The New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA) has recognised the country’s very best marinas and boatyards for 2022.
Westhaven Marina – in Auckland – has been named the NZMOA Marina of the Year. Judges said the marina team has delivered exemplary operations despite a very complex, challenging and constantly changing environment that included the Westhaven Promenade extension, Westhaven Marine Village build, and significant infrastructure upgrades.
Half Moon Bay Marina was highly commended by judges in this category, who said it is emerging as a world-leading facility following a significant expansion to both the marina and boatyard operation.
Whangamata Marina’s boatyard took the NZMOA Boatyard of the Year award. Judges said it may be small, but the boatyard at Whangamata Marina was a highly agile, dynamic operation that performs to the very best levels across all aspects of operations. Highly commended in this category was the boatyard at Gulf Harbour Marina, an operation with a high level of attention to detail with an impressive vision for the future.
Westhaven Marina also received the NZMOA Best Environmental Performance Award for its holistic and forwardthinking approach to environmental care. Judges said that this very large operation actively seeks to implement new initiatives. Whangamata Marina was highly commended for going over and above the call of duty and leading by example, to run an impeccable operation.
Three operations were acknowledged in the NZMOA Outstanding Initiative Award.
Marinaquip was the best of the industry suppliers: this company’s multi-piece pile rings have experienced rapid uptake from the industry. Judges said this is an innovative approach to redesigning a piece of equipment that the industry tends to take for granted. It is strong, durable, and is recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
Westhaven Marina was also recognised in this category for its deceptively simple digital solution to carpark management for its 1500 carpark spaces.
The Australasian start-up Man Overboard Alarm Systems was highly commended for addressing a safety issue faced by all marinas but which very few have resolved.
The 2022 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award was presented to Philip Wardale for his tireless and dedicated efforts not only for the wider industry, but for his role in the development and growth of NZMOA.
Organised by the New Zealand Marina Operators Association, the awards were established to recognise and celebrate excellent practice in the marinas industry.
Five independent judges joined a team of industry experts to judge the programme including marine journalists and business and industry leaders.
The NZMOA Awards were sponsored by Dixon Stainless, Heron Group Limited, Crombie Lockwood, Boatsmart HQ, Gofuel and Bellingham Marine. BNZ
GUEST JUDGES
• Des Brennan: Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, former CEO of Yachting NZ and an experienced judge, including TVNZ’s Marketing Awards and New Zealander of the Year Awards.
• Lawrence Schäffler: Marine journalist and yachtsman and recently retired editor of Boating New Zealand magazine.
• Garry Lock: President of NZ Marine and Chair of the Boat Builders and Refit Group, Director of G J Lock Consulting. Former Managing Director of Harken New Zealand.
• Sara Kulins: Sailor, surfer and diver who is passionate about improving environmental outcomes for the sea. Sara is a scientific diver and recently completed a Masters Degree in Marine Science at University of Auckland.
• Rebecca Hayter: Recreational sailor, award-winning writer and ex-editor of Boating New Zealand magazine, she has written several books, as well as numerous articles for domestic and international magazines.
