Westhaven News - July 2025

Westhaven Marina recognised at international marina awards

Westhaven Marina was awarded Highly Commended at the prestigious 2025 Marina Industries Association (MIA) Marina of the Year Awards – an international programme recognising excellence in marina management, operations, and customer service.

Announced at the MIA awards evening in Australia on 6 May, Westhaven placed as runner-up to Dubai Harbour Marina. The recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality service, safe and sustainable facilities, and a first-class experience for all berth holders. Read More

Team update

Meet our new team members

We’re pleased to welcome two new faces to the dockmaster team – Mark Burrows and Lillian Richardson (pictured below) – each bringing a unique set of skills and experience to the role.

Mark spent 35 years in the police force, serving in both the UK and New Zealand. He moved here with his family in 2007 and has called West Auckland home ever since. These days, he enjoys life on the move – kayaking, cycling, and exploring the country in his motorhome. With a calm, hands-on approach and years of experience working with people, Mark is a great addition to the Westhaven team.

Lillian comes from a family of seafarers and has salt water in her veins. She grew up cruising the Hauraki Gulf with her family, sailing centre-boarders, and helping her father restore classic wooden boats. Outside of the marina, she’s a competitive marathon runner who also enjoys surfing and biking. With a practical, can-do attitude, Lillian is excited to be part of the Westhaven team.

If you see them around the marina, be sure to say hello!

New branding across all our marinas

You may have noticed a fresh new look across our marinas.

Westhaven Marina and Silo Marina now feature updated logos that reflect their unique identities – Westhaven as New Zealand’s largest recreational marina, and Silo as the country’s premier superyacht facility.

Introducing Auckland Central Marina: Viaduct Marina is now Auckland Central Marina.

This is more than just a name change – it signals our renewed commitment to delivering world-class service in a world-class location.

What to expect next

If you haven’t already, you’ll start to see the updated branding – including new logos and the new name – appear across letterheads, signage, staff uniforms, websites, and other marina materials in the coming weeks.

To our valued customers – boat owners, captains, and crew – thank you for your continued support as we begin this exciting new chapter.

Introducing Dock & Dine – a new way to experience Auckland Restaurant Month!

This August, Auckland Central Marina is offering a special daily berth rate of just $99 (usually from $150) for up to three nights.

Cruise into the heart of the city and enjoy exclusive pop-up dining from some of Auckland’s top restaurants – all set against a stunning harbour backdrop.

Limited spots available!
To find out more or book now:
📧 info@aucklandcentralmarina.co.nz
☎️ +64 9 355 7479

Westhaven Marina’s 2025 customer satisfaction survey

Thank you to everyone who took part in our 2025 customer satisfaction survey. Your feedback directly shapes the way we operate – helping us assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and deliver the best possible experience for everyone at Westhaven Marina.

We’re proud to share that, thanks to your input, this year’s results reflect our highest overall satisfaction score to date. Of the 512 respondents, 94% rated Westhaven Marina five or higher on a seven-point scale – a fantastic result and a shared achievement for our entire marina community. Read More

Construction and maintenance update

Upcoming project: Westhaven Marina works depot replacement

A project to replace the dockmaster and maintenance office at 137 Westhaven Drive is scheduled to begin in late July.

This small but essential building has reached the end of its service life. Its current layout no longer supports operational needs, and its ground-level position makes it increasingly vulnerable to flooding during extreme weather. Read More

2025 Sustainable Action of the Year winner: The Kai Ika Project – Cans for Kai

We’re proud to announce The Kai Ika Project as the winner of Westhaven Marina’s 2025 Sustainable Action of the Year Award, in recognition of their Cans for Kai initiative.

This award celebrates individuals and businesses demonstrating an exceptional commitment to reducing environmental impact, protecting natural ecosystems, and conserving biodiversity for future generations. It recognises those who lead by example through sustainable actions such as beach litter collection, hybrid or electric boating innovation, responsible waste management, and the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives. Read More

Sustainable environment

Westhaven’s L pier fully replaced – with a sustainable twist

Following the successful replacement of K pier late last year, L pier has now been fully rebuilt after reaching the end of its serviceable life.

Over the past four months, the old structure was dismantled and transformed into a modern, upgraded facility. The project was brought forward, which resulted in cost savings, and was completed safely and efficiently.

In line with Westhaven’s commitment to sustainability, our contractors, Total Marine Services, repurposed most of the removed materials. Read More

Events

Learn to Sail this winter with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Have you ever wanted to give sailing a go? Winter is the perfect time to take the plunge. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) – based on Westhaven Marina’s northern reclamation – is offering Learn to Sail Level 1 weekend courses designed for beginners or those wanting to build confidence on the water.

Held over two days, these fun and practical courses cover the key skills of keelboat sailing: boat handling, safety, terminology, and how to crew and helm with confidence. No previous experience is required – just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn.

Winter 2025 course dates:
📆 July 12 and 13
📆 August 9 and 10

Courses take place at RNZYS and are led by experienced instructors in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Ready to get started?
👉 Visit rnzys.org.nz/learntosail/courses for more info and to register
📆 RSVP or share: Facebook event

RNZYS Women’s Day Out 2025

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s annual Women’s Day Out is set for Saturday 23 August 2025 – and everyone’s welcome! Whether you're brand new to sailing or a seasoned sailor, this is your chance to get out on the water, connect with others, and enjoy everything our sport and the stunning Waitematā Harbour have to offer.

Let’s get as many women on the water as possible!

🎟️ Tickets and more information 👉 here.

SailGP set to return in 2026

Following a record-breaking debut on the Waitematā, SailGP is officially locked in to return to Auckland over Valentine’s weekend, 14–15 February 2026! The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Auckland will once again see the Black Foils go head-to-head with international rivals, racing F50 catamarans at jaw-dropping speeds in the heart of the city. 

The energy along the waterfront earlier this year was unforgettable, with locals and visitors turning out in droves to soak up the sun, speed, and spectacle. From inner harbour views to edge-of-your-seat racing, SailGP is the kind of summer experience that lights up Tāmaki Makaurau like nothing else.

With the city as the backdrop and summer in full swing, it's shaping up to be another unmissable event. Ticket info and pre-sale access coming soon – sign up via SailGP.

Come aboard the Rainbow Warrior

To mark 40 years since the bombing of the original Greenpeace flagship in Auckland, the Rainbow Warrior is returning to Tāmaki Makaurau.

Head to the waterfront for a special opportunity to step aboard the vessel, meet the crew, and learn about the ship’s global mission to protect our oceans and its powerful legacy of peaceful protest.

Dawn ceremony to commemorate the bombing of the original Rainbow Warrior:

📆 Thursday 10 July | 7am

 Open days:
📆 Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 July | 10am–4pm
📆 Sunday 13 July | 10am–4pm
📆 Sunday 20 July | 10am–2pm

Final tours start 30 minutes before closing time.

Learn more and plan your visit 👉 here.