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The Northland Regional Council is taking a closer look at the Mangawhai Estuary with the idea of committing additional resources to the area, particularly during summer.
Social media sites have been alive with chatter about the number of people with boats and water toys who don’t appear to have any understanding of basic water safety rules.
Regional harbourmaster Jim Lyle says there were six patrols scheduled over the Christmas and New Year period up until the end of January.
“Poor weather over the past three weeks has meant a number of patrols – not just at Mangawhai – were cancelled,” he says. “Council had a vessel patrolling in Mangawhai on December 24 and 26, and again on December 31.
“We also have two harbour wardens who respond to incidents locally.”
Lyle says the patrols found that many people were not complying with the five-knot rules, as well as ‘on water’ rules in general.
“The vast majority of people were wearing personal flotation devices, but the number and mix of craft and water users concentrated into a small area is a problem.”
Lyle says at present, patrols are managed over the summer period by the Whangarei-based harbourmaster’s team of three, who also cover Whangarei, Tutukaka, Ngunguru, the Whangaruru east coast area and Kai Iwi Lakes. The team also has to deal with incidents like boats dragging and sinking.
“Mangawhai has grown significantly in recent years and with this development has come increased activity and competing interests on the water. We recognise Mangawhai is a congested space and are constantly looking at ways we can maintain a safe environment for all users within the existing budget we operate under.”
Lyle says video evidence that can identity anyone committing an offence will be followed through by Council. Associated personal water craft registration numbers or vehicle /trailer registration numbers are required if possible.
