Artistic Impression

Development of Ōkara Marina

This project is being delivered in partnership with the Whangārei District Council and Whangārei Marina Trust. To enable the project to proceed, Whangārei District Council approved a $5 million loan to the Marina Trust. This investment provided the foundation needed to move the development forward while supporting the long-term benefits it will deliver for the community and marine sector.

The first pier was opened in 2025, just in time of arrival of the international cruisers escaping the Pacific Cyclone season.

We've got the power

We've reached another exciting milestone. M pier now has full power and of course we had to check how it looks in the darkness.

Dec 31, 20251 min read

M Pier officially open

We welcomed our first visitors today! M-pier is complete with 44 berths ready for the arrival of our international boaties.

Oct 24, 20251 min read

Pontoons are here!

Construction of the first 44-berth pier, M-Pier, is generating plenty of excitement at Ōkara Marina. The daily arrival of new pontoon sections is a visible sign that the project is moving ahead at pace. On site, Total Marine’s team is busy placing rock along the southern mudcrete walls, while their blue crane stands ready to begin lifting the pontoon sections into the water in the coming weeks. Activity is set to increase further in August, with work commencing to bring essen

Jul 25, 20251 min read

The land reclamation in full swing

On site now is 1 tug, 2 dredging barges, 1 piling barge, 4 trucks, 2 diggers, and 1 pile-driving crane. The construction process involves scraping away the soft mud layer, and replacing it with hard fill sourced from a local quarry. The firm layer is being reached at a faster pace than anticipated, particularly at the Northern end where the building is designed to be placed. The ground appears to be more solid than expected, offering potential cost savings for the project. Th

Feb 24, 20241 min read

Construction Launch

Construction kick-off was celebrated together with Contractors, Neighbouring businesses, Berth holders, Whangarei's Mayor, Staff and the Marina Trustees. Digging into mud cake was symbolic of the 150,000 m3 of mud to be moved out to create berths for 113 vessels.

Aug 31, 20231 min read

Artistic Impression of Okara Marina downstream Te Matau A Pohe Bridge

Ōkara Marina project starts to take shape

Exciting progress continues on the development of Ōkara Marina, a significant investment in Whangārei’s marine future and one of the largest marina projects currently underway in New Zealand. Artistic impression of New Okara Marina As highlighted in a recent RNZ article, the marina development was designed to help meet growing demand for berthage, marine services, and facilities for both local and international boaties. The project will add 115 new berths and strengthen Whang

Jun 2, 20231 min read