Issues around harbour health and access to it are the main concerns raised by people surveyed over the recreational use of Tauranga harbour.


Keeping Tauranga harbour clean is a key concern water users have.

The survey carried out from January 1-3 involved more than 240 interviews with a variety of harbour users.

The survey is part of the Tauranga Harbour Recreation Strategy prepared in partnership with Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council to manage recreational use of Tauranga Moana.

Harbour users surveyed also commented on skipper behaviour on the water where the five knot rule is not being followed, and commented on inexperienced or poor skippering of powered craft.

The survey aim is to help the councils better understand who is using the harbour, where they come from, what their perceptions are, and what their needs are for their recreation, says Bay of Plenty Regional Council group manager water management Eddie Grogan.

Many of the people surveyed say that while it is good to have facilities on, or near the beach, at the end of the day they only come for the beach and its surroundings.

'The harbour is used for a wide variety of recreational interests, from boating and swimming to kayaking and shellfish gathering,” says Eddie.

Comments associated with the harbour beaches are:

‘The beach is part of who we are; generation after generation, we have come here on holiday.'

‘We want the beach to stay part of the natural environment and left as a place to get away from everyday life – to relax and recreate throughout the summer periods.'

Information from some repeat visitors in the 50 years and over age bracket was interesting and valuable, particularly their comparison with the recreational amenity today, says Eddie.

Another response was it's ‘not just a place to recreate but part of our everyday lifestyle'.