Our People: Q&A with Matt Bourne

9 hours ago
4 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

Matt Bourne is Operations Manager with Orakei Marina and a member of the NZMOA Executive. He is the first to feature in our series of interviews with people who love this industry.

How did you first find your way into the marina industry, and what has your career path looked like since?

After many years in law enforcement with the NZ Police and the British Military I fell into the marina industry by pure chance after a decision to change careers, starting off at Westhaven Marina as a dockmaster back in 2013. Working with a great team back then, quickly I found myself loving the environment and being on the water as often as possible but the continual learning and opportunities to progress really cemented for me that this is where I wish to end my working life.

Since those first steps, I have moved further round the coastline of Auckland, stopping off and Viaduct Marina and Silo Superyacht Marna to really hone my skills. I was fortunate while posted here to be involved in hosting the World Yacht Race 2015 and America's Cup AC36. With these experiences under my belt, I moved on the Orakei Marina, where I am now the Operations Manager and this new responsibility has opened up new skills and experiences.

What does your current role involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Orakei Marina is a Charitable Trust marina, and although my title is Operations Manager, I do wear several other caps under this umbrella.

Often as dockmaster, H&S representative, HR dept, office manager and project manager. With all this going on, I tend to fill my day with a multitude of tasks so I am always on the go. A lot of my time is admin and liaising with the Board of Trustees, but I love to get outside in the sunshine and do little jobs about the grounds and pontoons.

Being a relatively small marina, the real kick for me is that I almost know every boat owner here, and building that relationship with your customers on a personal level really makes the difference.

What motivates you to keep learning and progressing in the industry?

Love for the industry, I guess. I should start my day at 8am, but I’m in the front door every day before 6am, to settle in, absorb the sunrise, and plan my day. It sounds like a cliché, but no day is the same, meeting new people, learning new skills, and wanting to give back is what drives me. The opportunities I have been offered over the last 13 years seem to have paid off and I have been quite blessed, and lucky to a degree.

What is something that has surprised you about the marina sector?

Matt showing a delegation from Okinawa, Japan around Orakei Marina. They are developing marina capacity and material and structural elements were of particular interest and the environmental considerations and their practical application were the subject of many follow up questions — *Matt showing a delegation from Okinawa, Japan around Orakei Marina.* They are developing marina capacity and material and structural elements were of particular interest and the environmental considerations and their practical application were the subject of many follow up questions

The variety of work. Whether you choose a career in the marinas, or boatbuilding, there’s so much to learn and there’s plenty of options for progression if you strive for it. Not really surprised, but it's great to see so many people from all walks of life and the same passions.

What are you most proud of achieving in your career so far?

I have had a lot of experiences that I would never have taken part in, until I joined the marina industry and there has been a few stand outs for me, I am currently applying for my Certified Marina Manager (CMM), and hope to have this completed this year, but what really gives me a sense of purpose is being on the Board of Executives for NZMOA.

The industry has given me so much joy and helped me, that now I have the opportunity in some small way to give back something, passing what knowledge I have to help others develop and succeed.

Who are you outside work, and how do you like to spend your time?

I am a father of three wonderful kids and about to become a grandad for the fourth time so I try to spend as much time as I can with family.

But I've have always been an outside type, so if I am not out rabbit shooting or fly fishing (my latest passion) I do enjoy cooking but some of my colleagues that know I can be quite outspoken and a bit of a live wire, were very surprised of my pretty good model building, and often told, “I don’t see you having the patience for that Matt”