Our Story

Our story actually starts when Gary Taia was young, racing jet boats and hunting with his father around New Zealand.

OR maybe it starts when Gary's sons started joining him on deer hunting trips up the rivers. Going up river on a jet boat with all their gear and dogs seems like the obvious way to go now!

Gary Taia is a well-known New Zealand jet boat driver and engineer. His business, GT Marine & Alloy Services Ltd (established in 2005), has an excellent reputation for building high end, custom boat trailers as well as boat and engine repair and maintenance services.

Gary's wife, Harriet, is a Whakatane local and the couple run their extensive business operations on there self-built family property. This truly is a "whanau" enterprise.

Harriet joined the business in 2019 as a move out of her highly successful career as a business and operations manager for a number of large corporate enterprises. Taking the helm at AwaJets has been an exciting move for Harriet who was ready to give up the corporate world to help build the family business.

Based at the gateway of the Urewera Valley with the Whakatane river providing a pathway into the ranges, famous for some of the best hunting and fishing in New Zealand, the Taia family is naturally into hunting and gathering while exploring this mostly untouched native environment.

This combined passion for hunting and jet boats led Gary to find a way to develop a boat that would allow him to take his family and friends on hunting trips up the local river systems, that would be otherwise difficult to reach on foot or by helicopter.

Gary's experience in building jet boats lead to him finding a unique inflatable hull designed specifically for skimming up rivers and across rocky river beds. His expertise in jet engines then allowed him to customise an outboard motor that would provide the best power to weight ratio for the boat while being strong enough to withstand such challenging environments.

The design of our specialist hunting and fishing boat allows plenty of space for dogs, gear and people to ride comfortably as well as enter and exit the boat quickly and safely. Gary often takes the customised 475 with 1-2 other people, 5 dogs and all their hunting gear plus they will often bring 1-2 deer back home with them.

This boat has seriously been put to the test before Gary was prepared to invest in this new business.

Meet the Team

Introducing (from left to right): Gary Taia (Workshop Manager - Ngati Porou), Harriet Taia (Operations Manager - Ngai Tuhoe), Kody-Lee Taia (2nd Year Apprentice) & Wioke Biddle (1st Year Apprentice).

If you are interested in establishing a career with us or would like to join our team then please email Harriet here.

Our Pepeha

Gary Taia

Ko Horouta te waka

Ko Hikurangi te maunga

Ko Waiapu te awa

Ko Ohinewaiapu te marae

Ko Ohinewaiapu te whare tipuna

Ko Ohaki te wharekai

Ko Te Whanau a Takimoana te hapu

Ko Ngati Porou te iwi

Ko Gary Taia taku ingoa

Harriet Taia

Ko Mataatua te waka

Ko Maungapohatu te maunga

Ko Ohinemataroa te awa

Ko Waikirikiri te marae

Ko Toikairākau te whare tipuna

Ko Kura-i-mōnoa te wharekai

Ko Hamua te hapu

Ko Ngai Tuhoe te iwi

Ko Harriet Taia taku ingoa

Best thing my husband has ever brought! I thought 'oh no it'll mean you'll be out with your mate's 24/7'. But No, it has brought our family closer and we have had many family adventures boating all across New Zealand. Stewart Island, Lake Hauroko, Wairaurahiri River, lake wanaka, the Wilkin, the horomanga, the whirinaki, waimana river, waioweka gorge, rangiteiki river, amongst a few, best purchases ever.

Private // //

Just a quick email to thank you and your company for the very professional service and correspondence in my purchase of one of your Solar Strela inflatables.

I have completed the two hours on the initial running in at half throttle of the motor and am looking forward to the power that I feel the engine can produce in making a safe trip in the river when I have to open it up. The boat performs probably beyond my expectations in cornering and stopping in a hurry.

You can chalk me up as another one of your happy customers.

Pete // //

Outstanding service and super genuine organisation to deal with. No hesitation recommending them to anyone looking to use them!

Lance // //

I’ve never known such a fun boat as these and if you get stuck on the bottom just get out drag it to deeper water and you’re away again , yep it’s that simple and they don’t break the bank to own one . There are heaps out there now and most boaties are happy for you to tag along to gain confidence and make new friends , so come on go and buy one and live every day like it’s your last.

Dave // //

Great service, product and communication from Gary and Harriet at Awajets. Keep up the excellent mahi team.

JR // //

On my 2nd Solar 470, upgraded to the new Expedition model. Great service from Gary and Harriet, good stocks of all the consumables that I've needed after 300 plus hours of boating.
Always good to share boating stories with as well.

Nick H // //

Outstanding service and super genuine organisation to deal with. No hesitation recommending them to anyone looking to use them!

Lance // //

We recently purchased a solar jet boat from Awajets and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. Communication was excellent—prompt, clear, and consistent throughout. The delivery was fast, and everything was handled with professionalism and care. The team walked us through how the boat operates, ensured we understood everything clearly, and tested it to make sure everything was running smoothly. They also provided safety gear, including life jackets for the whole family. Friendly, helpful, and thorough at every stage. We’re incredibly happy with our purchase, thank you Gary, Harriet and workers at Awajets!!!! To any one thinking about it: go get one, you won’t regret it! Highly recommended.

Nina T // //

Our package arrived safe and sound I’m wrapped with it. I am going through the run in process and just love the boat. Thankyou for your very professional approach and service, it’s been a pleasure.

Steve // //

I just want to say how happy I am with your Solar Package, especially the awesome trailer. The boat motor and trailer are set up real good. It’s a credit to you all.

Grant McGlade // //

Thank you and your company for the very professional service and correspondence in my purchase of one of your Solar Strela inflatables.

Pete Salter // //

Best thing my husband has ever brought. You know I thought oh no it'll mean you'll be out with your mate's 247, but no it has brought our family closer and we have had many family adventures boating all across New Zealand. Stewart Island, Lake Hauroko, Wairaurahiri River, lake wanaka, the Wilkin, the horomanga, the whirinaki, waimana river, waioweka gorge, rangiteiki river, amongst a few, best purchase ever.

Karen - Facebook Comment // //

My husband and I were privileged to be able to hunt with Gary on his boat and what an awesome experience it was. We were able to penetrate deep into the Ngahere via the river. We quickly accessed the good hunting spots. These spots would normally take a long day of walking to access.

The boat managed the problematic areas of the river with ease and our comfort was not compromised. The boat was more than capable of the payload of 3 people, 3 dogs, and our hunting gear. Not to mention our harvested quarry on the return trip home.

Tui Keenan // //

I have been using GT Marine and Alloy services for over 10 years now for all alloy repairs to my truck and trailer units. Their workmanship and service are second to none. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them.

Jonathan Hayward // //