And the Marina of the Year finalists are…

Today we name four finalists in the tightly contested Marina of the Year category. This award recognises the marina that is achieving best performance in this category, regardless of size, age or geographic location. This takes into account all aspects of marina management, and seeks demonstration of excellence in application, passion and vision.

Queenstown Marina

Judges said that Queenstown Marina is a newcomer already making an impact and doing great things. They describe it as a ‘gem of a marina’, engaging patiently in stage by stage development to reach a long term vision, and helping Queenstown make best use of its incredible lake asset for community and economic benefit. If there was a category for ‘best newcomer’, Queenstown Marina would have been the clear winner.

Tauranga Bridge Marina

Judges have named Tauranga Bridge Marina for incredible perserverence for nearly twenty years to get approvals to build a much-needed new breakwater to protect the marina from northerly weather events. The obstacles have been tremendous, but the dedicated and committed team persevered and operated an excellent marina in the midst of major challenges. The world is your oyster now, Tauranga Bridge Marina – congratulations.

Waikawa Marina

Judges said Waikawa Marina has demonstrated technical excellence in marina creation, and is a sustainable, future proofed operation that is everything a marina should be. The build of Waikawa North West was an impressive undertaking, with the company working closely with Māori, communities and experts to create this magnificant facility. The marina is closely embedded in its local area and serves the boating community very well.

Half Moon Bay Marina

Judges perceive Half Moon Bay Marina as fully matured in its life cycle. Following recent developments, it has grown by 30%, it has shown well-rounded excellence by achieving the internationally accredited Gold Anchor accreditation several times, and fully maximises space on a very effective commercial footprint. Judges were particularly impressed with the marina’s attempts to address the issues created by the ever-increasing cost of boating, which is slowly driving people away and its pragmatic approach to marina operations.

Congratulations!

Tomorrow, NZMOA will announce finalists in the Marina of the Year category. All winners will be announced at the celebratory Awards dinner, part of the New Zealand Marinas and Boatyard Conference in Wellington on 12 September, where all finalists will also receive a certificate.

NZMOA thanks its family of sponsors for their support, including:

GOFuel, BoatsmartHQ, Dixon Manufacturing, Heron Construction Company, Gallagher Insurance, Bellingham Marine, Hesketh Henry, Marinaquip, Butchart Marine Services, Poralu Marine, Shorewise, Pacsoft, Cimolai Technology, Biosecurity NZ, Reid Technology, Marathon Products, Superior Jetties, and Dredging NZ.