The tides are changing with new fees at Eastern Bay of Plenty boat ramps.

From October 1, boaties will need permits to use Whakatāne, Ōkōrero/Thornton and Ōhiwa boat ramps owned by Whakatāne District Council.

Whakatāne District Council adopted the fees as part of its Annual Plan 2026/27 Fees and Charges Schedule, with revenue helping to support the ongoing operation, maintenance and improvement of the facilities, the Council said in a media release.

“Everyone using the boat ramps must pay a fee by either purchasing a day pass or, if eligible, a local resident permit,” Whakatāne District Council said in a statement on its website.

Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki residents could buy a one-off local resident permit for $20, renewed annually at no cost.

Boat Ramp Fees Resident permit eligibility map. Image / Whakātane District Council

For people living outside the Eastern Bay of Plenty, day passes will be available at a cost of $20 for the Whakatāne Boat Ramp and $10 for the Ōkōrero / Thornton and Ōhiwa Boat Ramps.

Council manager ports and airport chief executive Mark Read said the new approach would help ensure people using the facilities contribute to the cost of providing them.

“Boat ramps are well-used community facilities, and like any Council asset, they require ongoing maintenance and investment,” Read said.

“A user-pays approach means those who use the ramps are making a contribution towards the facilities they rely on, helping us take a more sustainable approach to managing them into the future.

“We also recognise this is a change for users, and Council has listened to feedback received through the Annual Plan process. Extending the local resident permit to include Kawerau and Ōpōtiki residents was one of the changes made following that feedback.”

Day passes could be purchased at the ramps by scanning QR codes displayed on signage or on the council website.

Applicants would need to provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Council said it would manage the permits through vPermit, an online permit system with a self-service portal.

Permit holders could view their permit status, update vehicle licence plates and receive automated renewal reminders by email.

The fees would support the operation, maintenance and improvement of council-owned facilities.

Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.