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NZMOA is pleased to announce its industry partners for 2026–27, whose support helps the association deliver advocacy, training, events and information for New Zealand’s marina and boatyard sector. Gold partners are Heron Group, GOfuel Marine, Gallagher Insurance, Dixon Stainless and Poralu Marine. Silver partners are Bellingham Marine, Butchart Marine Services, Cimolai Technology, Cookes, Empire Marine, FRP Limited, Marine Structures, Pacsoft, Reid Technology and Wagners. Cle

More than 130 delegates, 40 speakers and six host venues made the 2026 NZ Marina and Boatyard Conference three days of learning, discussion and connection for New Zealand's marina and boatyard industry. Held in Tauranga, the conference brought together marina and boatyard operators, industry suppliers, developers, consultants and other marine professionals from across New Zealand and overseas. The programme covered a broad range of topics, from the economic outlook, marina de

As marina operators look for ways to make better use of their space and develop new revenue streams, floating homes offer an interesting opportunity. This development from Empire Capital offers a new perspective on how marina space can be used and the opportunities that may exist beyond traditional boat berthing. For generations, New Zealanders have cherished life by the water. From classic boatsheds tucked into sheltered bays to bustling marinas lined with launches and yacht

Whitianga Marina in the Coromandel Peninsula / Photo Supplied Whitianga Marina has been named both Marina of the Year and Boatyard of the Year in the 2026 New Zealand Marina Operators Association Awards. Team Whitianga, with Rob Bolton of GOfuel (centre) The awards recognise excellence across New Zealand’s marina and boatyard sector, including operational performance, customer service, environmental management, staff development and contribution to local communities. Whitiang

Darryl first applied for a job as a travel lift operator so that he could work closer to home and today he is the Operations Manager for Pine Harbour Marina. Pine Harbour Marina sits on Auckland’s eastern edge at Beachlands, providing a gateway to the Hauraki Gulf and ferry connections to the CBD. It combines a large recreational marina and marine-service precinct with restaurants, businesses and the surrounding Pine Harbour community. How did you first become involved in th

The New Zealand Marina Operators Association has announced the finalists in the 2026 NZMOA Awards, recognising outstanding performance, leadership and initiative across New Zealand’s marina and boatyard industry. From a major superyacht facility to a destination marina in the Coromandel, the finalists represent a diverse range of operations. NZMOA Awards Finalists: The Marina of the Year finalists are: Silo Marina, a specialist eight-berth facility serving superyachts of up t

The Graham Ade Memorial Trophy is presented every second year as part of the NZMOA Awards, recognising Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Industry. The trophy was created in memory of Graham Ade, who made a significant contribution to the marina industry in New Zealand and Australia over several decades. It was handmade by Brent Shipman of Total Marine Services and first presented in 2018. As a perpetual trophy, it is passed from recipient to recipient, recognising pe

This week we announce finalists in the NZMOA Awards. The Marina of the Year Award recognises the marina that is achieving to its best potential, regardless of size, age or geographic location. This takes into account all aspects of marina management, and seeks demonstration of excellence in application and vision. We are pleased to announce that the finalists for the 2026 Marina of the Year Award are: Silo Marina Whitianga Marina Gulf Harbour Marina Marsden Cove Marina Silo M

From the big strategic topics to solutions to everyday operational problems, the three-day NZ Marina and Boatyard Conference will once again inform, inspire and support your work as marina and boatyard professionals. “We all face similar challenges and so coming together from around New Zealand and abroad, sharing and learning from each other is hugely benefical,” says NZMOA Chairperson, Chris Galbraith. Mayor of Tauranga Mahe Drysdale will open the conference Hosted by Taura

Today we name four finalists in the Boatyard of the Year category of the NZMOA Awards. The Boatyard of the Year Award recognises excellence in the operation and management of New Zealand’s boatyards. It looks beyond the facilities themselves to consider the systems, people and practices that underpin a well-run yard, including customer service, health and safety, environmental management, maintenance and investment in people and infrastructure. We are pleased to announce the

This week we announce finalists in the NZMOA Awards, starting today with the Outstanding Initiative Award. The Outstanding Initiative Award celebrates the ideas, projects and practical solutions that are helping move New Zealand’s marina and boatyard industry forward. It recognises initiatives that respond to a genuine challenge or opportunity, deliver meaningful benefits, and demonstrate the value of looking for better ways to work. We are pleased to announce that the finali

FROM ORAKEI MARINA - 2026 is a milestone year for Lou Ratu as she celebrates three decades in marina security. Lou began her security career in 1996 with TSS Security, where her primary posting was at Westhaven Marina. It was there that she built strong relationships with many of the marina's 1,400 berth holders, becoming well known for her dedication, professionalism, and genuine passion for the marina community. In July 2006, Lou joined Orakei Marina, where she has remained

NZMOA Partner Feature : Cimolai Technology has completed the complex transfer of the first of two 800-tonne Goliath gantry cranes to Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Italy. The crane travelled from the Port of Chioggia to Monfalcone aboard BOA Barge 38, completing a carefully planned journey across the Adriatic Sea. Preparing the crane for transport required significant coordination and engineering precision. The operation included temporarily opening customs gates, movin

Matt Bourne is Operations Manager with Orakei Marina and a member of the NZMOA Executive. He is the first to feature in our series of interviews with people who love this industry. How did you first find your way into the marina industry, and what has your career path looked like since? After many years in law enforcement with the NZ Police and the British Military I fell into the marina industry by pure chance after a decision to change careers, starting off at Westhaven Mar

Biosecurity New Zealand’s Clean Vessel Programme is coordinating and funding a suite of projects that build from year to year to address key marine biosecurity issues associated with New Zealand’s domestic vessel fleet, and empower vessel owners and groups associated with them with good-quality information and tools. Following is the status of key projects progressed in the 2025–26 year. 6 or 1 Rule Review Many marinas and regional councils use a voluntary guideline called th

GOfuel is proud to expand its marine fuel network with the opening of a new fuel facility at Hobsonville Marina, providing boaties with convenient access to diesel fuel. The facility is scheduled to be operational by the end of July. Available Fuel Diesel Payment Options GOfuel Mobilcard – save 10 cents per litre EFTPOS Credit Card Whether you're heading out for a day on the water or preparing for a longer voyage, the new Hobsonville Marina facility offers a simple and reliab

Kiwis were recognised for their professional achievements at the Marinas26 Conference in the Gold Coast in May, organised by the Marina Industries Association. They were: • Anna Barnes - Tauranga Bridge Marina - Certified Marina Operator (CMO) • Keith Hogan - Bellingham - Certified Marina Professional (CMP) • Kim Passmore - Bayswater Marina - Certified Marina Manager (CMM) • Mark Thompson - Dredging NZ - Certified Marina Professional (CMP) While the Certified Marina Operator

Auckland's iconic waterfront is set to be transformed into a global sailing festival in February and March 2027, as T he Ocean Race revealed exciting partnerships and key details of the Southern Ocean stopover, marking the return of the City of Sails to the race route for the first time since 2018. At a media launch held in the city's Viaduct Harbour on Monday afternoon, organisers celebrated Auckland’s long-standing relationship with the world's most prestigious and demandin

This year we've supported seven recipients with funding towards training and career progression this year, studying a range of courses relevant to their work and designed to strengthen the industry, from practical hands-on courses to Advanced Marina Management. Brendan (left) and Lisa (right) from Waiheke Marina will be completing AMM qualifications with support from NZMOA. The recipients who have received contributions to their training expenses are: Dave Horne -Tauranga Bri

The new executive director of the New Zealand Marine Industry Association (NZ Marine) says that the inherent strengths of the marine industry can help it navigate fuel pressures and challenging economic conditions. Former Coastguard New Zealand CEO Callum Gillespie was named the new executive director of the NZ Marine Industry Association by its board in late April. “New Zealand’s marine industry is resilient, but like other sectors, grappling with rising fuel costs and