What’s happening on our harbour

09 May, 2022

The MHRS are entering into their busy harbour maintenance time over the next few months, with the harvesting of juvenile mangroves under way, and the commencement of inner harbour sand dredging to ensure we achieve and maintain the best water flow possible.

Our Mangawhai harbour enjoys the reputation as having the most pristine water quality over all other harbours in the Northland region, with these regular initiatives ensuring we maintain this level of water quality.

During the past week the MHRS committee were invited to attend a preliminary presentation conducted by Jim Lyle, the NRC Regional Harbour Master. The purpose of this presentation was to seek input and provide awareness that the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017 is now subject to review.

This is a process which will more formally commence from July this year, headed by Jim Lyle and his team, and seeks to secure feedback from all users of our harbour – particularly leisure craft owners – who enjoy what our inner harbour offers.

This bylaw applies to the waters in estuaries, inlets and harbours along the Northland coast with a major focus on safety, and as regular users and observers of our own harbour will know, this is an issue of concern that contribution from all is greatly encouraged through this review process.

As Mangawhai addresses how best to manage the region’s population growth on land, we are faced with the same challenges on the water. Our harbour is not a large one and our navigable waterways are limited, along with safe water access for boats and protected swimming locations.

The growth of Mangawhai will continue, so this new bylaw seeks to recognise the impact of this on our precious harbour during the years ahead, hence the necessary input from all to achieve the best outcome possible, formalised in the new bylaw.

The MHRS will provide regular updates on progress along with how all can participate at each stage.

n Want to know more about the MHRS? Check out mangawhaiharbourrestorationsociety.com

The Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017 is now subject to review, and Mangawhai harbour users are encouraged to give their input when the time comes.