We're currently working on drafting a new Navigation Safety Bylaw. Learn more and get involved in the process on Shape Tasman.(external link)
You may need to contact the Harbourmaster for various reasons.
Pete Renshaw – Harbourmaster
Paul Appleby – Deputy Harbourmaster
Phone 03 543 8400
VHF channel 16
Tasman District Council, 189 Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson, 7020, New Zealand
Kelly Nicholls – Harbourmaster Admin Support - email [email protected]
Phone 03 525 8174 or 027 446 3891
VHF channels 28 or 60
Please let the Harbourmaster know as soon as practicable if you have been involved in a collision, or been sunk, or involuntarily grounded or stranded. We also want to hear about near misses to help keep everyone safe.
Use this online form to make a report.
Find out more about what types of event require authorisation and how you can apply.
The role of the Tasman Harbourmaster office is a broad one – not surprising given their area of responsibility takes in Tasman Bay, Golden Bay, the Kahurangi coast, and the region’s lakes and rivers.
As well as patrolling Tasman’s waters to ensure maritime rules and safety bylaws are being adhered to, they also deal with all maritime issues from removing hazards/wrecks, dangerous boating, mooring/anchoring and responding to marine oil spills.
They also maintain over 230 seasonal buoys, all other navigational safety aids and boating safety signage.
The familiar bright orange of the Harbourmaster vessel “Sentinel” can frequently be seen on the waters of Tasman Bay and at maritime events where their focus is on the safety of participants and other water users.
The Tasman Harbourmaster Office is made up of a small team based in Motueka. They include our new Tasman Harbourmaster Peter Renshaw, deputy Paul Appleby and administrative support Kelly Nicholls.
Pete has extensive experience in the waters around the Top of the South amongst his 18 years as a commercial skipper and maritime educator.
Paul is also a commercial skipper with a background in ocean yacht racing. He has served as our deputy for the last four years.
The Harbourmaster team is always eager to connect and exchange greetings. We look forward to seeing you out on the water.
Who to call?