VIEW THE RANGE
30 Years of Keeping Our Marinas Safe
Lou began her security career in 1996 with TSS Security, with her primary posting at Westhaven Marina. During her more than 10 years there, she built strong relationships with many of the marina’s 1,400 berth holders and became known for her dedication, professionalism and genuine passion for the marina community.
In July 2006, Lou joined Orakei Marina, where she has remained a loyal and valued member of the Orakei Marine team ever since.
For three decades, Lou has been a familiar and reassuring presence around our marinas. At Westhaven, her dedication helped reduce theft from boats and vehicles to almost zero. Her remarkable memory became legendary — she could remember the names and vehicle registration numbers of hundreds of boat owners, a talent she continues to demonstrate at Orakei today.
You’ll often spot Lou out on her bicycle, checking the marina, keeping a watchful eye on boats and making sure everything is as it should be. And, of course, putting the fear of God into anyone who might be misbehaving!
Lou’s commitment has been recognised throughout her career. In 2010, she received the Outstanding Person Award from the Auckland Rotary Club, and in 2022 she was awarded the Auckland City District Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for her dedicated service and outstanding contribution to community safety.
A Celebration for a Very Special Person
To celebrate this incredible milestone, Orakei Marine welcomed friends, berth holders, colleagues and marina users to our floating office on Thursday afternoon.
The office was packed like never before, with the celebration running from 4pm through to sunset. There was plenty of great food, laughter and, most importantly, stories from the many people who have shared memories with Lou over the years. One guest even wrote a special poem for her.
Lou received many thoughtful gifts, including a NZ Herald membership for her much-loved crossword puzzles, a brand-new bicycle for her marina rounds, and a skydiving experience voucher, perhaps a well-deserved adventure after 30 years of keeping everyone else safe!
One berth holder summed up Lou’s contribution beautifully, describing Orakei Marina as her “life and family” and praising the love, care and pride she puts into her work, treating every vessel as if it were her own.
Thank You, Lou
After 30 years of dedicated service, Lou shows no signs of slowing down, and we couldn’t be happier about that.
From everyone at Orakei Marine, thank you, Lou, for your unwavering commitment, your incredible dedication and your care for our marina community. You have helped make generations of berth holders feel safe and looked after, and you have taught us all a great deal about dedication, pride and going the extra mile.
Most of all, thank you for doing it all with that big smile.
Congratulations on 30 amazing years, Lou. We are very lucky to have you!