case against the university was heard last year.

The basis for Thornley’s dispute is not known. He and the university declined to comment.

But court documents suggest his complaint relates to academic freedom, which is also at the heart of Wiles’ case.

The dispute’s progression to the ERA indicates the university’s efforts to resolve his dispute directly or through mediation had failed.

Thornley’s employment dispute was revealed in an application by his lawyer for transcripts of Wiles’ Employment Court hearings.

The application said Thornley was seeking all references to himself and all references to academic freedom made by university witnesses in Wiles’ case. Those references could be directly relevant to his employment dispute, his lawyer Nathan Batts said.

Thornley gained attention during the Covid pandemic as one of the few public health researchers to oppose the Government’s Covid elimination strategy . He was one of a group of academics who outlined an alternative pandemic response under the name “Plan B”.

He later questioned the efficacy of Covid vaccines and was an expert witness in a court case which challenged vaccine mandates.

Thornley - who had previously specialised in the links between scabies and rheumatic fever - has been privately and publicly criticised by his university colleagues for his positions on the Covid response and vaccines.

During Wiles’ hearing, the court heard colleagues were concerned he was undermining the country’s vaccination efforts.

University colleagues later demanded Thornley retract a journal paper which incorrectly stated 80 to 90 per cent of pregnant women would miscarry if they received the Covid vaccine. The paper was retracted.

Wiles’ Employment Court case was closely watched because of its potential implications for academic freedom in New Zealand. It could also clarify to what extent universities were responsible for external threats against staff, like social media harassment.

In a three-week Employment Court hearing in November, Wiles accused the university of failing to protect her from threats and harassment which followed her public commentary on Covid and vaccination.

The university’s lawyers argued academic freedom was not “unfettered” and had to be balanced against other responsibilities like health and safety.

They rejected Wiles’ claims it had silenced her or told her to “pull back” from public commentary on Covid. University leaders had, however, raised the “manner” of some of her social media commentary.

They also argued the university cannot control all threats - especially those made on social media - and it was doing its best to minimise and manage them.

Thornley was mentioned by Wiles and other witnesses on several occasions.

Wiles told the court she received abusive messages after Thornley publicly called her a “liar” and invited members of anti-vaccination group Voices for Freedom to one of her public talks at the university.

She also felt the university had an inconsistent approach to managing its employees, saying she had been told to rein in her public commentary while Thornley was given relative freedom.

Another academic at the university, physics professor Shaun Hendy, also took action against the university alongside Wiles but resolved his dispute when he left to co-found Toha Science in 2021.

Following the Employment Court hearing, more than 100 academics at the University of Auckland signed an open letter saying the leadership had failed to protect high-profile staff.

Isaac Davison is an Auckland-based reporter who covers health issues. He joined the Herald in 2008 and has previously covered the environment, politics, and social issues.

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Fifty years on follow-up finds landmark steroid study remains safe

23 April 2024

Health and medicine , Liggins Institute

A follow-up analysis 50 years later finds no adverse heart health risk from Professor Mont Liggins' landmark steroid study to reduce illness and death for pre-term babies

A new study has found there are no adverse long-term cardiovascular health consequences for the now-adult children of mothers who were given corticosteroids because they were at risk of early birth in a landmark trial conducted in Auckland, New Zealand, 50 years ago.

The Auckland Steroid Study by obstetrician Professor Graham ‘Mont’ Liggins and paediatrician colleague Dr Ross Howie from 1969 to 1974 in Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, found that two corticosteroid injections given to pregnant women at risk of early (preterm) birth halved the incidence of respiratory distress in the babies and significantly reduced neonatal deaths.

Co-author of the new study, Dr Anthony Walters, says: “It was clear there were short-term benefits, but steroids are potent medications, and some have serious side effects."

He and colleagues carried out an analysis of the health data of 424 of the 1218 infants born about half a century ago. Their research found no evidence of adverse consequences for cardiovascular health, pre-diabetes and diabetes - health issues that were a possible risk based on animal studies but unlikely to develop in humans until they reached middle age.

“We’ve proven we don’t need to worry,” Walters says. “We are confident that although preterm babies have a whole range of health problems as they grow up, these are not caused by the steroid.”

The Liggins Institute continues to look at how steroids might be used as a treatment to reduce complications at birth, says Professor Dame Jane Harding of the Liggins Institute’s LiFePATH research group. “There are ongoing trials about the use of steroids to prevent lung disease in newborn babies. This study provides reassurance that these trials should go ahead.”

The study is part of the ANCHOR research programme, following up on the original Auckland Steroid Study and the later ACTORDS study, a multi-centre study at 23 centres across New Zealand and Australia between 1998 and 2004 to see if repeated courses of corticosteroids reduced the risk of lung disease and other serious illness.

Cardiovascular outcomes 50 years after antenatal exposure to betamethasone: Follow-up of a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial , Plos Medicine  

Media contact

Nikki Mandow Email:   nikki.mandow@auckland.ac.nz , Mobile: +64 21 1743142