Fighting changes at sea

Tauranga yachties are being asked to submit against a proposal to introduce moving exclusion zones around ships calling at the Port of Tauranga.

Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club vice commodore Nick Wrinch says changes proposed in the review of the Navigation Safety Bylaw may stop a lot of the club's racing.


Exclusion zones are being sought. Photo: Joanna Maidment.

The changes include an exclusion zone 500m ahead of all ships over 500 tonnes and 50m either side of ships entering and leaving the harbour.

'The implications for this are huge,” says Nick. 'It may mean that we may have to postpone or cancel racing if we know that a ship is moving in or out of port during a race.

'We already work very hard with the port to prevent potential conflicts between ships and yachts. Through the summer we ring and talk to the port every night before racing, and we have kept in close contact with the dredge operators so we can minimise any chance of conflict. The club resents that our racing could be impacted in this way.”

Yacht club members are also being asked to submit against a proposed ski lane west of the Panepane wharf.

The area has been used for decades as a good deep-water anchorage adjacent to a good safe swimming beach, says Nick.

'There are very few of these and he (the harbourmaster) wants to deny yacht and launch owners the right to use this.

'If this goes through then we will never get these waters back for our sailing, and we will always be dictated to by the harbourmaster.”

Submissions have to be in by Thursday, July 7. Nick's asking yacht club members to take time this weekend to make submissions.

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7 comments

Matakana Island

Posted on 01-07-2016 11:56 | By Captain Sensible

When ships approach the channel, anyone on the beach at Matakana Island is well within 500m ahead. Should they move further inland?


@ Captain Sensible

Posted on 01-07-2016 13:43 | By Crash test dummies

Yes of course they should haha.


YOU ARE DREAMING PORT OF TAURANGA!

Posted on 01-07-2016 14:39 | By Bobby2

Here we go again


Little boats

Posted on 01-07-2016 15:15 | By Kenworthlogger

They need an exclusion zone in front of these big boats but maybe 500 meters is too big. How long does it take for a big container ship to move out of the harbour? 10 or 15 minutes??? Can the small yatchies not bear with that small amount of time?


Remember

Posted on 02-07-2016 09:14 | By Capt_Kaveman

these are the people who TOLD EBOP not to boom the entrance when the rena ran aground hence why all that oil was allowed to enter,POT should lay their head in shame


Think again

Posted on 02-07-2016 09:20 | By AndyCap

We are with you Nick. 500m in front is nothing short of unworkable and ridiculous. These people need to think before they propose what would be the control and closure of the main harbour area to the public for what could add up to several hours a day, especially in the summer cruise ship season. Next, they will be collecting revenue by handing out infringement fines for those who do not comply.


Community Asset

Posted on 02-07-2016 11:49 | By Kaimai

The harbour is a community asset not a Port of Tauranga asset. BOPRC Councillors should publicize their stance on the bylaws, and then wait for the next election before any decision is made.


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