Auckland’s Westhaven Marina has been re-certified under the Clean Marina programme at the New Zealand Marina Operators Association in Wellington for the fifth year in the row.
The marina, which is one of the biggest in the world, is also the only New Zealand marina to be part of the international Blue Flag programme for environmental sustainability. It has been part of the programme for 11 years.
Certification criteria
To receive certification, marinas are audited on factors such as the provision and promotion of recycling facilities, no discharge policies and enforcement of these policies, and provisions for boat owners to facilitate regular hull cleaning. Other factors considered are the use of sustainable materials, the maintenance and building of infrastructure, and the re-use of dredging materials.
Challenges
Key challenges for marinas include the spread of pests and other biofoul such as fanworm, which travel from infested areas on the hulls of infected boats that have not maintained a hull cleaning routine.
About Westhaven Marina
Westhaven Marina is home to more than 2000 boats, three yacht clubs, a commercial charterbase, and the new Westhaven Promenade walkway and cycleway.
It is owned by the council controlled organisation, Panuku Development Auckland, on behalf of all Aucklanders.
