West Auckland has something special to celebrate with the opening of Te Pae ō Ōruamōkai – the Upper Waitematā Marine Centre, a brand‑new community facility located at Catalina Bay, Hobsonville Point.
The project has been delivered through the vision, leadership, and dedication of the Hobsonville Point Marine Sports Recreation Centre Charitable Trust, alongside mana whenua, local clubs, volunteers, and supporters.
Te Pae ō Ōruamōkai was officially welcomed with a ceremony led by mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki, marking an important milestone for the local community and the wider Upper Waitematā Harbour area. Representatives from The Trusts and The Trusts Community Foundation (TTCF) were proud to attend the opening, standing alongside the community to support and celebrate this significant achievement. The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the collective effort behind the project and its positive impact on the West, now and into the future. The Upper Waitematā Marine Centre has been designed as a welcoming, multi‑purpose hub that brings people together through water‑based activity, learning, and shared experiences.
The facility supports a wide range of marine activities, including sailing, rowing, paddle sports, and youth training programmes, creating opportunities for people of all ages to build confidence on the water and connect with their local marine environment. As The West and the north‑west continue to grow, facilities like the Upper Waitematā Marine Centre play an important role in supporting healthy, active lifestyles and strengthening community connection. The centre will be activated through local clubs and volunteers, ensuring it remains community‑led and focused on participation, learning, and wellbeing. Over time, the site will also include hospitality and event spaces, further enhancing Catalina Bay as a destination and creating more opportunities for the community to gather, connect, and enjoy the Waitematā Harbour.
While this was not a project funded by The Trusts, we’re always excited to share and celebrate positive developments happening across The West that strengthen community connection and opportunity. If you’d like to learn more about the Upper Waitematā Marine Centre, including upcoming activities, membership options, or how to get involved, visit their website: https://www.uwmc.org.nz
