Participate BOPRC
Due to concerns around the extensive sand bars, mud flats and increasing sedimentation Council have opted to restrict speed for all vessels in the Harbour. This means that when the new rules become operative, in mid-2025, powered craft will be allowed across the harbour but all standard bylaws rules will apply e.g. 5 knots within 200m of shore, 50m of a person or vessel.
We asked for feedback on removing the exclusion zone of jetski and personal watercraft from Ōhiwa Harbour.
Ōhiwa Harbour is a very popular spot for recreation. Jetski and personal watercraft are currently excluded from the majority of the harbour.
Unfortunately, due to changes in legislation. Council is not able to exclude any craft from navigable waters unless it is for navigational safety. This means that legislatively jetskis would be able to use the Ōhiwa Harbour like all other craft.
5 knot speed rules still apply, within 50 meters of any vessel or person in the water; 200 meters from shore or any structure; within 200 meters of any vessel flying a diver's flag.
Take a look at the options we asked for feedback on below.
Status Quo (Current Situation)
Leave the whole of Ōhiwa Harbour as a Personal Water Craft (Jetski) exclusion area. Due to changes in legislation the only way this can continue is through local (Whakatāne District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council) Bylaws.
Allow Personal Water Craft (Jetski) across the Harbour with standard speed rules applying.
This would allow Personal Water Craft across the harbour with all other standard
bylaws rules applying e.g. 5 knots within 200m of shore, 50m of a person or vessel.
Allow Personal Water Craft across the Harbour with standard speed rules applying with speed restriction to 5 knots two hours before and after low tide.
