Waikato Regional Harbourmaster

28/05/2026

⚠ Changes to the Port Waikato bar continue to make safe passage very difficult ⚠

We have had to remove the top lead mark as it physically exceeded the adjustment needed to continue marking a safe line for crossing the bar.

We are unable to mark the channel with buoys due to the strength of the currents and ongoing changes to the channel.

We have installed additonal warnings at all boat ramps. However, with a recent capsizing and several close calls, we would strongly encourage boaties to reconisder whether it's essential for them to cross, and if in doubt, not to go out.

If you must cross, please open a bar watch on VHF channel 18 or by calling *500.
Wear your lifejacket, and always cross near high tide - never near low tide.

If you haven't crossed in a while, seek local knowledge from nearby boating clubs or Coastguard who have all been briefed on the situation.

The photos on this post were taken on 01 May 2026

20/05/2026

Numerous near-fatal incidents on the Raglan bar in the last year alone has made clear the need for better messaging on the seriousness of bar crossings.

Our team have installed new signage on the Raglan footbridge (visible from both directions) that double as port/starboard navigation aids, and serve as reminders to boaties to consider their passengers' safety on the water.

If you're new to the area (or bar crossings in general) seek advice before attempting to cross. Coastguard runs excellent bar crossing seminars that are worth attending.

07/05/2026

World Surf League has been granted a temporary exclusion zone at Manu Bay for the 2026 Championship Tour in Raglan. The purpose of this zone is to ensure safe and predictable separation of competitors from other vessels.

The zone will be in effect from 14-25 May, from 7.00am to 5.00pm while the event is underway.

Only authorised vessels will be allowed within this zone, which will be enforced by NZ Police and Harbourmaster staff.

As a result, viewing of the event is best done from shore.

25/04/2026

24/04/2026

The MV Gleaner, which sank off Shortland Wharf in Thames, was removed from the water yesterday (Thursday, 23 April) following a salvage operation.

The salvage effort began Wednesday 22 April with Waikato Regional Council’s Regional On Scene Commander and Maritime Services staff on site from 8am, continuously monitoring the operation.

During Wednesday’s work it was confirmed that there was no spill or discharge of diesel or other hydrocarbons over the course of the operation, and no evidence that any significant quantity of fuel had been stored on board prior to the sinking.

WRC’s Hauraki/Coromandel Operations staff worked alongside salvage specialists Trojan Marine Services Ltd. Mud and water were pumped from the vessel in preparation for it to be refloated. The vessel was then hauled from the water on Thursday, completing the operation.

Our thanks to the Thames community, affected iwi and local businesses, for their patience and support which helped achieve a safe outcome.

23/04/2026

Weather has resulted in the Port Waikato lead marks no longer lining up with the safest line of travel when crossing the bar.

This sécurité can also be heard on Coastguard Nowcasting Channel 79.

09/04/2026

⛈ Cyclone Vaianu is expected to make landfall on Saturday, with the worst of its effects felt on Sunday across the Coromandel Peninsula.

We would strongly advise any mooring holders and those in marinas to use the coming days to prepare your vessels as best as possible for the incoming storm.

Most importantly, don't try and ride out the cyclone in your vessel. Stay ashore until the weather passes.

01/04/2026

⚠️ Rules around boating in the Waikato are changing under new directives from the government to conserve fuel in the current climate.

1. 🛟 Lifejackets MUST be worn in vessels

31/03/2026

Our Maritime Officers had their work cut out for them last week following the recent rough weather ⛈️

Plenty of debris was caught on navigation aids, and we had many markers which broke free entirely. Several boats had also sunk or broken loose, including the wooden-hulled "Liberty" in the photos below. However, she was promptly pumped out and refloated by the Whitianga crew 💪

20/03/2026

This week, teams from across the Waikato Regional Council conducted an oil spill training simulation of a tanker grounding and leaking hydrocarbons on our East Coast.

The purpose of the training was to refine how each team links with one another to minimise our response times and enhance communication, logistics and the practical on-water results. All this was overseen by Maritime NZ and is done with the aim of protecting our wildlife, waters and shoreline from a potential major spill, should it ever happen.

While the scenario was simulated, it was based on a very real possibility given the amount of commerical traffic on our waterways. Our teams train for these scenarios on an annual basis, both in theory and in practice.