Marina of the Year winners announced at New Zealand Marinas and Boatyard Conference

Marina of the Year winners announced at New Zealand Marinas and Boatyard Conference © New Zealand Marina Operators Association

Half Moon Bay Marina in Auckland has been named New Zealand's Marina of the Year for 2024. The boatyard at Bay of Islands Marina was awarded Boatyard of the Year, while Waiheke Marina and Heron Construction Company each took top honours for innovation. Tom Warren received recognition for his long-term contribution to the industry.

Organized by the New Zealand Marina Operators Association, these awards were established in 2018 to recognize and celebrate excellence in the marina industry.

Of Half Moon Bay Marina, judges noted that the recently expanded facility, which now hosts 580 boats and employs 22 staff, has achieved full maturity, realising its potential while addressing rising boating costs and delivering operational excellence across the board.

The boatyard at Bay of Islands Marina was praised for its crucial role in Northland's economy, maritime community, and for recent positive developments, alongside a distinct team culture.

The awards were presented at a celebration dinner in the Banquet Hall, Parliament House - photo © New Zealand Marina Operators Association

Waiheke Marina, New Zealand's newest marina, received one of two Outstanding Initiative Awards for its construction, which was achieved without causing permanent changes to the seabed or coastal currents. The marina developers teamed up with SF Floats and Whangarei's Heron Construction to create 2,100 square meters of floating pontoons, each 20 x 5 meters, built in Whangarei and towed to Auckland. These pontoons now support its carpark and marina complex. Heron Construction Company was also awarded an Outstanding Initiative Award for building the world's largest marina attenuator and New Zealand's largest floating pods. Judges noted that this development allows the marina industry to create essential infrastructure for maritime businesses, employment, and recreation with minimal environmental impact and without reclaiming sea space.

Tom Warren received the Graham Ade Memorial Trophy for his 30-year contribution to the industry, having worked across several prominent marinas and played a leading role in industry governance and training.

Winners were announced at a formal celebration dinner held as part of the New Zealand Marinas and Boatyard Conference at Parliament House in Wellington on Wednesday, 11 September.

Five independent judges, alongside a team of industry experts, judged the programme, including Margaret Wind, Rebecca Hayter, Garry Lock, Matthew Woodley, and Brian Joliffe.

The NZMOA Awards were sponsored by NZMOA's family of sponsors, including Dixon Stainless, Heron Construction Company, Gallagher Insurance NZ, GOfuel, and Bellingham Marine.