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Marlborough Sounds Marinas scores high for sustainability
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Marlborough Sounds Marinas – comprising three separate sites – sets new environmental benchmark for New Zealand, which become the first in the country to receive the prestigious International Clean Marina accreditation.
Marlborough Sounds Marinas’ Waikawa Marina
Three marinas run by Marlborough Sounds Marinas (MSM) – Picton, Waikawa, and Havelock – achieved a perfect score of 100 per cent in a rigorous independent environmental audit through the Clean Marina programmme. The feat underscores the collective marinas’ unwavering commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds through sustainable practices, waste minimisation, and pollution prevention.
MSM operates the three sites, located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island to facilitate boating in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, offering a total capacity of over 2,000 vessels in wet and dry storage.
Havelock is one of three marinas that scored 100 per cent in the accreditation criteria
The region, which is home to the country’s largest wine-producing area, comprises over 20 per cent of New Zealand’s coastline.
The Clean Marina accreditation initiative, which helps marinas improve their environmental processes and ensure compliance, has seen participation from more than 60 marinas in Australia and the Pacific region. It is organised by the Marina Industries Association (MIA), a body that works alongside global marina associations, to develop sustainable marina industries through education, research and accreditation.
Environmental consultant Mackenzie Stacey from BMT, a maritime consultancy, who conducted the audits, praised the marinas for their thorough environmental management practices, saying the level of detail in their procedures was impressive. Indeed, scores of 100 per cent are unparalleled.
The three marinas serve coastal escapes dotted along New Zealand’s south island
In preparation for the certification audit, staff at the marinas were involved in reviewing procedures and training manuals, updating websites – with a focus on environmental and operational information – renewing signage and reconfiguring waste sites. A new recycling centre at Picton Marina was also constructed.
“Every team member dedicated significant thought and effort, despite a busy season,” said Anouk Euzeby, Manager of MSM.
This milestone sets a new standard for environmental stewardship and positions New Zealand as a leader in sustainable marina operations.
