Lakes' navigation rules

Environment Canterbury is proposing several amendments to the existing navigation safety bylaws for Lake Ruataniwha near Twizel. The proposals include a provision for South Island Rowing to close off the lake for motorised craft for rowing regattas for up to 31 days per year. This would be subject to conditions on the number and duration of regattas, avoiding public holidays and Christmas holidays, with advance notice and appropriate patrolling of the lake assured.

The proposals also include expanding the area designated as the rowing course on Lake Ruataniwha to allow for a rowing skiff launch and landing area at the western end of the current course. This would extend the course by about 500 metres, but would not extend into the area designated as an access lane for powered craft.

Environment Canterbury also plans to remove the restriction on boating at the outlet to the Ohau River at the north end of the lake.

The chairman of ECan’s coastal and navigation safety portfolio committee Cr Bob Kirk says the amendments are being considered to improve safety and to better accommodate the needs of all lake users. “Congestion is a problem, and the changes to the bylaws are designed to improve that,” Cr Kirk says

The proposals will be notified on July 8, 2006 with submissions closing August 25. Hearings will be held during September in Twizel, Timaru and Christchurch. The bylaws should come into effect towards the end of the year.

Lake Roto Kohatu
Lake Roto Kohatu is in Christchurch off Sawyers Arms Rd. The south western part is used for jetskiing. It was inadvertently omitted from the new navigation safety bylaws speed uplifting notified last year as part of ECan’s review of the bylaws. It will now be included to line up with other jetskiing areas.

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