Issue date
Yachting New Zealand representatives presented their case to the hearings panel in Whangarei last week on behalf of yacht clubs and boaties on the proposed Northland Regional Plan.
The proposed plan covers various rules and policies relating to activities both on land and on water and Yachting New Zealand have an interest in protecting the rights and interests of boaties in Northland as well as the rest of the country.
This matter has been on the radar for a couple of year and it's starting to get to the business end of proceedings. We've already been through two rounds of submissions and it's now at the hearing stage.
Barrister Jeremy Brabant presented Yachting New Zealand's case and this was backed up by evidence from Yachting New Zealand chief operating officer Andrew Clouston and Max Nelson of the Whangarei Cruising Club. Our submission centred on four main areas.
1. Anchorages
Yachting New Zealand's submission had a large focus on protecting anchorages from developments such as aquaculture and private structures, like jetties and moorings. Many boaties would be horrified to turn up to their favourite bay, or one that provides good shelter and protection in a storm, and find a marine farm or new jetty.
For that reason, Yachting New Zealand are insistent that the right level of protection exists under the new plan.
2. Aquaculture
Plan Change 4 was a process we spent nearly eight years working through, which looked into how aquaculture would be dealt with in Northland. We were successful in getting good outcomes for boaties.
What we are asking for this time around is that the outcomes from Plan Change Four carry over as agreed into this new regional plan but a number of industry organisations are pushing for a loosening of rules to make it easier to establish marine farms.
3. Discharge of sewerage
It's been proposed in some areas that the limit from shore for discharging sewerage be set at 1km (from 500m) but this is something we oppose as there is no evidence to suggest this is necessary. In the case of some harbours like Whangaroa, that would mean having to exit the harbour to empty holding tanks, which in adverse weather conditions would be dangerous and impractical.
Council have also proposed a 14-day maximum stay in the area, which is also something we don't agree with. Their reasoning is that boaties need to comply with sewerage disposal rules but we have argued that you can still follow the regulations and remain in the area for more than 14 days.
4. Marine pests
We have advocated that boaties should still be able to clean their hull in the water when there is light fouling on the hull. The proposed plan is trying to restrict in-water cleaning to certain areas.
The hearing is ongoing, with other submitters appearing before the panel to present their cases. The panel will eventually make recommendations for what will be the final plan, which is still subject to appeal.
Yachting New Zealand are representing yacht clubs, regional associations and boaties but it's really important that affected clubs who want to have their say on issues make their own submissions. The way the submissions process works is that, if you don't make a submission, you won't be heard. If you're unsure about anything, contact Yachting New Zealand.
A full copy of our submission on the proposed Northland Regional Plan and other advocacy matters can be viewed here or on our advocacy page.
