The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has officially welcomed its newest member of their fleet.
New vessel Moko, named after the dolphin that frequented Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour as well as all marine taonga, was blessed by kaumatua Reon Tuanau at a special ceremony held outside the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club this morning.
Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster Peter Buell says it's going to be great to have such a versatile vessel available for patrol on Tauranga Harbour this summer.
'Its low and soft sides make it easier to approach other vessels and the layout means there is a great platform for our scientists to work from. It's also extremely light to tow, efficient to run and can be used by one person in stable weather conditions.”
‘Moko' is a 5.5 metre rigid hulled inflatable which features a Yamaha 100hp motor and customized bimini top.Photo: BOPRC.
Peter says Moko is surveyed to carry up to eight people and will be useful in emergency situations as it has the capacity to tow other boats.
Moko will be based in Tauranga but will serve the wider Bay of Plenty region as required.
'You'll see her out and about this summer helping the maritime team keep people safe on the water.”
The regional council's Long Term Plan commits the maritime team to ensuring 24/7 navigation safety and maritime oil spill response is provided in the Bay of Plenty region.
BOPRC's goal is to ensure that all harbour, lake and river users operate safely and in harmony with one another and the environment, to ensure the region's waters are available for all to enjoy.
From left: Bay of Plenty Regional councillors John Cronin, Jane Nees and Arapeta Tahana with Harbourmaster Peter Buell and kaumatua Reon Tuanau. Photo: BOPRC.
Photo: BOPRC.
2 comments
waste of time and money
Posted on 28-10-2016 18:09 | By Captain Sensible
How much did this 'blessing' cost us? Why does everything need a blessing? What evidence suggests these BS blessings even work?
Blessing for Pointy Heads
Posted on 29-10-2016 14:56 | By sobeit
This will be yet another fund raiser for Regional Council as the pointy heads roar around the harbour issuing tickets for the lifejacket tax fund. Next will be boat rego +fee, license fee for skipper ,fishing license +fee ramp charges and more that they can dream up to solve problems that are only in the bureaucrats and politicians heads..The only problem is a lack of education and that's where this money should be spent on educating boaties
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