Report on post-lockdown survey findings

The sun continues to rise for he marina industry so far.

A survey of the New Zealand marina industry shows the industry has emerged from lockdown in a strong, confident position. 

Members of the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA) were asked to indicate how their metrics or perceptions had changed as a result of Covid-19. 

75% of respondents said their confidence in the industry for the next six months had improved, and 81% believed that as a result of the pandemic, marina projects, including extensions, refurbishments and improvements, will continue as planned. 68% of these believe that there will be more projects planned as a result of lockdown, possibly as part of economic stimulus packages from government and councils. 19% believe marina projects will slow down as a reuslt of the pandemic. 

 Generally, operations reported that use of their boat ramp and marina facilities was increased: 50% reported use of marina facilities was up, and 44% reported use of boat ramp facilites was up. 25% reported a decrease in use of marina facilities. The survey was completed at the end of May when weather conditions were favourable for boating. 

Comments received included:

• Our customers are wary. No one quite sure of how this will unravel. Despite gloomy predictions there has not been the catastrophic collapse of our economy.

• All our trades are busy and have a good forward work load for at least one month in advance. Confidence is high in the short term.

• We have a full marina due to international departures not happening, whereas normally winter brings us many empty visitor berths. 

Most operations reported that customers are contining to pay their invoices as usual. 

NZMOA will repeat the survey within the next two months to monitor for trends and changes.