Have your say on Kai Iwi Lakes bylaw

Northlanders are being urged to have their say on the future management of water based activities at the iconic Kai Iwi Lakes.

The area is a popular spot for boaties, holiday makers and tourists.

Submissions to the new Navigation Safety Bylaw for the ‘lakes’ are now being called.

Drafted by Northland Regional Council, who is responsible for the region’s harbours and lakes, the bylaw proposes rules for keeping people safe in and on the water.

NRC chairman Bill Shepherd says the bylaw is designed to support the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan, adopted by Kaipara District Council last September and to enable the many different water based uses of Kai Iwi Lakes - such as swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking and board sports - to be as safe and sustainable as possible.

The draft of the district council’s reserve management plan attracted more than 1000 submissions and submitters held ‘widely differing views’ as to what activities should be allowed.

‘‘The council is keen to ensure any decisions it introduces are made from the most informed position possible,’’ Shepherd says.

‘‘Public feedback on the proposed bylaw is crucial to that.’’

Submissions close on August 2 at 4pm.

More information is available at nrc.govt.nz/lakesbylaw