ANCHOR PARTNERS
FESTIVAL PATRONS
FREE EVENT AT THE TOWN BASIN! Sat 11 Oct, 10.00am - 5.00pm & Sun 12 Oct 2025, 10.00am - 3.00pm
Community Spirit Keeps the Maritime Festival Afloat When the Whangārei Maritime Festival team began planning this year’s event, there were real questions about whether they could pull it off for a third consecutive year. Rising costs and tightening budgets had left the crew wondering if this celebration of the sea could stay afloat. But thanks to the commitment of generous local sponsors and supporters, the festival is not only happening - it’s shaping up to be the best one yet.
Festival organisers say their Anchor Sponsors, Patrons, and Friends of the Festival have once again proven how much the community values the event. “Without them, this simply wouldn’t be possible,” says festival spokesperson Kara Gribble. “They’ve seen the difference the festival makes - filling our town with visitors, supporting local businesses, and creating pride in our maritime identity.”
The festival’s success is built on collaboration. From major sponsors who fund key attractions to small local businesses that donate goods and services, every contribution plays a part in bringing the waterfront alive. Their support ensures the festival remains free for everyone to attend, a point of pride for the organising team and the community alike.
Sponsors will be celebrated throughout the weekend with special acknowledgements on signage, social media, and the main stage - a visible reminder that this event is powered by Whangārei’s own. “This festival belongs to the whole community,” Gribble adds. “It’s a story of resilience, teamwork and shared passion for our harbour.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who believed in us and made this year’s festival possible.” So, as boats fill the basin and crowds gather to celebrate, one message rings clear - the Whangārei Maritime Festival sails strong on the winds of community support.