This March, Westhaven Marina, along with Auckland Central and Silo marinas, will host a very special guest – 17-year-old student researcher Tamaki Ogasawara (pictured below) from Japan.
Tamaki is a scholar of the prestigious Tobitate! Ryugaku Japan programme, which supports students to undertake unique, self-directed research projects abroad. With a deep passion for sailing and marina culture, Tamaki’s project explores how marinas are integrated into community life, with the aim of taking new insights home to help revitalise their own coastal hometown.
Tamaki will be hosted by our marinas from late February to mid-March 2026. During this time, Tamaki will:
- observe and assist with marina operations
- speak with our team and community members
- connect with local yacht clubs to experience Auckland’s sailing culture firsthand
Marinas Manager Gareth Wilson says, “We’re delighted to support Tamaki’s project. It’s inspiring to see young people from around the world taking such an interest in marinas and community life. We look forward to sharing what makes Auckland’s waterfront so special and introducing Tamaki to local yacht clubs that are such an important part of our community.”
This cultural and research exchange is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how Auckland’s marinas connect people with the water – and to inspire fresh ideas for the future of sailing communities globally.
