Four finalists named in Marina of the Year Awards

This week we announce finalists in the NZMOA Awards.

The Marina 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.

We are pleased to announce that the finalists for the 2026 Marina of the Year Award are:

• Silo Marina

• Whitianga Marina

• Gulf Harbour Marina

• Marsden Cove Marina

  
  

Silo Marina

With just eight dedicated berths, Silo Marina is a boutique facility designed specifically for vessels of up to 140 metres. Berth depths range from 4.5 to 6.5 metres, while shore power of up to 800 amps supports the considerable requirements of visiting superyachts. Secure pontoons, gated access and 24-hour CCTV provide the security expected by international vessels, their owners and crews.

Silo Marina’s application highlighted the extensive and distinctive nature of its contribution to the international superyacht sector. Purpose-built for this specialist market, the marina combines exceptional infrastructure, a central location and focused service for some of the world’s largest recreational vessels.

Silo Marina is a pivotal provider of infrastructure to Auckland’s marine and associated industries. Its specialised facilities, location and service support the wider marine sector and generate significant economic activity for Auckland and New Zealand. 

Located in the heart of Auckland’s waterfront, the marina is within walking distance of marine suppliers, chandlers, refit services, restaurants, hotels and the central city. Customs and MPI clearance can be arranged for vessels over 24 metres, allowing international yachts to begin their New Zealand visit alongside the country’s largest concentration of marine services.

The judges found a simple, well-maintained facility with high-quality power, wastewater and blackwater services. Nearby refit and maintenance providers complement the marina’s own operation, creating a comprehensive destination for visiting superyachts.

Whitianga Marina

Well managed, community-minded and operating at a consistently high standard, Whitianga Marina stood out for its carefully maintained facilities, strong team culture and commitment to meeting the changing needs of Coromandel boaties.

“Operating at a very high level,” was how the judges described Whitianga Marina after meeting its team and representatives.

Located in calm, sheltered water at the heart of Whitianga, the marina has 231 berths for vessels from 10 to 24 metres. Its position places berth holders and visitors within walking distance of the town’s shops, cafés, restaurants and accommodation, while providing a convenient gateway to Mercury Bay and the Mercury Islands.

Whitianga is also a long-term certified Clean Marina. The marina’s facilities include a public travel lift and hardstand, covered work sheds, a secure trailer park and a 24-hour self-service fuel dock supplying diesel and petrol. 

The judges were impressed by the marina’s close relationship with its governance team and the sense that staff were working together. A new team member described feeling included from her first day, while the trust chair demonstrated a detailed understanding of the operation and its future needs.

Whitianga Marina combines sound day-to-day management with a willingness to invest, adapt and make better use of a constrained site. Its people clearly care about their customers, the local boating community and the special coastal environment in which they operate.

Gulf Harbour Marina

Extensive, welcoming and closely connected with the wider boating community, Gulf Harbour Marina stood out for the scale of its facilities and the breadth of services available within its integrated marine precinct.

“A nice marina, well operated,” said the judges, who recognised the considerable work involved in managing one of New Zealand’s largest marina facilities.

Located on Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Gulf Harbour Marina is home to more than 1,000 vessels, with berths ranging from 10.5 to 55 metres and depths of up to four metres. Its position provides direct access to the cruising, sailing and fishing grounds of the Hauraki Gulf.

Managing a marina of this size requires constant attention to infrastructure, safety, presentation and customer service. Gulf Harbour is steadily planning and delivering improvements while considering how an already intensively used site can respond to future boating needs. Its scale, location and concentration of marine expertise make it a significant part of Auckland’s marine infrastructure.

Judges found the marina tidy and welcoming, with a positive atmosphere and a substantial team managing a complex operation. They also recognised the integration of the marina, boatyard, marine trades, hospitality businesses and public boating facilities as one of Gulf Harbour’s defining strengths.

Marsden Cove Marina

Beautifully maintained and strongly connected to its customers, Marsden Cove Marina impressed the judges with its welcoming atmosphere, engaged team and important role as a gateway for vessels entering New Zealand.

“It feels well loved and in good order,” said the judges following their visit. They recognised a well-landscaped marina with high-quality on water structures, carefully maintained facilities and a strong sense of community.

Located at the entrance to Whangārei Harbour, Marsden Cove Marina has 236 berths for vessels from 10.5 metres to more than 30 metres, including dedicated catamaran berths. Power and water are available at every berth, and the marina provides secure access, 24-hour monitoring, a self-service fuel dock, sewage pump-out facilities and a comfortable marina lounge.

Its status as a New Zealand Customs port of entry creates additional responsibilities for the marina team but provides an important service to arriving and departing cruisers.

Marsden Cove also has a substantial marine service precinct. Its fully sealed hardstand and hydraulic trailer can accommodate large yachts and multihulls, supported by washdown facilities, waste containment and a range of marine trades.

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The NZMOA Awards include three categories: the Outstanding Initiative Award, the Boatyard of the Year Award, and the Marina of the Year Award. The Awards are run bi-annually and are judged by industry experts and expert guest judges.

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.

Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala dinner in Tauranga, Thursday 24 September.