NZ’s best marinas & boatyards named for 2019

The New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA) has recognised its very best marinas and boatyards for 2019 at a gala dinner in Russell, New Zealand. 

Bay of Islands Marina has been named the NZMOA Marina of the Year. 

Judges said Bay of Islands Marina is truly at the pinnacle of the New Zealand Marina industry. They were impressed with its vision, its forward thinking, its design initiatives, and its focus on local and regional development. Bay of Islands Marina attracts vessels from throughout the South Pacific and contributes to the wellbeing of its region in numerous ways. 

While Bay of Islands Marina is established on one of the country’s oldest port sites, one of its newest also received special commendation from judges. Te Ana Marina in Lyttleton, which opened in May 2018, was highlighted for reviving recreational boating in Canterbury, its environmentally focused designs developed in conjunction with Iwi, and for the creation of a brand new destination for both boaties and visitors. 

A small privately owned boatyard, Bridge Marina Travelift Ltd, received the accolade for Boatyard of the Year for its ability to maximise use of space and to think outside the square, particularly in relation to an impressive water filtration system it has developed. 

The boatyards at Gulf Harbour Marina and Marsden Point Marina received special mention for commitment to high standards across the board. 

Two operations in Tauranga received accolades in the Best Environmental Performance category: The 500-berth Tauranga Bridge Marina Ltd won the overall award for thinking outside of the square to proactively develop and implement environmental initiatives within a marina that was built in a time when different environmental standards were in place. This includes impressive facilities for recycling and infrastructure for sewage pump outs.  With a self flushing design, this marina promotes pristine water clarity and abundant marine life.

The brand new Tauranga Marine Precinct, VesselWorks, opened in August 2018, was also highly praised for its commitment to research and investment in what is the most state of the art facility in New Zealand. “This is a new yard that will be one to watch in future awards programmes,” they said. 

Organised by the New Zealand Marina Operators Association, the awards were established to recognise and celebrate excellent practice in the marinas industry. 

The 2018 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award was presented to Brent and June Shipman of Total Marine. In 25 years, Brent and June have built Total Marine and helped to shape the industry as we know it today.  They started out pile driving and have made some gutsy decisions to get where they are today, creating competition and innovation in the marina build market.

The programme was sponsored by Total Marine Services, Allied Fastenings, Crombie Lockwood, and Bellingham Marine.