Call for owners to relinquish underutilised moorings in Akaroa Harbour

The Harbourmaster’s Office are calling for owners of vacant moorings in Akaroa Harbour to consider whether they still need them.  

The call comes following several moorings being left vacant for long periods causing a sense of frustration for others that are wanting to place moorings in the area. 

The Navigation Safety Bylaw 2016 states that owners must seek permission from the Harbourmaster to leave a mooring vacant for more than 180 days. While no applications have been received, recent site visits suggests that some moorings are being left vacant for much longer. 

“We are asking members of the community who have a mooring to reconsider how much they are using it throughout the year. Moorings left vacant are often not well maintained and are at risk of sinking lower in the water which can then become a hazard for other boats,” says Guy Harris, Harbourmaster.   

They also impact a joint project between the Christchurch City Council and us to build a new wharf in Akaroa Harbour. “We are struggling to find space to relocate the moorings that are affected to the temporary wharf to then upgrade the current wharf,” explains Harris.  

"If you are a mooring owner, we are asking you to consider giving up your mooring if you are not using it often. The more mooring spaces that are freed up will result in greater possibilities for our harbour including installing new environmentally friendly moorings.” 

Owners can get in touch with the team at moorings@ecan.govt.nz for more information if they have any questions or want to discuss their options.