Welcome

Formal submissions have now closed.

Formal submissions for proposed changes to the Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws have now closed.

Hard copies of all submission can be viewed at each Regional Council office from Tuesday 5 March 2024.

An electronic copy of all submissions is available for download in the 'Ngā rauemi - Documents' section of this page.

These rules play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of fatalities, injuries, accidents, and collisions on Bay of Plenty waters. We review the rules every five years.

The formal submission period was open from 8am on Monday, 18 December 2023 and closed at 4pm on Thursday, 29 February 2024.

Hearings relating to the draft Bylaws will take place in April 2024, and Council will adopt the reviewed Bylaws in August 2024 after considering all submissions.


In our Rohe / Region

Explore the topics below to learn more about possible changes in these areas.

Make sure you 'follow' this project to keep updated on the next stages.

Click on a topic below to find out more.

Background

Why bylaws are important

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council oversees maritime safety in the region under the Navigation Safety Bylaws required by the Maritime Transport Act (1994). The rules were established to help minimise the risk of fatalities, injuries, accidents and collisions in Bay of Plenty navigable waters.

We are reviewing the Maritime Navigation Safety Bylaws for the Bay of Plenty region with the goal of having an updated bylaws by mid-2024. The current bylaws have been in place since 2017 and we review them every five years. We are seeking feedback this summer to help guide changes to our bylaws.


Maritime Patrol

Feedback so far

An update of feedback so far

Kia ora

We have already had some great feedback. And so far, Council has received 474 pieces of feedback following the first round of initial feedback. Feedback was gathered over the 2023 summer months at in-person events

around the region, as well as through online channels throughout the year.

If you have already provided feedback – thank you! Your comments will also be part of our considerations of a final document next year.

There are some specific topics highlighted in our engagement and consultation material. These include reviewing the speed uplifting on the Kaituna and Tarawera Rivers, the use of jetskis on Ōhiwa Harbour, the

water ski area at Hunters Creek, and general navigational safety. Council is also looking at the feasibility of a buoyed swim lane in Pilot Bay in Tauranga Harbour.

We are looking for specific feedback on a range of options for each of these highlighted topics. You can also comment on any other parts of the draft document if you wish.

During the formal consultation period, there will be many opportunities to submit on options for change.

We are also still available to meet over the coming months to discuss any specific issues relating to the Bylaws and the review.