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Navigation Safety Bylaw

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Navigation Safety Bylaw - revised edition 2020

About the bylaw

The bylaw covers all navigable waterways in the Waikato region (with the exception of Lake Taupō) and is aimed at ensuring the safety of users on these waterways. The bylaw was updated in 2020 following a review, including public consultation and hearing.

Activities

The bylaw 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.

Other rules

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
  • and / or any other Act or statutory instrument relevant to navigation safety.

Lake Taupō

The bylaw does not apply to Lake Taupō. Regulation for Lake Taupō is provided by the Department of Internal Affairs.

View the Lake Taupō harbourmaster's website for information and rules on safe boating on the lake.

Read the bylaw

Take a look at the bylaw's Lake Karapiro maps:

Karapiro map (1) – Map 17.1 (in the bylaw document)

Karapiro map (2) – Map 17.2 (in the bylaw document)

Karapiro map (3) – Map 17.3 (in the bylaw document)

Summary of key rules

Exemptions

Need an exemption to the bylaw? Complete the bylaw exemption application form.

For further help, call our freephone 0800 800 401 and ask to speak to someone in the Maritime Services team.