Special Events and Activities

This page explains requirements for event organisers if events take place on, in, or near the water, and may affect public safety. It also includes details of activities such as logging and public works in or near waterways.

 Common examples of events include (but are not limited to):

  • Fireworks displays from a barge or beach;
  • Jet Boating on rivers lacking a permanent speed-limit uplifting;
  • Logging operations or public works;
  • Multisport events;
  • Powerboat races;
  • Paddlecraft races;
  • Raft races;
  • Swimming races.

Contact the Harbourmaster

Any group or person intending to conduct certain organised activities on or in the waters of the district that may affect public or participant safety should contact the Harbourmaster. This will allow for discussion of safety provisions and should ensure that there will be no undue disruption to other users, or a clash with another event at the same location and time.

If you are unsure about the navigation safety rules surrounding your event or activity, please contact the Harbourmaster:

Reservation of Area 

There are provisions under the Bylaw for the Harbourmaster to grant a reservation, or suspend the speed limits, for such events. In other circumstances, an alternative option may be the issuing of a Special Direction under the Local Government Act 1974.

There is no charge for a reservation or speed-limit uplifting, however the applicant may be required to place public notices at their own cost in some cases.

Applications should be made to the Harbourmaster, and include:

  • details of the dates and times (including any postponement date(s)) and whether a reservation of an area, a speed-limit uplifting, or a combination of the two is sought;
  • a clear description of the intended activity;
  • a clear map or sketch showing the intended location(s);
  • an event or site safety plan;
  • details of any consultation already undertaken with potentially affected parties;
  • full contact details for the applicant, including position within the organisation, phone numbers and postal and email addresses.

Sporting clubs should also note that there is provision within the Bylaw for the Harbourmaster to grant written exemptions to the lifejackets rules (in certain situations) and to allow named persons under the age of 15 years to operate powered vessels capable of exceeding 10 knots.

Events and Activities 

The table below lists those activities affecting public use of waters of the district that have either been granted a special dispensation of some sort this year, or for which an application is anticipated. Click on the link to view any special authority that has been granted.

Date Range

Location

Activity

Authorisation

25 March 2012 Waimea River, between the Appleby Bridge and a point upstream of the Bartlett Road gravel plant Jet Boating NZ Inc, (Nelson/Marlborough Branch) Waimea River Jet Boat Open Day Reservation 25 March 2012
17 and 18 March 2012 Kerr Bay, Lake Rotoiti Rotoiti Power Boat Club regatta Speed Limit Suspension and Reservation of Kerr Bay, Lake Rotoiti 17 and 18 March 2012

20 October 2011 to  31 January 2012

Waimea Inlet

Pipeline works

NRSBU Pipeline Reservation 2011 - extension of period

10 to 11 March 2012

Kaiteriteri

Kaiteriteri Beach Adventure Race multisport series

Kaiteriteri Beach Adventure Race March 2012

3 to 4 March 2012

Lake Rotoiti

Classic Boats regatta

Classic Boats Regatta Lake Rotoiti Reservation March 2012

24 to 25 February 2012

Lake Rotoiti

Waka Ama races

Waka Ama Tuna Hoe 2012

6 or 12 February 2012

Motueka River

Raft race

Motueka Raft Race Reservation February 2012

29 January 2012

Tata Beach/Ligar Inlet

Cardboard Boat race

Tata Titanic Cardboard Boat Race Reservation January 29 2012

4 or 5 February 2012 Tata Beach Swimming Races Tata Swim Races Reservation February 2012

If you are unsure about the navigation safety rules surrounding your event or activity, please contact the Harbourmaster on (03) 543 8400.

Special Directions 

Special Directions are issued from time to time to ensure navigation and public safety.

Date Range

Location

Activity

Authorisation

23 April to 1 June
Mapua Wharf and approaches Floating Pontoon works and navigational aid installation Special Direction 1 2012 - Mapua

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