Some months ago the Wellington Harbour Rangers expressed concern with the regional body of clubs/crews paddling at night with no lighting. The clubs were named and the harbour rangers warned that if bylaws were continuously broken, then the skipper or one person who decided to take responsibility of the crew / waka would be issued with a $200 fine.

The following was requested - That an all round white light at least 1 metre above kiato should be displayed by all Waka in either poor visibility and at night. The harbour rangers asked that flashing or coloured lights are not used as such lights indicated either hazards or lead lights (navigational directions) to other Mariners.

A recent story was issued telling of how a dinghy was run down by a larger vessel at night and how a fatality could have been avoided, if the skipper had the dinghy equipped with appropriate lighting.

A recent conversation via email with the Harbour ranger as to an update on how well the region responded to the Safety requests. We are pleased to announce that praise goes out to Tai Tonga, Kokiri, Aniuwaru & Tunui (Wellington & Porirua clubs) for their religious use of safety lighting during their late and early morning paddles. Fantastic work, a great example to set indeed.

Check out the latest positive media publication seen on the Wellington City Councils website

Raukawa Comerford
HTPWAA Secretary