Jetskis
Why do I need to register my jetski?
Council bylaws require that all jetskis used in Northland are registered.
In Northland, the sheer size of our coastline – and the seasonal influx of yachties and other holidaymakers – means the risk of harm from jetskis can increase quite dramatically over the summer months.
We have safety rules for using jetskis in our waters for good reason. People have been injured, or even killed, in jetski incidents elsewhere in New Zealand.
Last summer we had a number of issues with – and complaints about - unregistered jetskis around Northland’s coast, mainly relating to breaches of the five-knot speed limit within 200-metres of shore, or 50-metres of another vessel, craft or person.
Registration enables authorities to locate the owners/users of machines seen breaking bylaws, and it can also be a useful way of identifying jetskis if they are stolen.
What if I use my jetski in other regions of New Zealand?
An arrangement with the Auckland Regional Council means that they maintain a single register of jetskis used in the Auckland, Northland and Waikato regions.
A single registration is valid for all jetskis used in Northland, Auckland and Waikato.
How do the authorities know if my jetski is registered?
You must clearly display the registration number allocated on the side of your machine.
You can either buy a set of registration stickers for an extra $12.50 or simply signwrite your number on your jetski in the colour and lettering style of your choice – as long as it’s easily readable, each digit is at least 90mm high and 80mm wide and is clearly visible.
It is illegal to use unregistered jetskis in Northland waters and from New Year’s Day 2008 people flouting the bylaws risk instant fines of up to $200 or prosecution under the Maritime Transport Act.
How much does it cost?
Registration costs $35 (including GST) and involves completing a form below.
Registration forms
Download a jetski registration form
Download a jetski change of ownership form