On this page: 
Environment Waikato’s Navigation Safety Bylaw came into effect on 1 July 2009. It was approved by the council on 28 May 2009.
This page contains information about the navigation safety bylaw itself. For general information about navigation safety, events and forms please see Navigation safety.
What is the navigation safety bylaw?
The bylaw covers all navigable waterways in the Waikato region and is aimed at ensuring the safety of users on these waterways. It sets out safe practices for people using the lakes, rivers and harbours for water skiing, swimming, boating, kayaking or other water activities safely, by seeking to reduce the conflicts between different activities.
The bylaw does not apply to Lake Taupo, which is managed under its own navigation safety bylaw and administered by the Department of Internal Affairs. Port Taharoa is managed in conjunction with Maritime New Zealand, due to the large ships berthing in this area.
Instant fines may be given for offences against the bylaw and more serious offences may be prosecuted. In addition to the bylaw you must meet all other requirements of the Maritime Transport Act.
You can read the bylaw online.
The bylaw should be read in conjunction with:
- The Local Government Act 1974
- The Maritime Transport Act 1994
- The Resource Management Act 1991
- Amusement Devices Regulations, Machinery Act 1978
- Port Operations Code of Practice
- Any other Act or statutory instrument relevant to navigation safety.
View the bylaw online
View the content of the Waikato Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2009 online.
You can contact Shelley Monrad for general queries relating to the bylaw, or for questions about its implementation ask for Shelley Monrad, on Environment Waikato’s Freephone 0800 800 401.
Order a word copy of the bylaw
You can order a copy of the bylaw by calling Environment Waikato’s Freephone 0800 800 401 or email kim.parker@ew.govt.nz.
Other policies and plans
Find out more about our other Policy and Plans, including changes, variations and amendments to our other plans.