<?xml version="1.0"?> <rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"> <channel> <title>Updates to Busy boating season ahead as Waikato welcomes Aucklanders back page</title> <link>https://subsite.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/busy-boating-season-ahead-as-waikato-welcomes-aucklanders-back/changes/</link> <atom:link href="https://subsite.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/busy-boating-season-ahead-as-waikato-welcomes-aucklanders-back/changes/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"></atom:link> <item> <title>Busy boating season ahead as Waikato welcomes Aucklanders back</title> <link>https://subsite.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/busy-boating-season-ahead-as-waikato-welcomes-aucklanders-back/</link> <description> <div><p>Waikato Regional Council’s new harbourmaster is urging boaties to be vigilant, with visitor numbers expected to spike this summer.</p> <p>The warning comes following the eagerly anticipated opening of the Auckland border and as the council gears up for its routine increase in patrols over the peak season.</p> <p>Regional Harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck said: “It’s been a funny old year, so we’re excited to see locals and visitors alike getting back to it and having fun on the water this summer.</p> <p>“But we’re already seeing higher than usual activity as people blow off the cobwebs, and we’re expecting it to get a lot busier still. Anecdotally it looks like there’ll be more vessels – understandably there's enormous demand for people to do things locally, and we’ve been told new jet skis coming in from overseas are already pre-sold.</p> <p>“So, we’re calling on people to make sure they know the rules before they head out. Always wear a lifejacket. Always watch your speed. And always carry two types of waterproof comms so you can call for help if you need to.”</p> <p>Mr Bredenbeck recently took over from former Regional Harbourmaster Richard Barnett, who retired this month after 15 years with the regional council.</p> <p>“Richard played a major role in influencing positive behaviour change in our region, with lifejacket compliance now sitting at about 96 per cent.</p> <p>“Those are some big shoes to fill, but it’s a privilege to be able crack on, build on that good work and continue keeping our waterways safe for everyone to enjoy.”</p> <p>The council takes a no excuses approach to rule breaking. Anyone caught speeding or not wearing or carrying a lifejacket as required can expect to receive a breach notice that could lead to a $200 fine.</p> <p>Unsafe behaviour on the water as well as maritime hazards and incidents should be reported to the Maritime Services team at Waikato Regional Council on 0800 800 <del>402.</del> <ins>401.</ins></p></div> </description> <pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2021 08:23:10 +1300</pubDate> <guid>https://subsite.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/busy-boating-season-ahead-as-waikato-welcomes-aucklanders-back/</guid> </item> <item> <title>Busy boating season ahead as Waikato welcomes Aucklanders back</title> <link>https://subsite.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/busy-boating-season-ahead-as-waikato-welcomes-aucklanders-back/</link> <description> <div><p>Waikato Regional Council’s new harbourmaster is urging boaties to be vigilant, with visitor numbers expected to spike this summer.</p><p>The warning comes following the eagerly anticipated opening of the Auckland border and as the council gears up for its routine increase in patrols over the peak season.</p><p>Regional Harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck said: “It’s been a funny old year, so we’re excited to see locals and visitors alike getting back to it and having fun on the water this summer.</p><p>“But we’re already seeing higher than usual activity as people blow off the cobwebs, and we’re expecting it to get a lot busier still. Anecdotally it looks like there’ll be more vessels – understandably there's enormous demand for people to do things locally, and we’ve been told new jet skis coming in from overseas are already pre-sold.</p><p>“So, we’re calling on people to make sure they know the rules before they head out. Always wear a lifejacket. Always watch your speed. And always carry two types of waterproof comms so you can call for help if you need to.”</p><p>Mr Bredenbeck recently took over from former Regional Harbourmaster Richard Barnett, who retired this month after 15 years with the regional council.</p><p>“Richard played a major role in influencing positive behaviour change in our region, with lifejacket compliance now sitting at about 96 per cent.</p><p>“Those are some big shoes to fill, but it’s a privilege to be able crack on, build on that good work and continue keeping our waterways safe for everyone to enjoy.”</p><p>The council takes a no excuses approach to rule breaking. Anyone caught speeding or not wearing or carrying a lifejacket as required can expect to receive a breach notice that could lead to a $200 fine.</p><p>Unsafe behaviour on the water as well as maritime hazards and incidents should be reported to the Maritime Services team at Waikato Regional Council on 0800 800 402.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div> </description> <pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2021 08:23:10 +1300</pubDate> <guid>https://subsite.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases/busy-boating-season-ahead-as-waikato-welcomes-aucklanders-back/</guid> </item> </channel> </rss>