Finalists announced in ‘Oscars of the marina industry'

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 to 145 metres in central Auckland with a unique role to play in the city’s economy

• Gulf Harbour Marina, which is is one of the region’s largest established marina communities.

• Marsden Cove Marina, which provides an important marine hub at the entrance to Whangārei Harbour, and

• Whitianga Marina which has continued to strengthen its facilities, environmental practices and service to cruising boaties and Coromandel locals

Boatyard of the Year finalists:

• Whitianga Marina, whose busy operation completes around 600 lifts each year and provides a valuable service to its region.

• Marsden Cove Marina, an overall excellent facility that has made significant progress in its health and safety systems and the management of boatyard waste.

• Gulf Harbour Marina, which has invested significantly in its equipment, systems and environmental work.

• Titan Marine Engineering, a which combines strong health and safety practices with apprentice development and ISO 14001 environmental certification.

Outstanding Initiative finalists

• Commercial Dive Specialists' Rehabitat – a containment chamber that neutralises exotic Caulerpa.

• Westhaven Marina's Cadet Program – a structured pathway into a marina career.

• Seaview Marina's Staff App – a deceptively simple way to improve marina operations.

NZMOA Chair Chris Galbraith said the quality of this year’s entries reflected the depth of expertise and commitment within the industry.

“The finalists demonstrate the many ways marina and boatyard businesses contribute to New Zealand’s marine sector. They are investing in their facilities, strengthening environmental and safety practices, supporting their customers and finding practical solutions to industry challenges.

“The awards provide an opportunity to recognise this work and share examples of excellence across the wider industry.”

Entries were assessed by an independent judging panel, with finalists evaluated against criteria including business performance, customer service, environmental management, health and safety, staff development, facility improvement and wider industry contribution. The Outstanding Initiative category also recognises projects that respond to a need or opportunity.

 The guest judges for 2026 are:

• Brian Jolliffe: A retired public company CEO in the finance sector with a lifelong passion for boats. In the 1990s, he chaired the Mana Marina Trust, overseeing the completion of that marina’s final stages. He and his wife have since sailed the world, experiencing numerous overseas marinas and visiting nearly every marina in New Zealand

• Rebecca Hayter: A multiple award-winning writer passionate about sailing, with extensive knowledge of the local and global boating industries.

• Matthew Woodley: A CEO, experienced sailor, marketer, and business leader with extensive export experience, including automotive, textiles, construction technology, and software. Currently an independent Director of Hyundai NZ and Group General Manager at Stormwater360.

• Callum Gillespie: New Executive Director of NZ Marine and former CEO of Coastguard New Zealand. Callum brings extensive experience in maritime operations, organisational strategy, financial management and leading organisations through change.

The winners will be announced at the 2026 New Zealand Marina and Boatyard Conference in Tauranga on Thursday 24 September.