Paris Mitchell: Alloy Boatbuilding and Maritime Inclusion in Aotearoa
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, I had the honor of sitting down with Paris Mitchell, a talented fourth-year apprentice in alloy boatbuilding based in New Zealand. From welding with her dad at just fourteen to shaping custom vessels on the coastlines of Aotearoa, Paris’s journey is one of craft, courage, and community impact.
Paris shares what drew her to the marine industry and how she turned a hands-on skill into a meaningful career. She talks about the technical demands of boatbuilding—from precision welding to hydrodynamics—and the satisfaction that comes from building something that takes to the water.
“Boatbuilding wasn’t just a job—it became an art form for me.” – Paris Mitchell
In this episode, Paris also opens up about the challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated space, and how perseverance and self-belief helped her push forward. She gives heartfelt advice to others navigating similar barriers, encouraging them to find pride in their work and stay committed to their passions.
We discuss Paris’s role in New Zealand’s National Industry Advisory Group for the marine sector, where she advocates for greater diversity and participation across ethnic communities. She also shares insights from her work with RudderLive, a platform for elevating young voices in the maritime workforce.
This episode is a celebration of resilience, technical mastery, and the importance of inclusion across global trades. Whether you’re into welding, marine design, or community advocacy, Paris’s story will spark something in you.
Connect with Paris Mitchell
Learn More About Maritime Inclusion in NZ
Marine Workforce Development Plan – Hangā-Aro-Rau
RudderLive by NZ Marine