Hawke’s Bay Navigation Safety Bylaw Review 2023

Closes 8pm, Sunday 29 October

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is seeking feedback from the public on the Draft Hawke’s Bay Navigation Safety Bylaw 2023.

Our Navigation Safety Bylaw

The purpose of our Navigational Safety Bylaw is to keep people safe on the water around Hawke’s Bay. We want to recognise the different values and uses associated with the region’s waterways and ensure that people use and share them safely.

Every five years we review our bylaw to assess and improve its effectiveness in response to actual and potential safety issues as well as looking ahead to the future for any emerging risks.

Why it’s important

The bylaw considers all our water users and our many inland and coastal areas across Hawke’s Bay, some of which are particularly popular and used for multiple water activities or sports.

It’s some of these shared areas that we need to look most closely at. What we do in and on the water changes and evolves over time.  This may be due to new sports or technologies, or the changing nature of the environment or waterway which may have implications on the safety of people using the area.

How to have your say

In person at one of our community meetings:

• Wairoa Yacht Club, Kopu Road, Wairoa, Thursday 12 Oct, 5-7pm
• Waipawa HBRC Office, 26 Ruataniawha St, Tuesday 17 Oct, 5-7pm
• Clive Community Hall, 162 Main Road, Clive, Wednesday 18 Oct, 5-7pm
• Napier Sailing Club, 63 West Quay, Napier, Wednesday 25 Oct, 5-7pm

Online by completing the submission form here or below.

Email your submission form to haveyoursay@hbrc.govt.nz

Post it to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, 159 Dalton Street, Napier.

What we’re seeking feedback on

The consultation document summarises the safety issues that have been identified and the proposed changes we’re looking to make to the bylaw for 2023. In summary these are:

• Streamlining the bylaw so as not to unnecessarily duplicate or paraphrase requirements set out in the Maritime Transport Act (1994) (or Maritime Rules).
• Restricting motorised vessels from Napier’s Hardinge Road waterfront area
• Restricting high-speed foiling craft in Napier’s Pandora Pond
• Restricting motorised vessels and high-speed foiling craft downstream between the bridge and the coast of the Pourerere stream and lagoon area

We also like to hear thoughts, views or suggestions regarding these topics, or others, that refer to navigational safety on our waterways or coastlines.

Submissions

Submissions close 8pm, Sunday 29 October, 2023.

Read more

Please refer to the following documents:

• Consultation Document
• Draft Hawke’s Bay Navigation Safety Bylaw 2023
• Hawke’s Bay Navigation Safety Bylaw 2018
• Statement of Proposal

NB. Navigational Safety Bylaws are created in accordance with the Maritime Transport Act (1994) and the Local Government Act (2002). They are reviewed every five years and allow for input and feedback from the public.

Submit your feedback below