Akarana Marine Sports Charitable Trust

All Kiwis have a right to enjoy the water, and the Akarana Marine Sports Charitable Trust’s mission is to help them do just that. The Akarana Trust’s vision is to provide safe pathways to the sea for all and to connect our community to a more fun, active lifestyle — and we need your help!

Our Vision

Safer pathways to the sea for everyone

Our goal is to provide a safe, accessible environment in which our people can explore some of NZ’s most valuable taonga (treasure) — our moana (sea) and our whenua (land). We actively promote non-profit water safety education and recreation opportunities, and build stronger community connections via our inclusive marine-based multi-sport facility.

What we do

The Hyundai Marine Sports Centre

Our cutting-edge marine sports hub, the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, is a fully-inclusive destination for the whole community to enjoy the ocean. As NZ’s premier destination for competitive and recreational marine sports, our vibrant non-profit water facility hosts world-class water sports events and is home to over 800m2 of training and educational facilities, and dedicated private events spaces. Located just 10-minutes from Auckland’s CBD at The Landing in Okahu Bay, we make the most of the rich natural and cultural environment that surrounds us.

Our facility is also home to the New Navigators Programme and can be hired for a range of Events

Our Mission

"To provide safe pathways to the sea."

Trustees & Management

The Akarana Trust is administered by a management team and volunteer trustees from a diverse range of backgrounds, with one thing in common — they’re all passionate about helping Kiwis navigate a safe pathway to the sea.

Sailing is in Howard’s blood — in fact, he has raced every summer on his various M Class yachts since ’93. He is passionate about youth development and ensuring the marine hub is kept as an inclusive access point for all of Auckland to the ‘most beautiful harbour in the world’.

Howard Spencer

Chair

With diverse business interests as the co-founder of Artemis Capital and director of numerous companies, Anatole has experience across a range of industries. He is keenly interested in community projects and sport.

Anatole Masfen

Trustee

Nick is the CEO of Eden Park and with over 20 years’ experience in venue management brings energy and innovation to our trust. He is also a member of The Auckland Children's Christmas Parade Trust and the British New Zealand Business Association Board.

Nick Sautner

Trustee

Graham jointly founded Marstel Terminals with his wife Anne in 1987 and continues to be Managing Director. he has been racing, administering and promoting water sports for the past 40+ years and is a keen golfer, sailor and sports fan.

Graham Catley

Trustee

Jason Morgan is the Commodore of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. With a background in IT he is also a keen sailor and has been heavily involved in sailing administration and race management. His four children are all active sailors at RAYC.

Jason Morgan

Trustee

Sean is Associate Director of Campus Life, Sport and Recreation at the University of Auckland. He is responsible for creating a healthy, active and engaged campus, ensuring there are opportunities for students and staff to be involved in sport and recreation.

Sean Smith

Trustee

Become a supporter

Akarana is a charitable trust and we rely on your help to continue to realise our vision of making the ocean safe and accessible for all. From one-off donations to yearly sponsorship, we welcome your support and can work with you to determine a level of involvement that will suit you.