Recipients of training grant announced

Managers of two of Auckland’s marinas have been awarded grants to pursue learning and development in the NZMOA Training Grant.

NZMOA Chairperson Chris Galbraith says, “There was a high calibre of applicants and we congratulate both Karenza and Kim for their success and look forward to the benefits the industry will receive from their commitment and dedication.” The Training Grant program was establised by NZMOA this year as a result of generous contributions from NZMOA’s family of sponsors. A second round of applications will open over winter, to be announced at the NZMOA Marinas and Boatyard Conference and AGM in September.

Karenza Harris, Manager, Westhaven Marina – a $3,000 contribution towards an MBA

“The MBA executive course is two years of very intensive work, it basically gives you 4 years of a full time university qualification delivered over 2 years part time, which you juggle with your full time job. The experience has been amazing so far (I am officially half way through) and I have had some great learnings, especially around my subject of Digital Transformation. The benefit for the industry as that for most of the assignments you can use your own workplace or industry as the topic, so has been very relatable.

Winning this scholarship means that I can keep the journey on track without taking a semester off, financially it costs $3,000 for every paper (that is every seven weeks) and my goal was to complete this without a massive loan at the end, so I would eventually need to take a break to catch up financially! It also means a lot of sacrifices. Without this sponsorship I would not have been able to travel to Marinas22 in May, and this funding has enabled this opportunity for me as well.

Thank you to NZMOA and the sponsors for this wonderful opportunity! I highly recommend it to anyone in the industry looking to undertake any professional development.”

Kim Passmore, Manager, Bayswater Marina - a $3,000 contribution towards an AMM

‘It is an honour to be chosen for the NZMOA Training Grant Programme, which I will be putting towards my Advanced Marina Management course.

Having worked in the industry for nine years for Bayswater Marina and completed my Intermediate Marina Managers course in 2019, I am excited to further my education in this field by completing the Advanced Marina Management course. This grant will allow me to reach my goals in this industry which I am passionate about.

Thank you again for this opportunity, it is much appreciated.”

With thanks to our family of sponsors for making this training grant possible