NZMOA has extended congratulations to five graduates from the industry recognised at the MAST graduation event in Auckland this March, in particular to Avi Sharma from Hobsonville Marina boatyard, recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from NZMOA for outstanding boatyard operations graduate.
Avi Sharma, from Hobsonville Marina Management, initially studied business at university before making the shift to the marine industry. With a strong work ethic and dedication, Avi has earned the respect of his employer and has thrived throughout his apprenticeship in Marina Facilities and Boatyard Operations.
The graduates are:
NZ Certificate in Marina Facilities – Boatyard Operations (Level 4)
- Avi Sharma – Hobsonville Marina
- Barry Upokomanu – Gulf Harbour Marina
- James Cooper – Marsden Cove Marina
- Kristina Plitina – Pine Harbour Marina
NZ Certificate in Marina Facilities – Marina Operations (Level 4)
- Michael Williams – Lake Taupo Marina
These five – who have completed around two years of practical and academic learning to earn their Level 4 qualifications – join the growing number of qualified young marina professionals in New Zealand, with nearly 38 graduates now available to the industry.
Avi’s scholarship was newly introduced by NZMOA in 2025 to help support the ongoing training pathway for those recently graduated to support retention in the industry.
“The learning these young professionals earn on the job is signifcant, covering a broad range of skills and subject areas that they will need to be great employees,” says NZMOA Chair Chris Galbraith.
“Now they can develop their skills in the workplace and go on to earn industry specific qualifications at a higher level through international bodies or in terms of leaderhsip.”
“The marina and boatyard industry can offer a fantastic career and take you to all sorts of places.” NZMOA is focused on working with MAST and our international colleagues to create and shape this career pathway.”
James Cooper
Kristine Plitinia
