The new NRC navigation safety bylaws have now been published. They came into force on the 1st of November.

Kiteboarding in now defined under these rules.



And under operation requirements we now have the following allowance in regards to the 5 knot rule.



You can download the full version of the rules here:

www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/1809/NRC_Nav_Safety_Bylaw_2007.pdf

What this means is all windsurfers, surfers and kiteboarders are now allowed to operate in Northland and are not considered to be breaking the law if we ride at more than 5 knots within 200m of the shore.

The Council in making this change took into consideration our size and the fact that we cannot navigate at 5 knots at any time.

This was not a small effort to get the rules defined for us, there were groups in Northland that ask the NRC to ban us from ALL beaches. The final result seems to be more than fair and workable.

All other regional councils are required in the next 12 months to update their navigation safety bylaws - Northland was the first. Riders in other regions should make submissions to their councils as this process goes on. If anyone would like details of what Su and I did in Northland please contact us at the shop - 0508 KITESPORTS or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Good effort.

About a year ago I requested similar changes here in Auckland and information regarding the due process to have the marine law changed to suit the needs of modern board sports and the like.
You can imagine the response.

This will give us more leverage to argue that common sense be applied to the old rules and we revise them to suit.

Lee

common sense applies at all times. La nina is forecast which could mean sustained periods of NE. hopefully not cos in summer this is bad news for the future of kiten in akl.

future is up to us... we piss the locals off, we will get banned. Had a few freakish incidents last summer at places not normally associated with problems but fortunately they involved windsurfers (who won't exactly complain just incase THEY get banned too) and a "false alarm". No beachgoers were involved due to El nino out this way keeping the likes of EB free of kites. Mite not be the case this time round and in 04/05 and in 05/06 summer there were complaints and calls for kiting at EB to be banned so heres hopin that everyone is a good boy and resists the urge to use the swimmers as a kicker and slider

Thanks for the heads up on the coming updates. There's a bit of tension building on the Chch estuary, with the 5 knot rule being quoted, but as you say we can't actually navigate at under 5 knots anyway, and it makes a lot of sense to have one rule nationally, so good effort. Please let me know what you had to do.

- John.

i thought you guys had that place to yourselves... one of the many advantages of kiting in poopies. you guys get swimmers down there?

but 36 kites sounds insanely crowded. i call it crowded if there is 10 of us out at PH.. damn crowded.. infact 2 is company.. 3 is a crowd.

Hi Guys

Quite surprised by Lee_200's comments about talking to the Council Here in Auckland. The Harbourmasters Office is responsible for the Navigation safety bylaws here. I have had no approach made to me. We try to work with all user groups and those who have used the forum for a long time will know that we post when we have concerns or news.

We are about to start a review of the Navigation Safety Bylaws. This will be released for public consultation on 21st January 2008. There will be a five week period for submissions and four public meetings are planned.

among the proposed changes are.
1) inclusion of a clause that states the 5 knot rule does not apply to any board sport carried out with due regard for the safety of other water users, and in accordance with the accepted safe practices of the individual sport. This is in line with that included in Northland and passed to me by Ian Nibblock the Harbourmaster

2)inclusion of areas reserved for use by vessels including kiteboarders and windsurfers at Kohimarama, Takapuna, Shoal Bay, Eastern Beach, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Tamaki River.

I will post a link on the forum when the proposed document is released. I suggets you all make a submission whether to opose, support or amend.

If you have any questions or comments please remember that all of the regions waters are regulated by the Harbourmasters Office, Auckland Regional Council, if you want to know what is going on with any matter on the water just contact us and we will try to help. If you want details of anything related to the land then call your local council.

many thanks and regards

Jim Dilley
Deputy Harbourmaster
Auckland Regional Council

(09) 362 0396

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

My request for information was sent to you via email.

This sounds like progress to me.

All good news.

Dave ...great to see common sense being applied.... A number of years ago on a bitterly cold midwinters day with a 30 to 40 knot easterly and not a soul on the beach... we had the Mangawhai harbourmaster throwing a tantrum and threatening to call in the police because we refused to give our names.... after being accused of exceeding 5 knots in the harbour!...... some people just don't like to see others having fun!
Many of you have probably seen similar stupid abuses of a rule made for powerboats!..... lets hope auckland region adopts the same ruling as Northland...
Chris