Auckland’s Gulf Harbour Marina has been crowned the Marina of the Year at this year’s awards ceremony organised by the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA).

he event is held annually to recognise and celebrate New Zealand’s very best marinas. Gulf Harbour – based north of Auckland – is the country’s largest privately-owned marina and judges said it was a genuine credit to its management team.
“Gulf Harbour Marina has a diverse offering and is well-managed. The team makes great use of what it has. Other private marinas could strive to emulate the model.”

Westhaven Marina was also highly commended by judges for successfully operating an 1,800-berth marina in a very challenging environment. “There are a large number of disruptive projects underway at Westhaven, and what this team has achieved is remarkable,” said the panel. “It has high levels of customer satisfaction and the team approach is a strength.”
The boatyard at Whangamata Marina was named NZMOA Boatyard of the Year. The operation in this small holiday town is highly regarded within the industry, and run by a small but well-organised team which shows great attention to detail with regards to health and safety compliance and environmental impact.
Whangamata Marina also received the NZMOA Best Environmental Performance Award. Its wastewater treatment system, a significant investment for a small, privately-owned operation, is a demonstration of the operation’s long-term environmental commitment, as is its participation in the Clean Marinas programme.
Gisborne Inner Harbour Marina was also commended by judges in this category. They said an impressive amount of work had been done towards improving environmental outcomes at this 46-berth marina.

Westhaven Marina took the Outstanding Initiative Award for its Load ‘n’ Go berth. A berth for commercial operators to load and unload passengers, the facility was praised as an example of a marina team thinking on its feet, planning ahead for the America’s Cup.
The Nylonut system, developed by Darcy Blackmore, was also acknowledged in this category by judges as a deceptively simple innovation that has the potential to benefit the wider marina industry, both here and abroad.
The 2020 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award was presented to Kevin Lidgard. Currently general manager of Marinas at Panuku Development Auckland, Kevin is a long-standing member of the marina and boatyard industry, someone who collaborates for the good of the industry, shares knowledge and contributes extensively.