A 2022 recreational boating incident that occurred in Riverton Harbour has prompted Environment Southland (ES) to bring forward a review of their outdated Navigation Safety Bylaws.

The bylaws and associated infringement regime were due to be reviewed prior to December 2025, however councillors agreed yesterday (13 Sep) that starting the review sooner was appropriate. 

ES General Manager integrated catchment management, Paul Hulse, said the Riverton incident was one of the reasons for bringing the review forward.

ES conducted a thorough investigation of the incident, where a powered recreational vessel collided with a rowing skiff resulting in minor to moderate injuries to the occupants of the rowing skiff.

After receiving legal advice, the offending skipper was infringed $200 for his actions – the maximum penalty available under the current bylaws. 

“We acknowledge the level of infringement fines available to us don’t meet contemporary community expectations, and this review is an opportunity to ensure the bylaws are fit for purpose,” Hulse said.

“In speaking with one of the families affected by the incident, they expressed disappointment at the level of the infringement and as a result felt let down by the system as a whole."

"We undertook to carry out this review, and some preliminary work has been underway to initiate it.”

Hulse said starting the review early would give the Council time to consider all aspects of the bylaws.

Navigational safety bylaws are required to be reviewed every 10 years, and the process for carrying out the review is set out in the Local Government Act 2002.

There will be an opportunity for public feedback on any proposed changes to the bylaws and infringement fees, before decisions are made.

A review of the Navigation Safety Bylaws will now progress to a Strategy and Policy Committee meeting.