The Boatyard 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.
Stage 1
Your written submission consists of questions that will provide an overview of your marina or boatyard.
Entry questions have been updated for 2026. We recommend that you prepare your responses in a separate document and then copy and paste them into our form when you are ready. Entries close strictly at 5pm on Monday 8 June 2026. The entry fee is $250+gst per category.
Please complete one form per category that you enter.
Stage 2
Finalists will be announced in August - and a video interview may be requested.
The judging panel will review your entry and NZMOA will announce finalists in August.
As part of the judging process you may be asked to participate in a video interview with judges, to answer further questions in writing, or a site visit.
Judges might have specific questions or seek more information about the following aspects in relation to finalists in this category - but we'll let you know about this when the time comes.
Stage 3
Winner announcements and gala dinner
Award winners will be announced at the formal NZMOA Marinas and Boatyard Conference and AGM in September. All recipients should have a representative available to collect their award. As a winner, you’ll receive a certificate, signature category flag, publicity, and industry kudos! You’ll also receive a special ‘winner’ icon to add to your website, social media or email signature.
Tip: put the Awards dinner and conference in your diary now!
The New Zealand Marina and Boatyard Conference takes place from 9-11 September 2026 in Tauranga.
Check the events page for details
Useful Information
Conditions of Entry
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Entries are open to all NZMOA members. Winners must be present at the conference dinner to collect their certificate.
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An entry fee for each entry in the Marina, Boatyard and Environmental categories applies of $250. This will be invoiced to you on receipt of your entry.
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All entries must only be submitted via the electronic form. We recommend that you finalise your entry before loading it into the form, and save a copy of your responses. If you don't receive acknowledgement, please contact us to ensure your entry is received.
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Applicants should not incur undue expense in presentation of their applications.
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Judging of winners for the category may include a site visit or a video/voice conversation.
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The Judges’ decision is final.
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To avoid doubt, any confidential information should be labelled as confidential.
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Past winners are welcome to re-enter. Judges will be looking for evidence of significant improvement since your win.
Tips for writing a winning entry
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Show judges evidence of your vision and achievements in Stage 1.
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These awards are about how your operation is achieving to its best potential. 'Potential' means different things to different marinas and boatyards. Ensure that whatever this is for your marina or boatyard is captured in your entry.
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Really think hard about what you do that is over and above 'business as usual'. It's important your entry should acknowledge that you are running a sound operation that is doing the basics right, but the value you deliver to your staff, customers and perhaps your region or country, over and above the basics is what creates a winning entry.
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No entrant or entry is perfect. If there is an aspect of your operation you know needs improvement, it's important to acknowledge the work that is underway and the progress you have made. Judges take this into account. Question 4 asks 'Is there anything else that you would like the judges to know about your facility or entry?' and is a perfect place to include this.
The Judging Panel
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Each category is judged by a panel of judges across the stages.
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This includes at least one independent judge brought in for their fresh perspective and ability ask questions. It also includes experienced specialists from the marina and boatyard industry who understand the complexities of operations.
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A facilitator is employed to ensure that judging is robust and comprehensive and takes in a wide range of factors.
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Because the marina industry is small, we don't reveal the names of all of our judges, but we do go through a process to ensure there is no conflict of interest and that they are appropriate people who can have robust discussions to make very good decisions.