Marine Pollution Regulations

Boat sewage can be a serious threat to human health and our environment. To reduce these risks, there are strict rules covering sewage discharges from boats in Northland waters.

It is illegal to discharge untreated sewage into any coastal waters that are:

• shallower than five metres
• less than 500 metres from the high tide mark
• less than 500 metres from a marine farm or a
• gazetted Maitaitai Reserve
• less than 200 metres from a marine reserve
• within all Northland harbours and the Bay of Islands (as shown in the accompanying maps).

The discharge of untreated sewage in emergency areas of Whangaruru and
Whangaroa are only permitted when:

• wind conditions at the mouth of the harbour are above 25 knots and sea swells exceed three metres
• the discharge takes place during the first three hours of an outgoing tide
• the Northland Regional Council is notified as soon as possible.

There are two grades of treated sewage, dependent on the system used. Contact Regional Council staff on (0800) 002 004 for details.

It is illegal to discharge ‘Grade A’ treated sewage within 100 metres of a marine farm. It’s also illegal to discharge ‘Grade B’ treated sewage within 500 metres of a marine farm or gazetted Maitaitai Reserve.

Remember, human sewage poses a health risk to swimmers (and other water users), to people who eat shellfish gathered from affected areas and can impact on marine farms.

How can you comply?

Marine pollution regulations apply to every type of boat or craft, but you can choose how you comply.

OPTIONS INCLUDE:

Using on-shore toilet facilities.
(This is okay for day outings, but not practical for overnight trips).

Using an ordinary portable toilet on your boat and taking it ashore to empty at the
end of the trip.
(This is feasible for shorter journeys but could be difficult on longer trips.) Portable toilets use little space, are simple and reliable and can be bought for as little as $200. Improved designs mean modern portable toilets should no longer smell.

Installing holding tanks on your boat.
Holding tanks can be emptied at various pump out facilities around Northland or can be discharged when a boat is well out to sea. Tank costs vary according to the size of
tanks, ease of fitting and whether they have manual or electric pumps.

Installing a sewage treatment system.
These electrically alter seawater to treat sewage so that it is safe to discharge anywhere except within 100 metres of a marine farm.

If you suspect a boat is illegally discharging sewage, phone the Northland Regional
Council’s 24/7 Environmental Hotline (0800) 504 639.

What’s best for your boat?

The Ministry for the Environment and Maritime NZ have produced a guidebook for holding tanks and sewage treatment systems that will help you decide on the best system for your boat. This guidebook is available from the Ministry for the Environment, Maritime NZ, the Northland Regional Council and ship chandlers.

Pump-out facilities

There are pump-out facilities available the Paihia Wharf and the following Northland
marinas:

• Tutukaka
• Dove’s Bay (Kerikeri)
• Opua
• Whangaroa
• Marsden Cove and Riverside Drive (Whangarei)

Ministry for the Environment

Marine Pollution Regulations were put in place by the Ministry for the Environment – ph: (04) 439 7400 or email information@mfe.govt.nz - and are administered by the Northland Regional Council.

Environmental Hotline

Call the Northland Regional Council’s toll-free 24/7 Environmental Hotline (0800) 504 639 to report suspected sewage discharges, navigation light breakdowns, navigation hazards, oil or chemical spills, or any other pollution incident.