LAKE TAUPO
NEW PWC (JetSki) Registration
Under the Lake Taupo Navigation Safety Amendment Bylaw 2011, all personal watercraft (PWC) or Jetski used in or on the waters of the Lake must be registered with the Harbourmaster or a regional council that also registers personal watercrafts (e.g. Waikato).
You can register your jetski at the Lake Taupō Harbourmaster's Office or download the forms from www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/pwc and follow the instructions.
The registration fee is a one off payment of $35.00. If you require a numbered sticker for your jetski there will be an additional cost of $15.00, otherwise you will be issued a number that you will be required to display on your vessel (specifications below).
Numbers must be at least 90mm in height by 50mm wide
Numbers must be clearly legible
Numbers must be displayed on both sides of the vessel above the waterline
Numbers may be in black or white font
If you have an official NZJSBA allocated race number this maybe used as your registration number also.
Further Information
Further information is available from the Harbourmaster, Phone: (07) 378-7176, Email: harbourmaster@dia.govt.nz or PO Box 256, Taupo.
New rules for navigational safety on Lake Taupo will come into force on 30 September 2011. The amendments will introduce registration for jetskis; a requirement for certain types of vessels to be clearly identified; a requirement (if the skipper deems necessary) to wear life jackets on board recreational craft under 6 metres; and new regulations requiring compulsory wearing of life jackets for those using a jetski.
In addition to the Bylaw changes there will also be two swim areas at Kuratau and Te Ti Point.
The new Bylaw amendments provide a new set of regulations that are more effective for navigation safety purposes and are aimed at ensuring public safety on the Lake. These changes are consistent with similar Bylaw changes introduced by other Regional Councils such as the Waikato Regional Council.
Twenty eight submissions were received on the proposals to make amendments to the Bylaw. Submitters in general showed strong support for the amendments.
When the Bylaw comes into force after 30 September 2011, the initial focus will be on education, except where transgressors are repeat offenders.
To begin with, safety patrols and enforcement officers will be informing boat operators about the new amendments to the Bylaw, once the education period is over, infringement notices will be issued to offenders.
