Captain |
Barnaby Newton
Barnaby Newton is the captain of Ata Rangi, bringing a lifelong passion for the ocean, fishing and adventure to the role. His career began as a deckhand working alongside his brother before earning his captain’s ticket in 2005 and stepping into skippers role soon after.
Barnaby played a hands-on role in the build of Ata Rangi, overseeing its development in the United States and helping guide the vessel through its early journeys across the Americas before returning to New Zealand. He now leads a diverse charter programme, from luxury day cruises to multi-day game fishing expeditions across New Zealand and the Pacific. Known for his deep knowledge of the vessel and calm leadership style, Barnaby is equally passionate about time spent with family, often camping and travelling when off the water.
Chef-Steward |
Chelsea-Mae Wheeler
Chelsea-Mae Wheeler is the chef-steward onboard Ata Rangi, where she brings creativity, adaptability and a genuine love of food to every charter. Chelsea made a bold career shift from her previous role in events and marketing, driven by a desire to embrace a more hands-on and fulfilling lifestyle.
With a passion for cooking rooted in personal experience, she focuses on creating fresh, flavourful meals—often from scratch—tailored to guests and the catch of the day. Her role is fast-paced and varied, balancing cooking, hosting and onboard service with ease. Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys time on the water, reading, drawing and entertaining, bringing the same creativity and energy to her personal life as she does to the galley.
Deckhand | Jackson
Jackson Ottman is a deckhand on Ata Rangi, bringing a strong technical background and a lifelong connection to the ocean. Before joining the crew in 2026, Jackson worked as an engineer on large yachts, managing high-performance equipment and drawing on earlier experience in automotive racing and engine building. His path into boating was almost inevitable, having grown up sailing with his family through Central America from a young age.
Now onboard Ata Rangi, Jackson focuses on maintaining the vessel to a high standard, preparing equipment and ensuring everything is ready for upcoming charters. He is particularly excited about opportunities to explore remote destinations and fish in some of the Pacific’s most renowned waters. With a hands-on approach and a passion for performance and adventure, Jackson brings both skill and enthusiasm to the team.
Engineer | Paul Irvine
Paul Irvine is the engineer aboard Ata Rangi, responsible for keeping the vessel operating at peak performance. With a career spanning decades, Paul began his training in New Zealand as a fitter turner machinist before moving into the superyacht industry, where he worked on large luxury vessels and led engineering teams. His experience with advanced marine systems and evolving technology has shaped a practical and forward-thinking approach to his work.
Joining Ata Rangi in 2026, Paul was drawn by the opportunity to combine engineering with his passion for game fishing, while also spending more time closer to home with his family. Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, crafting fishing lures and spending time with his family, reflecting a deep connection to both the ocean and home life.
To discover upcoming crew positions, find our career portal below.