Council Regional Harbourmaster Ian Niblock says work commitments had seen the area’s previous harbour warden – Robert Webb – resign from the role at the end of last summer.
The Council is keen to replace Mr Webb, who had been harbour warden for about five years, before the start of the approaching busy summer period.
Mr Niblock says Mr Webb was an enthusiastic, loyal and valuable member of a team of 17 Council wardens who patrol Northland harbours from Mangawhai to Houhora.
“Being a harbour warden is all to do with educating people, raising and maintaining public awareness on navigation and safety matters and ensuring that everybody gets the opportunity to enjoy water activities safely.”
Harbour wardens have patrolled Northland beaches for many years, but Mr Webb was appointed by the Council to counter a growing number of breaches of Council navigation bylaws in the expanding Bream Bay area.
Mr Niblock says in recent years, areas of Bream Bay like the Ruakaka River have become real ‘hot spots’, with significant increases in water activities, especially over the busy Christmas holiday period.
“Having a local harbour warden close at hand means that alleged breaches of boating rules can be responded to quickly.”
Mr Webb regularly patrolled the Bream Bay area, particularly during busy times of the day, talking with people and handing out information booklets and copies of the Council’s navigation and safety bylaws.
He says the Council is keen to hear this month from anyone who thinks they might like to become a harbour warden in the Bream Bay area.
“A general interest in maritime matters would be beneficial and a good knowledge of navigation and safety regulations would be desirable. As there is a requirement for regular patrols and responses to maritime related incidents, a current car driver’s licence and the use of a reliable vehicle are essential.”
Mr Niblock says wardens receive a $4000 annual honorarium to offset expenses.
“In addition to the honorarium, any legitimate expenses will be reimbursed, provided the expenses are additional and extraordinary to those already accounted for in their monthly allowance.”
An application form and additional information about the harbour warden position can be obtained from Regional Council Maritime Officer James Harvey by phoning (09) 438 4639 during office hours.