Welcome to our Winter News
We are pleased to say the Marina is well occupied at present with a 97% occupancy rate and has been higher since February this year.
This could be due to being the best (and cheapest) Marina in the region or that the weather has been so ordinary for boating recently that every possible vessel remains in its berth! I prefer the former reason with just an inkling of bias. Apparently, we are now past the Winter Solstice so astronomically we are in good shape. Exciting developments of note is the recent appointment of our new Assistant Manager and the Marina barge is now operational (read more below).
— Glynne, Marina Manager
Marina Vessel Insurance is Vital
Fire damage to surrounding vessels at Tauranga Marina at Sulphur Point
A recent fire at Tauranga serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of electrical faults. Early investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical issue, leading to significant damage. Over 20 vessels have filed claims against the vessel at the centre of the incident, and the marina infrastructure itself suffered severe damage — claims are expected to reach into the millions.
This incident highlights the vital importance of having current and comprehensive insurance in place. The Mana Marina Office spends a lot of time chasing evidence of third-party vessel insurance to ensure individual’s property is covered in the event of a catastrophe.
We certainly appreciate all of you who voluntarily supply insurance documents to the office each year.
Third-party insurance is a must have at Mana Marina — in case of events such as this
Check out the new safety ladders and life rings
Safety Ladders and Life Rings
You may have noticed the new ladders and life rings now finally erected on their new stands on each pier.
The Marina has always had throwing life rings positioned between piers B and C and another between piers D and E. There is also a satchel hanging on each bridge to the piers that houses a life belt and siren horn for attracting attention. Following a man overboard incident at night in the winter of 2024, it was felt that additional measures may assist in such events. Positioned on each pier about mid-way along, there is now a stand housing 1 ladder and 1 life ring with an attached rescue rope. The buoy on each ladder is only added in case the ladder is dropped. The ladders have been designed to be used anywhere along the piers except from the triangles (where the fingers meet the pier). They have extrusions that provide support against the floatation under the piers and a solid plate at the head of the ladder. This plate has spikes so that once positioned on the edge of the pier, the rescuer places their foot firmly on the plate, providing additional grip for the ladder. We hope they are rarely tested!
Grey Ghost off D Pier
The Grey Ghost in action (the dredge that is, not Andrew)
After a great deal of massaging under Andrew's guidance, "Grey Ghost" is now operational.
The Special Limits Permit has been lodged with Maritime NZ, Crane, hook and wire rope certified, Safe Working Load approved, outboards and hydraulic motor serviced. All we need now is the pie warmer! After much research, on June 11, we took delivery of carefully selected pumping device that we are advised is well suited for dredging. The necessary components were hired to test the concept, and we were suitably impressed with the result. Armed with this knowledge, we now will discuss the best way forward for the Marina.
A good deal on power at the new pedestals
Metered Power
Thanks to those that have sent complimentary notes and expressed support regarding the recent introduction of kwh reading meters into the Marina pedestals.
The Liveaboard pedestals have been in for 3 months now, and the regular plug-in vessels will have their 2-month reading July 1st, 2025. Many have expressed their surprise at the low 25cent per kwh rate, much lower than the Wellington residential average of 31 cents. We have managed this due to negotiating a favorable supply contract but the government levy and legislation component isn’t fixed, so we review this monthly. Overall, the Marina and the users now have a better appreciation of power consumption rather than the unmeasured approach of recent times.
Welcome Wilson
Some of you may have already met our new Assistant Manager, Wilson Cain.
Wilson joined us early June and was offered the position following a lengthy selection process of scores of very well qualified applicants. The position requires a flexible and practical person with abilities from addressing Marina maintenance to being competent with multiple software programs and assisting Marina users from a variety of backgrounds. Wilson had his own business as qualified commercial diver and skipper but also has extensive experience working in and around marinas and harbours, both in NZ and offshore. With his positive approach, we are fortunate to have Wilson as part of the team for the future of Mana Marina.
Give the new pump out station a whirl
Vacuum Pump Out Facility
We wish to make all vessel owners aware of the grey and black water pump-out facility available from the fuel wharf.
The large yellow hose positioned in the middle of the fuel wharf is connected to a vacuum pump on the south side the south toilet block. This hose has a valve tap which, when using a suitable fitting, can be positioned at the outlet on board your vessel’s deck and suck residue from the holding tank.
The user is required to walk to the pump, turn it on and wait until vacuum is reached prior to coupling the hose (Instructions are in the fuel kiosk or available from the office).
We suggest you ask the office for assistance for your first run.
Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership
To learn more about protecting our marine environment from damaging marine pests and diseases for your boating destinations in the Marlborough Tasman regions, click this link : Protecting the Top of the South from marine invaders.
Know what pest to keep an eye out for with Top of the South’s info
Reduce your speed and wake
We still field complaints about some boaties exceeding the no wake speeds when commuting in and out of the Marina.
Take a look at this neat Youtube clip created by the Northland Regional Council, reminding us to all reduce our speed to reduce our wake.
We Remember
Sadly, the Marina Community has lost friends and family this year, and we think of their families at this time. We remember:
Bryce Armstrong (Pirate)
That’s it from us for now — stay warm and enjoy your winter boating!
From the Board; George, Rolfe, Paul and Ray
and the Marina Team; Glynne, Wilson, Sandie and Andrew