Sustainability at Wakatere
100 years connected to the water.
Our responsibility is to protect it for the next 100.
As kaitiaki of Narrow Neck Beach, Wakatere Boating Club is committed to protecting and enhancing the coastal environment we sail, train, and gather in.
For generations, Wakatere sailors have enjoyed the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Today, sustainability is an important part of how we operate our Club, run our regattas and educate the next generation of sailors.
We believe that small actions, when shared by a community, can create meaningful change.
Our Sustainability Journey
Wakatere's sustainability journey is already well established.
The Club participates in Yachting New Zealand's RŪNĀ programme, has achieved 3 Star Clean Club status and has a strong history of implementing sustainable practices through the Sailors For The Sea Clean Regatta Programme.
Our approach is to Protect, Reduce, Reuse, Educate and Restore.
A few highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
2018
Wakatere begins participating in Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas.
2019
First Clean Regatta Gold certification.
2021
Platinum Clean Regatta certification achieved.
2022
Wakatere achieves 3 Star Clean Club status with Yachting New Zealand.
2023
Toyota Optimist Nationals achieves Platinum certification, with Wakatere working alongside organisations including EcoMatters, Auckland Council, Yachting New Zealand and others.
2025
PredictWind Wingfoil Nationals – Platinum.
2026
RS Feva Nationals – Platinum
Sunburst Nationals – Platinum.
Sailors for the Sea Awards
YEAR | REGATTA | CERTIFICATION | |
2026 | RS Feva National Championship | PLATINUM LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2026 | Sunburst National Championship | PLATINUM LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2025 | PredictWind Wingfoil National Championship | PLATINUM LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2023 | Toyota Optimist National Championship | PLATINUM LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2022 | NZ Sunburst National Championship | PLATINUM LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2022 | Optimist & Starling Auckland Championship | PLATINUM LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2021 | NZ Waszp National Championship | PLATINUM LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2020 | NZ RS Feva National Championship | PLATINUM LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2019 | OK Dinghy World Championship | GOLD LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2019 | NZ OK Dinghy National Championship | SILVER LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification | |
2018 | Wakatere Junior Regatta | SILVER LEVEL Clean Regatta Certification |
Water Usage
Every drop counts — even when the dams are full. At Wakatere, we’re all about smart water use during boat wash‑down and encouraging members to use water responsibly.
🕛 30‑second boat wash-down
🚿 Trigger nozzle on every hose
👩👦Adults manage hoses for junior boats
Small actions. Thousands of litres saved.
Check Auckland's Water Storage
What Can I Do?
🌊 Something Every Sailor Can Do
Bring a reusable drink bottle.
Sort your waste correctly.
Use water responsibly.
Avoid unnecessary single-use plastics.
Report spills or leaks.
Leave the beach and Club better than you found them.
On the Water
Take your rubbish home.
Don't discharge pollutants into the water.
Look after marine life.
Follow responsible boat-washing and maintenance practices.
At Regattas
Bring reusable bottles and cups.
Choose sustainable transport where possible.
Use the correct waste stream.
Take your rubbish with you.
Support event sustainability initiatives.
The easiest sustainability action is the one you do every time you sail.
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Sailors for the Sea
Wakatere has targeted specific regattas by registering with Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas for certification since 2018. This is the world's leading sustainability certification for water-based events. It helps us adopt standards that flow into general practice at the club by setting a benchmark.
The action points dovetail into our club Strategic Document - to maintain and develop the Club's physical environment and infrastructure and to create a strong sense of club consciousness, diversity, and community.
SFS Best Practice Benchmarks
Single-use plastic-free
Choose your waste stream - landfill, compost, recycling
Electronic viewing of race docs over printing
Leave the marine environment better than you found it
Sustainability in Action
Mar 2025 Wingfoil Nats aiming for Platinum
Clean Club YNZ ⭐⭐⭐
Wakatere is proud to be a 3 Star Clean Club through Yachting New Zealand.
The Clean Club programme provides a framework for sailing clubs to improve their everyday environmental practices - from waste and water management to education and community engagement.
Achieving 3 Star status recognises the work of our members, volunteers and supporters to make sustainability part of everyday Club life.
But we're not finished...
Our goal is to continually improve the way we operate and to share what we learn with the wider sailing community.
More about Clean Club YNZ
Zero Waste at Opti Nats
EcoMatters Environment Trust and Auckland Council came on board at the 2023 Toyota Opti Nationals Champs at Wakatere and showcased our zero-waste regatta initiatives in this video.
Our Sustainability Policy
Our Sustainability Policy sets out Wakatere's commitment to protecting our marine environment, reducing our environmental impact, educating our members and continually improving our sustainability practices.
Currently under review August 2026
About Wakatere Boating Club
Since 1926, Wakatere has grown from a small group of sailors into a thriving multi‑class dinghy & foiling community - from newcomers to national champions. We welcome all ages with learn‑to‑sail pathways and support anyone wanting confidence, skills, friendly competition and great days on the water.
Location: Wakatere Boating Club, Old Lake Rd, Narrow Neck Beach, Devonport, Auckland.
Postal Address: Wakatere Boating Club, Box 32-288 Devonport, Auckland 0744
