On 24 June 2021, council decided to adopt the proposal with amendments in response to feedback from 242 people and organisations, and the views of all local boards and the Director of Maritime New Zealand.

The new Bylaw and controls will commence on 31 July 2021 and will:

• continue to regulate the use of Auckland’s navigable waters (for example by regulating recreational vessels, water skiing, swimmers, divers, ferries and cargo vessels) to help ensure maritime safety and minimise the risk of accidents, nuisance and damage
• retain the current 12 knot speed limit within the Waitematā Harbour Restricted Speed Zone and ability to approve higher speeds for fast passenger ferries
• add information about existing rules in other legislation that protect marine life, marine reserves and birdlife
• make a new control to prohibit anchoring at the entrance to the Tāmaki River
• make a new control to restrict access to the Commercial Port Area
• require at least two independent forms of communication on a vessel (examples provided) and a VHF radio on vessels operating in the vicinity of a harbour entrance bar
• align rules about the use of Ōrākei Basin with current accepted practices
• allow the use of a mooring by other vessels and the transfer of a mooring licence as a condition of the licence
• technical and editorial amendments in response to feedback from the Director of Maritime New Zealand and to correct drafting errors
• clarifying the Bylaw wording to make it easier to read, understand and comply with.
• continue to require all passengers on a vessel six metres and less in length to wear a personal floatation device (current exemptions also continue to apply).

What happens now?

On 31 July 2021, the new Bylaw and controls will replace the current Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014 and associated controls. On 14 August 2021 (subject to parliamentary deadlines), new infringement fines will commence.

All existing licences (for example a mooring licence) and exemptions will continue to apply until their expiration date or are reviewed.

For more information:

• on the decision to make a new bylaw and controls, read the Auckland Council Governing Body agenda and minutes for its meeting on 24 June 2021, Item 11
• on the new Navigation Bylaw 2021 and controls, visit the council’s bylaw page.