Harbourmaster directions

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has adopted the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code (the Code) and applies the principles described within the Code to marine operations on the region's waters. The movement of vessels within the Code application area is subject to direction by the Bay of Plenty Regional Harbourmaster.

The purpose of these directions is to enhance maritime safety and control the safe operation of vessels in the region’s waterways.

What are Harbourmaster Directions? 

Harbourmaster Directions are issued under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw. They’re used to: 

Improve maritime safety. 
Manage vessel movements. 
Respond to changing conditions on the water.

Harbourmaster Directions are made pursuant to:

Section 33F of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (the Act);
Section 48 and section 60A (2) of the Maritime Transport Act, 1994, as delegated by the director to the Harbourmaster under section 444(2) of the Act and consented by the Minister of Transport under section 444(4) of the Act;
Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw (the Bylaw)

Notice of Direction: Imposition of 5 Knot Zones to ensure maritime safety

This Harbourmaster Direction is enforceable from 1 December 2024 until the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws 2025 come into force.

Issued Under: Section 33F of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (MTA).

1. Tarawera River:

Location: From the State Highway 34/Tamarangi Drive Bridge to the far end of the Kawerau Golf Club.
Speed Limit: Vessels may not exceed 5 knots.
View map

2. Kaituna River:

Location: From 200m downstream of the Waitangi railway bridge to 400m upstream of the Pacific Coast Highway Bridge.
Speed Limit: Vessels may not exceed 5 knots.
View map

Bay of Plenty Regional Council shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or costs arising from this direction. For compliance and safety, please adhere to these speed limits in the specified areas.

Notice of Direction: Motiti Island Exclusion Zone

HARBOURMASTER DIRECTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 33F(1)(c)(i) OF THE MARITIME TRANSPORT ACT 1994:
MOTITI ISLAND EXCLUSION ZONE FOR VESSELS GREATER THAN 500GT

I, JON JON PETERS, Bay of Plenty Regional Harbourmaster, issue the following Direction pursuant to section 33F(1)(c)(i) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 on the grounds that the Direction is necessary for the purpose of ensuring maritime safety. This Direction extends the Directions issued on 9 May 2025 and 21 October 2025.

APPLICATION This Direction applies from 9 May 2025 until 31 December 2026 to all vessels greater than 500 gross tonnes unless an exemption is granted by the Harbourmaster.

DIRECTION The Master of any vessel greater than 500 gross tonnes will not cause that vessel to enter the following exclusion zone:
Motiti Island a circle of 2.0 nautical miles radius centred on position 37 36.430 S 176 25.135 E
This Direction may be amended, extended or rescinded at any time by the Harbourmaster as considered necessary for the purpose of maritime safety.

JonJon Peters
Regional Harbourmaster Bay of Plenty

Notice of Direction: Exclusion Zone-base of Mauao

HARBOURMASTER DIRECTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 33F(1)(c)(i) OF THE MARITIME TRANSPORT ACT 1994 AND CLAUSE 3.11 OF THE BAY OF PLENTY NAVIGATION SAFETY BYLAW 2017: EXCLUSION ZONE – BASE OF MAUAO

I, JON JON PETERS, Bay of Plenty Regional Harbourmaster, issue the following Direction pursuant to section 33F(1)(c)(i) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994, and notification of closure pursuant to clause 3.11 of the Bay of Plenty Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017 (Bylaw), on the grounds that this exclusion is necessary for the purpose of ensuring maritime safety and the safety of persons.

APPLICATION This exclusion applies from 24 January 2026 until further notice unless an exemption is granted by the Harbourmaster.

DIRECTION The area that is 30 metres from the base / shore of Mauao out to the water is deemed an exclusion zone. No vessel or person shall enter this area unless required to carry out police or civil defence operations, or with the approval of the Harbourmaster. “Vessel” has the meaning given to it in the Bylaw.

This Direction may be amended, extended or rescinded at any time by the Harbourmaster as considered necessary for the purpose of maritime safety.

JonJon Peters
Regional Harbourmaster Bay of Plenty