Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

I have been fortunate to have spent time on the water this summer and have seen first-hand council maritime staff visiting popular water recreation spots to provide advice and information on our Navigation Safety Bylaw and how it is applied.

The bylaw sets out navigational and safety rules for both commercial and recreational vessels in the Bay of Plenty. It also identifies dedicated areas for surfing, skiing, jet skiing (personal watercraft) and passive recreation in navigable waters within the Bay of Plenty regional council boundaries and also sets the rules for anchoring, wearing life jackets and many other things.

The Local Government Act requires that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council reviews its Navigation Safety Bylaw every five years, and the latest review is underway. This review gives us the opportunity to evaluate the current bylaw and consider the issues important to our stakeholders.

Council will be emailing regular progress updates to interested people and highlighting upcoming opportunities for community feedback. If you would like to receive these updates, provide your contact details via email to navbylaw@boprc.govt.nz, by phoning 0800 884 880, or by completing the form on Council's website at: https://www.boprc.govt.nz/knowledge-centre/bylaws/navigation-safety-bylaw/navigation-safety-bylaw-review-2015-2016/

Council will also be holding a series of consultation events around the region during February 2016 and these will be advertised on our website and via our regular email updates. The aim is to have a draft reviewed bylaw for formal public consulation by May 2016, a submission period during June and July, and final notification of an approved bylaw by August 2016.

If you would like more information on the regional council or any other issue, contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579-5150.