Best Practice award for OBC

Auckland’s Outboard Boating Club has been recognised for their determined commitment to environmental performance with a ‘Supreme Best Practice Award’ from Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

Operated and audited locally by Keep New Zealand Beautiful Society, the international Blue Flag programme recognises marinas, beaches and eco-tourism boats that are serious about educating others and performing responsibly when it comes to safety and protecting the environment.

OBC Commodore Bill Berry explains that the Blue Flag auditing process covers all aspects of sustainable boating. “We’re proud that our club’s commitment to the Blue Flag’s worldwide standard of sustainable boating activity has been recognised as the best in New Zealand.”

“The motivation that drives us to do better is the beautiful Hauraki Gulf environment in front of us every day at the OBC” says Berry. “However, while enjoying the Gulf we also realise that it is an environment that is experiencing significant challenges”

Christine White of Keep New Zealand Beautiful, explains the significance of the Supreme Best Practice Award, “this is the first time we have introduced the Supreme Best Practice Award to recognise a Blue Flag marina. The award recognises outstanding commitment to continuous improvement in environmental, educational and safety criteria.”