Boaties and backyard chefs now have a local source for the best in NZ-made portable rod racks and pizza tools, thanks to Manly-based metal guru Rhys Fell.

He bought a basic pizza paddle and rack business late last year, called it GR8NZLIFE and has spent the last eight months and lockdown redesigning, refining and expanding the range For fishers, he has developed a range of aluminium portable rod and reel racks that clip securely onto virtually any boat for safe towing and stowing, and which can also be attached to walls for cleaning and storage at home.Rhys says the racks come in two designs and a range of sizes, and can include a new lock fitting that stops rods from moving around.

For wood-fired pizza lovers, GR8NZLIFE manufactures a complete range of anodized aluminium and stainless steel tools and accessories, including different paddles, a commercial cutter, coals rake and a wood rack.“I’ve been working to make sure everything we make is something that people really want and need,” Rhys says.

“They are all made and assembled locally, and every product is fully guaranteed .”Since lockdown, Rhys is happier than ever with his decision to leave the corporate world and move to the Coast, an area he has known and loved since coming to a family bach as a child.