What to expect from the 2026 NZ Marina and Boatyard Conference
Updated: 5 days ago
From the big strategic topics to solutions to everyday operational problems, the three-day NZ Marina and Boatyard Conference will once again inform, inspire and support your work as marina and boatyard professionals.
“We all face similar challenges and so coming together from around New Zealand and abroad, sharing and learning from each other is hugely benefical,” says NZMOA Chairperson, Chris Galbraith.
Hosted by Tauranga, the event will be set amidst one of the country’s most beautiful and habour-oriented towns, where there is a major port, several marinas, and boatyard facilities.
Over the first two days ‘in the room’ we’ll take you through the political environment and how it impacts us, welcome the return of Economist Tony Alexander to consider the economic situation and the uncertain times we are in.
We will hear from Tauranga company Syos about their incredible work with autonomous boats. We will talk with industry leaders both local and from further afield. This includes the latest on RMA reform and how that will shape our consents and licenses, and NZMOA’s central piece of work this year, training designed to carry our industry forwards.
New marinas can face complex challenges in the communities where they are established and we will hear from Waiheke Marina about how they have reshaped the way they are perceived.
There is an opportunity to shape how we adapt for customers of the future: the demographic, new markets, and what that means for marina berthed vessels, and we will invite fresh thinking key partners and stakeholders to join us to inform a future strategy.
Promising technology for cleaning marina infrastructure at scale has been unveiled by Cawthron Institute and we will hear about that, plus new innovations from the field.
We will also look at Westhaven beyond the expiry of its 2026 marina berth licenses, talk to expert lawyers about how to deal with unwanted boats, and more.
The event includes the presentation of the Marina of the Year, Boatyard of the Year, Outstanding Initiative, and Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Industry Awards, a showcase of trade exhibitors as part of the event, and a boat tour of the best of Tauranga’s marine facilities.
The NZ Marina and Boatyard Conference take place 23-25 September 2026 in Tauranga.
View the program and register
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