Conference honours marinas and yards

NEW ZEALAND: Half Moon Bay Marina in Auckland was named New Zealand’s Marina of the Year for 2024 at the recent New Zealand Marinas and Boatyard Conference. The boatyard at Bay of Islands Marina won Boatyard of the Year while Waiheke Island Marina and Heron Construction each took top honours for innovation (see separate story p.17).

Organised by the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA), the awards were established in 2018 to recognise and celebrate excellence in the marina industry.
Judges praised recently expanded Half Moon Bay Marina for realising its full potential while addressing rising boating costs, and for delivering operational excellence. The marina now hosts 580 boats and employs 22 staff.
The boatyard at Bay of Islands Marina was singled out for its crucial role in Northland’s economy and maritime community, and for recent positive developments and a distinct “team culture”.
Tom Warren was awarded the Graham Ade Memorial Trophy for his 30-year contribution to the industry, having worked across several prominent marinas and played a leading role in industry governance and training.
Seventeen marinas were also recognised for their progress in the Clean Marina programme, a mission to minimise the environmental impact of the country’s $540 million marina and boatyard industry. Ten of the 17 fly the Clean Marina flag at the highest possible Level 3 status.
Commenting on the fact that nearly one third of all marinas in the country are on a Clean Marina journey, NZMOA chair Chris Galbraith noted: “Our industry is demanding more and better environmental protection all the time. The only way we can move forward as an industry is by having absolute respect for the environment, and that has sparked some remarkable innovation.”