Three $200 infringement notices have been issued to boaties in and around Tauranga Harbour by Environment Bay of Plenty.
Two infringement notices, each with a $200 fine, are for impeding the passage of a vessel over 500 tonnes. The third $200 fine was issued for failing to observe the five knot rule when within 200 metres of the shore.

Harbour wardens have taken a hard line on boaties who have broken the speed limits in Tauranga Harbour this summer. Picture from Environment BOP.

Environment BOP has also issued 20 warning letters, the majority for exceeding five knots within 200 metres of the shore, particularly in Pilot Bay – and when near swimmers and divers.
Regional Harbourmaster Carl Magazinovic says on the whole people have been well behaved on the region's waterways, with fewer significant issues than previous years.
'Nearly all boaties across the region have been really considerate of others and put safety first,” says Carl.
'Unfortunately, there's always a minority who exceed the five knot rule close to shore or near swimmers and put others in danger. We've also had some serious safety concerns with people anchoring in the Tauranga Harbour shipping channels.”
People often underestimate the speed of the big ships – they can travel 300 metres in less than one minute, says Carl and there have been some very close calls.
'We have had a greater presence on the water in Tauranga and Rotorua this summer, with two patrol vessels on the harbour and lakes as opposed to one, as well as volunteer harbour wardens helping to monitor from the northern end of the harbour to the Maketu and Kaituna area.”
Patrols will continue in Tauranga, Whakatane and Ohiwa Harbours and the Rotorua lakes throughout summer, with a focus on making sure boaties are familiar with the bylaws, that each vessel carries the correct number of and appropriate sized lifejackets for each person on board, and that vessels stick to the five knot rule when within 200 metres of the shore.
'Safe boating is no accident and we urge boaties to consider other people when using the waterways and carry appropriate safety equipment – that way everybody gets to enjoy themselves,” says Carl.