The Rotorua Lakes saw an unusual season with some lakes being busy and some having a low turnout of vessels this summer. This was against the trend considering the amount of sunshine but may be contributed to the amount of wind that made it look that conditions are unpleasant.
It is unfortunate that we are showing a significant increase in some bad boating behaviour. The largest increase is the amount of boats towing without an observer. On the positive side we have seen a decrease in this area from jet-ski operators. Policy is that anyone apprehended breaching this By-law will be issued with a Breach of By-law notice and the Maritime unit will then follow it up with an infringement notice. There is zero tolerance in this area and we aim to get the message through that it is an unacceptable practice, regardless of circumstances.
The next highest increase we have seen is boats exceeding the 5 knot restrictions. Yet again we have seen a decrease from jet-ski operators. These 2 breaches that have increased could be due to the fact that we have stomped on the jet-skis and the boat operators have become more complacent. What these results do show us is that there is a problem and it gives us a very good direction for next season.
We are very fortunate to have conscientious wardens in the Rotorua area who give up their valuable free time in assisting us keep the area safe. We are especially grateful for the support we get from Sandra and Mike Goodwin, your work is gratefully appreciated.
As some of you will be aware we no longer have a Harbour Master in the Rotorua area. This position has been dis-established as it has been in Tauranga and Whakatāne. Through restructuring we have a new Regional Harbour Master/Maritime Manager. This position is held by Mr Peter Buell who is based in Tauranga. Peter has vast experience both in Maritime and local government and his expertise has already proved very valuable. Peter can be reached on 0800-884880 or you can email him at: peter.buell@boprc.govt.nz
You will see a new look in our vessels and jet-skis in the 2015/16 season. In line with not having a resident Harbourmaster we have rebranded our vessels with “Maritime Patrol”. This is to remove any confusion about the Harbourmaster name and to also visually let people know that these are patrol vessels and are there to do just that. The word “Patrol” was chosen to raise the awareness that there are enforcement officers on board. We hope that this new branding will get people to think twice before doing something that will be actioned by the issuing of an enforcement notice. Additional to that it may prompt skippers to ask questions so we can also be more educational.
As always, we aim to give our best service and are here to keep boat/jet-ski operators safe. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Ross Powell
Maritime Officer
It is unfortunate that we are showing a significant increase in some bad boating behaviour. The largest increase is the amount of boats towing without an observer. On the positive side we have seen a decrease in this area from jet-ski operators. Policy is that anyone apprehended breaching this By-law will be issued with a Breach of By-law notice and the Maritime unit will then follow it up with an infringement notice. There is zero tolerance in this area and we aim to get the message through that it is an unacceptable practice, regardless of circumstances.
The next highest increase we have seen is boats exceeding the 5 knot restrictions. Yet again we have seen a decrease from jet-ski operators. These 2 breaches that have increased could be due to the fact that we have stomped on the jet-skis and the boat operators have become more complacent. What these results do show us is that there is a problem and it gives us a very good direction for next season.
We are very fortunate to have conscientious wardens in the Rotorua area who give up their valuable free time in assisting us keep the area safe. We are especially grateful for the support we get from Sandra and Mike Goodwin, your work is gratefully appreciated.
As some of you will be aware we no longer have a Harbour Master in the Rotorua area. This position has been dis-established as it has been in Tauranga and Whakatāne. Through restructuring we have a new Regional Harbour Master/Maritime Manager. This position is held by Mr Peter Buell who is based in Tauranga. Peter has vast experience both in Maritime and local government and his expertise has already proved very valuable. Peter can be reached on 0800-884880 or you can email him at: peter.buell@boprc.govt.nz
You will see a new look in our vessels and jet-skis in the 2015/16 season. In line with not having a resident Harbourmaster we have rebranded our vessels with “Maritime Patrol”. This is to remove any confusion about the Harbourmaster name and to also visually let people know that these are patrol vessels and are there to do just that. The word “Patrol” was chosen to raise the awareness that there are enforcement officers on board. We hope that this new branding will get people to think twice before doing something that will be actioned by the issuing of an enforcement notice. Additional to that it may prompt skippers to ask questions so we can also be more educational.
As always, we aim to give our best service and are here to keep boat/jet-ski operators safe. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Ross Powell
Maritime Officer
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