In accordance with subclause 4.2.2 (Location specific schedules), any clauses contained in this schedule shall be read in conjunction with all other clauses in this bylaw.
Area covered
This schedule applies to the waters of the Waikato River from the Karapiro Dam downstream to Meremere except as provided for in Schedule 1.15 and Schedule 1.16 as shown on Map 17.
General warning
S1. 17.1 Any operator using this stretch of the Waikato River must be aware that the river levels vary due to hydro operations. When river levels are low care must be taken at all times to keep a watch out when entering and exiting boat ramps and for semi-submerged hazards (especially trees and rocks). For more information about the hydro lakes please visit www.mightyriverpower.co.nz/Generation/
Speed of vessels
S1. 17.2 The provisions of 3.2.1 and 3.2.3 of the bylaw, which relate to speed in the vicinity of other vessels, persons or structures, have been replaced by S1.17.3 and S1.17.4 of this schedule, which provide similar restrictions but with varied distances.
This means that subject to subclauses S1.17.3 and S1.17.4, which relate to conditions specific to Hamilton, the 5 knot speed limit referred to in subclauses 3.2.1 and 3.2.3 of this bylaw still applies to Hamilton. For the avoidance of doubt, a breach of the conditions set out in subclauses S1.17.3 and S1.17.4, namely exceeding 5 knots in Hamilton in circumstances which are in breach of the conditions of subclauses S1.17.3 and S1.17.4, shall constitute a breach of clause 3.2.
S1. 17.3 No person shall, without reasonable excuse, propel or navigate a vessel (including a vessel towing someone or some object) at a proper speed exceeding 5 knots:
- within 30 metres of any other vessel, raft, or person in the water; or
- within 30 metres of any structure, boat ramp (not already listed in S1.17.3 (d) or jetty; or
- within 200 metres of any vessel or raft that is flying Flag A of the International Code of Signals (diver’s flag); or
- within a 200 metre radius of the Pukete boat ramp, Grantham Street boat ramp, Wellington Street Beach, Days Park Beach or the Narrows boat ramp.
S1.17.4 No person shall cause or allow himself or herself to be towed by a vessel (whether or not on a water ski, aquaplane, wakeboard or other similar object) at a proper speed exceeding 5 knots in any circumstances specified in any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of subclause S1.17.3.
Reserved areas
S.1.17.5 Towing zone A
In accordance with subclause 3.9.3, the reach of the Waikato River between Mangaonua Stream and the Cobham Drive bridge as indicated on Map 17 shall be reserved as a towing zone.
Within this zone:
- No person shall use a personal water craft, unless the personal water craft is being used to tow a person or object.
- All other recreational vessels not engaged in water skiing or the towing of other persons or objects may proceed through the towing zone and must give right of way to users engaged in water skiing or the towing of other persons or objects.
- Any vessel water skiing or towing other persons or objects shall at all times proceed in an anticlockwise direction, and pass port to port.
- No person shall operate a vessel that is ballasted for the purposes of wakeboarding.
S1.17.6 Urban zone (towing and personal water craft prohibited)
In accordance with subclause 3.9.3, the reach of the Waikato River between the Cobham Drive Bridge and the Pukete Footbridge as indicated on Map 17 shall be reserved as the urban zone for the purposes of passive water activities.
Within this zone:
- Water skiing or the towing of other objects or persons is prohibited.
- The use of personal water craft is prohibited.
Map 17: Hamilton
