Harbourmaster team
Our Harbourmaster and Maritime Team work to keep Bay of Plenty waterways safe for everyone to enjoy. The role of the Harbourmaster includes:
- Carrying out regular patrols to ensure that harbour and lakes users know the rules and are abiding by the Bay of Plenty Navigation and Safety Bylaw.
- Maintain more than 800 navigation aids, lights and beacons around the region.
- Remove hazards (when accessible), such as large logs and fallen trees from local waterways.
- Process abandoned vessels.
- Maintain safe boating signage at your local boat ramps.
- Respond to marine oil spill events.
- Issue mooring licences for 482 swing moorings.
- Manage aquatic events and lakes closures.
- Promote safe boating.
- Keep local and visiting boaties informed of changes to local rules and regulations.
Contact us
Duty Harbourmaster: 0800 5 KNOTS (0800 55 66 87)
24/7 Pollution Hotline: 0800 884 883
Harbourmaster Directions and Notices
Harbourmaster Directions are issued under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw.
Reporting an accident/incident
Please use these details to report an incident:
If your call is an emergency, dial 111 in the first instance. Also remember that Coastguard is available on Marine Radio.
- Harbourmaster - 0800 5 KNOTS (0800 55 66 87) or via email at harbourmaster@boprc.govt.nz
- Maritime New Zealand - 0508 22 55 22
You must also provide a written report within 48 hours. You can complete the online form here, or download and fill in the 'Accident/ incident report' PDF from 'Useful downloads' below, and email to maritime@boprc.govt.nz.