Kelsian completes Belaire Ferries Acquisition, establishing New Zealand Operations

Kelsian Group (Kelsian), has completed its acquisition of local Auckland ferry operator Belaire Ferries, marking its formal expansion into New Zealand.

The finalisation of the acquisition on Friday 30 October 2026, follows a successful joint bid by Kelsian and Belaire Ferries for Auckland Transport's expanded Western Package ferry services contract due to commence in July 2027.

From 1 July 2027, Belaire Ferries will operate six vessels serving Bayswater, Birkenhead, Te Onewa/Northcote Point, West Harbour, and Rakino Island under an initial seven-year contract, with an option to extend for a further two years.

Kelsian will also invest approximately A$31 million in five new vessels to support the Auckland ferry network over the life of the contract.

Local leadership appointed

With operational planning and mobilisation activities already underway, Philip Molony has been appointed General Manager, Belaire Ferries, to lead the local operation as it prepares to take over the Western Package services.

Mr Molony brings first-hand knowledge of Belaire Ferries and Auckland Transport, having previously worked with Belaire as Business Delivery Manager. His background also includes senior corporate roles with Vodafone New Zealand and ASB Bank, spanning financial management, sales, and business performance.

Kelsian's Marine Division Chief Operating Officer, Mr Craig Heron, said the acquisition was an important step for Kelsian, with the focus now on bringing the teams together and preparing for the transition and mobilisation to the new contract.

"We're pleased to officially welcome Belaire Ferries into the family and look forward to working with a team that brings valuable local knowledge and established relationships across Auckland," Mr Heron said.

"Philip Molony's appointment provides strong local leadership as we prepare to take on the Western Package. His understanding of Belaire Ferries, Auckland Transport and the operating environment will be invaluable as we bring our teams together.

"Our priority is to support our people, deliver a smooth transition and establish a long-term operation while continuing to provide safe, reliable ferry services that Auckland's communities has been able to depend on with Belaire Ferries for many years."

Belaire Ferries Founder and Managing Director Adam Tallentire said the acquisition was a positive development for the business and its people.

"There's genuine enthusiasm among our team about the opportunities ahead as we continue to progress to the commencement of the new contract on 1 July next year," Mr Tallentire said.

"Combining Kelsian’s extensive marine experience and scale from Australia with the local knowledge and relationships that have always been at the heart of Belaire sets us up to continue to grow in New Zealand which is very exciting for our team."

“We look forward to continuing to work with our Belaire Ferries team and the Auckland Transport team as we prepare the people, vessels and operations for the commencement of the of the Western Package services in July 2027,” Mr Heron said.

For more information on Kelsian visit www.Kelsian.com.au, Kelsian Group’s Marine Division visit www.sealink.com.au, and Belaire Ferries www.belaire.co.nz.