Kia ora,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are extending the timeline for our Navigation Safety Bylaws Review.

We are extending our engagement period for the rest of this year and over the 2023/2024 summer period we will be running our extended consultation period where we ask for formal submissions.

Don't worry you have lots of time to participate and provide informal feedback.

See our updated timeline on the right of this page.

We are planning summer events, drop-in sessions and group engagement sessions.

We have already received some great feedback thank you - If you haven't heard back from us- drop us an email if you have any questions - or we will reply to you soon.

In our Rohe / Region

Have a look at the current bylaws below and give us feedback about what you like or what could be improved.

We are also beginning the review with a fresh look at the information on topics we think will form an important part of the bylaws and we are keen to get your thoughts.

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

Click on a topic below to find out more and kōrero mai, give us your feedback.

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 to late 2023. 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.

An update of feedback so far

Kia ora

So far, we have received nearly 350 pieces of feedback following the first round of initial consultation. Feedback was gathered over the summer months at in-person events around the region, as well as through online channels.

There are seven specific topics highlighted in the consultation, which include speed uplifting on the Kaituna and Tarawera Rivers, the use of jetskis on Ōhiwa Harbour, the water ski area at Hunters Creek, third-party insurance for boats and general navigational safety.

Regional Council is also looking at the feasibility of a buoyed swim lane in Pilot Bay in Tauranga Harbour.

We are now moving into our second phase of consultation. We will be holding Open Day sessions around the rohe, to kōrero about the Navigation Safety Bylaws with opportunity for you to provide feedback and comment on this Bylaw review.