Yesterday (Thursday 12 September), the Bay of Plenty Regional Council adopted a series of new boating rules aimed at improving water safety in the region. These changes come in response to alarming statistics regarding boating accidents, with the majority of incidents this year being linked to the absence of lifejackets. The council’s new maritime bylaws, set to come into effect in mid-2025 (once signed off by Ministry of Transport), are designed to reduce fatalities and accidents on the water by making practical and impacting amendments to the rules governing vessel use, personal watercraft, and safety equipment.
Bay of Plenty, Addressing a National Concern⏤Locally
Water safety has become an increasingly important issue in New Zealand, with rising numbers of accidents and fatalities involving recreational boaters. Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has consistently reported that lifejackets are one of the most effective safety measures, yet many boaties fail to wear them. According to Water Safety New Zealand, over the past 12 months, 93% of boating tragedies occurred because lifejackets were not worn. This has prompted both national campaigns and regional legislation changes aimed at reinforcing the importance of safety measures.
The Bay of Plenty’s new maritime rules reflect this broader national effort to enhance water safety, addressing a range of concerns from lifejacket use to the safe operation of vessels in high-traffic and high-risk areas. These changes were made following community feedback and consultations with water safety experts.
Key Changes: Mandatory Lifejackets
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a mandatory lifejacket rule for all vessels six metres or smaller. The updated regulation stipulates that everyone on board must wear a lifejacket while the boat is underway. This amendment aims to tackle the root cause of many fatalities, as data has repeatedly shown that most deaths involve small vessels in which occupants were not wearing lifejackets.
Speed and Safety in High-Risk Areas
Another significant change involves speed restrictions in certain high-traffic areas, specifically focusing on popular boating spots and rivers. In particular, the speed uplifting in the Kaituna and Tarawera Rivers has been removed, addressing safety concerns for swimmers and other water users in these areas. This means that boaters must adhere to a lower speed limit in regions such as the Waitangi and Kawerau settlements, helping to prevent accidents in places known for high recreational activity.
The Hunters Creek ski area, a well-known spot in Tauranga Harbour, will also undergo further scrutiny. While the area remains open to boaters, the council plans to engage with local iwi and stakeholders to assess whether additional restrictions are needed to ensure safe water skiing and other activities. These discussions will likely shape future regulations for this popular waterway.
Addressing Mooring and Anchoring in Tauranga Harbour
This is on top of the 2021 bylaw which restricts mooring and anchoring in Tauranga Harbour as part of the council’s effort to improve navigational safety. Boaties will no longer be allowed to anchor in the same spot within the harbour for more than 14 consecutive days. Additionally, it will now be illegal to moor a vessel without explicit permission from the owner of the mooring. These measures aim to reduce congestion in busy areas of the harbour and ensure that mooring spaces are used responsibly.
A Collaborative Effort for Safer Waters
The introduction of these new bylaws followed extensive consultation with the local community, water user groups, and safety organisations. Public hearings were held earlier in 2024, where over 500 submissions were made on the proposed changes. Of these, 46 individuals and groups presented their cases in person, reflecting the deep interest and investment that the local community has in maintaining safe and accessible waterways.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has acknowledged the importance of this public input, stating that the new rules were shaped by feedback from both recreational boaters and safety professionals.
Preparing for the Future
While these new rules won’t come into effect until mid-2025, the council has already begun a public awareness campaign to ensure that boaties are fully informed before the regulations are enforced. This will involve social media outreach, signage in key boating areas, and direct engagement with local boaties through events and community groups.
Enforcement of these new regulations will be a priority for the council, with regular patrols planned to monitor compliance. Fines and penalties will be issued to those who fail to adhere to the new rules, particularly in relation to lifejacket use. The council hopes that these measures will significantly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities in the region.
Conclusion
The new maritime rules in the Bay of Plenty represent a proactive approach to improving water safety in one of New Zealand’s most popular boating regions. By introducing mandatory lifejacket use, registering personal watercraft, and implementing stricter controls on speed, mooring, and anchoring, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council is aiming to create a safer environment for all water users. As these changes come into effect, the region will be better equipped to prevent accidents and ensure that the waterways remain a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.
