Harbouring growth
An industry-first survey highlights the economic impact and sustainability efforts of New Zealand’s marina sector.
23 November 2024
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The first industry-wide survey on the marina and boatyard sector in New Zealand has quantified its economic significance.
Conducted in 2023 by a specialist department at Michigan State University for the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA), the survey found that the industry generates $153m in gross annual revenue and supports over 470 jobs. The total economic contribution is estimated to exceed half a billion dollars.
The survey, titled the Health of the New Zealand Marina Industry Survey, involved 40 marinas and highlighted the sector’s role beyond its immediate operations.
“Marinas and boatyards are hubs of employment and industry,” says Chris Galbraith, NZMOA chair and general manager of Bay of Islands Marina. “Boat owners need a wide range of maintenance services, and in some cases, we attract large amounts of international boats that come to New Zealand for pleasure, maintenance and refit – also making it part of our export economy.”
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Examples include Westhaven Marina, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, which has a database of 2,000 contractors, including yacht brokers, marine electricians, and boat builders. Bay of Islands Marina, with 420 berths, hosts 28 tenant businesses ranging from marine trades to cafes and retail. Nelson Marina’s masterplan projects it will house 40 businesses by 2027. Across the country, the marina sector supports over 300 small businesses, with individual marinas engaging an average of 63 contractors annually.
Environmental sustainability is also a focus, with 17 marinas participating in the New Zealand Clean Marinas programme. Many older facilities are investing in improving water quality, while new developments like Waiheke Marina are designed with environmental considerations aligned to resource consent requirements.
On average, $3.1m is invested per marina in environmental protection and facilities.
At the time of the survey, marinas reported strong customer support, with occupancy rates averaging 86 percent. Most respondents were commercial marinas (71 percent), with the remainder being club or yacht marinas, or maintenance-focused facilities.
“We are a maritime nation, and boating is a way of life – both for trade and commerce, and for recreation. The marinas and boatyard industry is at the heart of that,” Galbraith adds.
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