Navigation Safety Bylaw review
A new Navigation Safety Bylaw for Northland is coming, following a review of the current Bylaw.
In the meantime, the current 2017 Bylaw remains in force.
The initial review
Regional councils review their Navigation Safety Bylaw periodically to ensure they reflect up-to-date legislation and maritime rules, and account for current regional risks and issues.
The initial review of our current 2017 Bylaw found that while most of it is still fit for purpose, some changes were needed to better align rules across regions, incorporate safety improvements, and make the Bylaw easier to read.
The review included extensive consultation with Maritime New Zealand in early 2025 to ensure consistency with national maritime rules.
Public feedback
Through two rounds of public consultation in May and July 2025, council received 122 submissions on a draft new Navigation Safety Bylaw for Northland.
The feedback highlighted a range of views, with the majority of comments focusing on the proposed changes to lifejacket requirements, requirements for communication devices, and removing prohibitions for diving from wharves and wind-powered board sports in the Rukākā and Waipū estuaries.
Submitters provided a mix of support and concern on these topics, reflecting varied priorities around safety, practicality, and personal responsibility on the water.
After considering the feedback, council supported several recommendations including:
- clarifying that communication requirements may be met, in some situations, by using voice and hand signals when close to shore;
- exempting people participating in stand-up paddleboarding from the life jacket requirement if within 200 metres of shore, provided a leash is worn;
- directing staff to work with the Department of Conservation on education regarding wildlife and kite-boarding;
- removing the blanket prohibition on swimming or diving around wharves; and
- requiring life jackets to be worn when tendering.
Where to from here?
On 26 August 2025 council adopted the new Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025 – but it’s not yet in effect.
You can read the agenda item regarding adoption of the new Bylaw in item 7.1 of council’s 26 August meeting agenda (PDF,127MB) (please note the large file size of this document).
The final step before the new Bylaw can be enforced is for the Ministry of Transport to approve the Bylaw’s enforcement schedule.
We’ll let people know once that happens; in the meantime, the current 2017 Bylaw remains in place.