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Navigation safety
Last updated: 16 February 2026
Reporting frequency: Quarterly
Core service: Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
We deliver Harbourmaster services which ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels in our harbours.
We also work to keep our recreational boaties safe in coastal, marine and inland waterway environments.
How are we tracking on our service measures?
Service measure 26: Percentage of time recreational boating and commercial shipping safety is maintained in accordance with national standards (New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code)
Target: 100%
How we are doing: 100% - the Coast and Harbours section passed the ISO:9001 external audit in October and the management review ISO:9001 internal audit.
On track
Service measure 27: Percentage of time that the Harbourmaster is available during the year
Target: 100%
How we are doing: 100%
We have four harbourmasters across the region
On track
More information
We achieve the ISO:9001 certification each year. The ISO:9001 certification verifies, through regular audits and reviews, that the Harbourmaster and Coastal team section is meeting its obligations under the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code.
We have a qualified Harbourmaster on call throughout the year. This means that the Harbourmaster is able to respond to events in and on our harbours and coastal, marine and inland, waterways
Recent highlights and updates
News
Large ships can’t stop quickly, and small boats are hard to see — be a safe skipper and avoid getting in the way of other boats.
News
Enjoying the southern lakes is a summer highlight—let’s keep safety at the forefront of our minds, especially near dams and power station hazards.
News
Whether you’re jet boating on the braided rivers or paddling close to shore, one thing is clear: safety matters every single time you hit the water.