Navigation Safety Bylaw Review

Southland’s lakes, rivers, and coastline are changing – and so are the ways we use them.

We're in the process of developing a draft Navigation Safety Bylaw to replace the existing 2009 (amended 2015) bylaw.

In the ten years since the current bylaw was last reviewed and updated, we've observed changes in the use of some areas, the emergence of new uses and technologies, and opportunities to improve alignment across best practice for navigation safety bylaws and maritime regulations.

We are undertaking further consultation on specific amendments to the draft bylaw which proposes to introduce ten new speed uplifted areas. These new speed uplifted areas were proposed through the initial consultation on the draft bylaw (Dec 2025 to Feb 2026).

As a result of considering the submissions received, proposed amendments to the draft bylaw have been identified for further consultation that propose to introduce ten new speed uplifted areas. These areas are outlined and mapped in the Statement of Proposal and the Further Consultation document. They include areas within the:

• Jacobs River Estuary
• Waiau River
• Mararoa River
• Aparima River
• Ōreti River
• Mataura River
• Waikaia River

The introduction of new speed uplifted areas removes the five-knot speed limit in areas where speed uplifts have not previously applied. In some cases, these areas cover relatively extensive stretches of river, resulting in a substantial increase in the extent of speed uplifted areas across Southland.

We are now seeking feedback on the ten proposed new speed uplifted areas

Submissions received through this further consultation process will assist Council in determining whether these ten areas are appropriate and are for the purpose of ensuring maritime safety.