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Aquatic events in the Bay of Plenty Aquatic events in the Bay of Plenty

Apply for an aquatic event permit

To carry out an aquatic event, operate a commercial vessel or occupy a public area where the Bay of Plenty Navigation Safety Bylaw applies, you might need to apply for permission.   

Activities that may require you to temporarily suspend, reserve, or partially/fully close a regional waterway include:   

  • Race 
  • Speed trial
  • Competition
  • Other organised water activity
  • Cultural event or practice
  • To operate a commercial vessel for hire or reward
  • Occupy a public area for hire or reward   

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes events  

There are increased biosecurity conditions in place when applying for Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes events.   

Read more about these conditions (PDF 197.43KB) . 

Please remember, event or not, if you’re heading out on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes, you must certify that your vessel (boat, jet ski) and trailer are free from freshwater pests. Always Check, Clean, Dry and Certify to stop the spread of freshwater pests. 

Use this form if your event:

  • Does require a suspension of the vessel speed limits (Bylaw clause 3.2)
  • Does require a partial for full lake closure, or
  • Does require a reserved area (Harbour or Coastal)

Refer to the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigational Safety Bylaw. (PDF 104.61MB) for more details. 

Use the aquatic events calendar to find out what aquatic events are happening across the Bay of Plenty that may impact your event. 

For events that do NOT require any bylaw uplifting or partial/full lake closure, please complete the Lake, harbour and coastal usage application. 

Lake, harbour and coastal usage application

IMPORTANT: 

Applications must be submitted no later than four weeks prior to the event date, or the application may be refused. Please contact us for assistance if you have any questions. 

Before you start your application, fill out this Safe Operating Plan (SOP) checklist (PDF 1.15MB) and attach it as a cover sheet to your completed activity/event SOP. You will be asked to submit this during the application. 

Please ensure that you have supplied all the required information BEFORE submitting your application. Refer to application details and what is required below. 

Details of applicant

Activity Details

Yes
No
N/A

A map of the area to be used must be attached and marked with the following information:
● The area required for the closure or uplifting.
● The course setup/placement/dimensions.
● Location of any support vessel/s, first aid, entry and exit points etc.
● Any structures (e.g. ramps) required to be closed off.

Yes
No
NOTE: Under the Current Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw, no person(s) other than the Harbourmaster Team may remove, utilise or interfere with any navigation aids or moorings. If this is a requirement for your Aquatic Event a cost will apply.

Safe Operating Plan

To enable us to assess your application, please complete the Safe Operating Plan (SOP) checklist and attach it as the cover page of your SOP. Once complete please upload your full SOP here.

Please upload a copy of the Public Liability Insurance Policy detailing the insurer, insurance cover amount, relevant exclusions and policy expiry date.
Please upload a copy of the Application for a Compliance Certificate for an Outdoor Pyrotechnic Display Work – (if applicable).
Please upload a written authorisation from the occupier/trustee of the foreshore land/lakebed intended to be used in connection with the proposed event/activity – (if applicable).

Please advise and provide communications with the below corresponding TA of your event including approval received.

Checklist

Completed all sections of this form
Ensured all contact details and dates listed in the application and Safe Operating Plan (SOP) are correct
Attached a detailed nautical chart/map of the area the event is to take place
Completed the SOP checklist and attached it to the SOP
Attached a copy of the Public Liability Insurance Policy
Attached a copy of any Test Certificate required
Enclosed a written authorisation from the occupier/trustee of the foreshore land/lakebed intended to be used in connection with the proposed event/activity – (if applicable)
Read the below links to ensure biosecurity measures are in place to prevent the spread of aquatic pests.

Declaration

  1. I am authorised to act as the applicant for the purpose of the aquatic event and all the information supplied is true and correct. 
  2. I understand that if any detail is found to be incorrect, the aquatic event may be cancelled without notice.
  3. As the applicant for the aquatic event, I will implement strategies to alleviate all risks associated with the aquatic event and that Bay of Plenty Regional Council is indemnified and released from all liability in this regard.
  4. I agree the aquatic event will be run in accordance with all conditions imposed by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
  5. I agree I will pay, on invoice, all costs incurred for the Public Notifications requirements of this application. I have been made aware through discussions with the Council, the approximate cost of notification.
  6. I acknowledge that, if in the opinion of the Harbour Master (or representative), the event is not managed safely, the Harbour Master (or representative) may cancel the event at any stage, and the Council will not have any liability for any losses incurred by the event organiser or competitors/participants as a result of any cancellation.
  7. The information I have supplied may be available to any person who enquires in accordance with the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the Privacy Act 1993.

Yes, I declare that as an applicant, or on behalf of the corporate body applicant, the following is true and correct.

*