What started as a routine coastal hazard report has turned into a remarkable rediscovery of maritime history.
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Navigation safety
Last updated: 17 November 2025
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%
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