Laying Down The Lane Law

The access lane off Ngamotu Beach is set to be clearly defined as being only for boats towing water-skiers, and not for jetskis.

This is among a small number of changes being considered by the Taranaki Regional Council as it reviews the navigation bylaws for Port Taranaki and its approaches. The proposed changes are open for public submissions until 11 September.

The current bylaws impose a 5 knot speed limit from Ngamotu Beach to the end of the Lee Breakwater, but with higher speeds allowed in a narrow access lane at the port end of the beach.

“We’re proposing a slight amendment to the current bylaw, clarifying that the access lane is for small vessels ‘when engaged in towing water-skiers only’,” says the Council’s Director-Resource Management, Fred McLay. “This makes it clear that jetskiers need to be well away from the beach area before opening up the throttle.”

New signage at the beach already reflects the intent of the planned amendment.

Other changes proposed for the bylaws include:

Establishing moving safety zones around big ships moving or manoeuvring within harbour limits. Apart from the port’s tugs and boats, other vessels will need to stay at least 300 metres from the front and 50 metres from the sides and rear of the moving ship.

Restricting people from swimming, diving or playing in a manner that could be dangerous, for example by hindering navigation. “This has always been discouraged but up until now it has not been specified in the bylaws,” says Mr McLay.

The current bylaws date from 2003 and Mr McLay says they have generally worked well. He says consultation with groups representing port users has already begun, and some of their feedback has been incorporated in the suggested changes.

While the Council has the option of making navigation bylaws covering all coastal waters and navigable inland waterways, Mr McLay says it will continue to focus only on the port and its approaches, leaving other areas under the jurisdiction of Maritime New Zealand and District Councils.

“The port and its surroundings are where the traffic and risks are greatest,” he says. “Recreational use in this area is estimated to be at least 30 times higher than anywhere else along the coast, and the port has an annual 1,200 ship movements in and out.”

Mr McLay says the Council’s bylaws incorporate Maritime New Zealand regulations, including any future changes such as making lifejackets or communications equipment compulsory.

A copy of the proposed new bylaws is available on the Council’s website, www.trc.govt.nz, where online submissions can also be made.

ENDS

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