Aids to navigation
Introduction
The waters of New Zealand and nearby islands are marked for safe navigation using the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) system. This navigation system applies to all of New Zealand’s coastal and river water ways including harbours and lakes. These lighthouses, lights, beacons and buoys are called aids to navigation.
Maritime New Zealand maintains the aids to navigation that guide shipping around New Zealand’s coastline. Local authorities manage the aids to navigation within their own harbours.
Requirements
Installing, altering or removing an aid to navigation is a two-step process. Applicants must:
1 Apply to Maritime NZ to carry out the work
You can choose to apply online or download and submit a form.
For more information see:
2. Confirm that the proposed work has been completed
Once work is completed and confirmed, notices about aids to navigation can be updated.
Note that the delegations to harbourmasters are still being progressed.
Application requirements
When you apply, you must:
- obtain permission before applying to install an aid to navigation on another person’s property
- complete a separate form for each aid to navigation
- supply supporting information that is relevant to your application, for example:
- tidal information
- copies of resource consents
- ensure your application is signed by the local harbourmaster or harbour authority.
Responsibilities while your application is being assessed
The person or organisation making the application is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the aid to navigation in all respects, at all times, while the application is being processed.
If you are told that an aid to navigation under application is out of order, you must fix the problem within an appropriate time frame.
Cost
All charges are in New Zealand dollars and include GST.
| Document or service provided | Hourly rate $245 |
|---|---|
| Navigation | |
| Erection or alteration of navigational aids | |
| Assessment of applications under Resource Management Act 1991 affecting navigation |
How to apply
These steps provide a basic overview of the application process:
1. Before applying
If you intend to install an aid to navigation on another person’s property, get their written permission before you apply.
2. Application form and documentation
Complete a form for each aid to navigation and gather all supporting documents.
3. Approval from local harbourmaster or harbour authority
Your application form must be signed by the local harbourmaster or harbour authority
4. Submit your application
You can submit your application:
- online, or
- by courier, post, or email to Maritime NZ.
See our Contact us page for ways to contact Maritime NZ.
5. Confirmation your application is received
Maritime NZ will send you an email or letter to confirm that we have received your application.
6. Application assessment
Maritime NZ will assess your application. We may ask you for further information if needed.
7. Issue of approval
If your application is successful, Maritime NZ will issue approval for you to install, alter, or remove the aid to navigation.
An invoice will be sent to you once your application has been considered.
Approval conditions and expiry
The Director’s approval to install, alter, or remove an aid to navigation is conditional on the work being completed within a set timeframe. The expiry date of the approval is shown on the approval notice sent to you.
At the same time, Maritime NZ sends you a form, “Aids to navigation: Completion Form – condition to the approval to install, alter or remove an aid to navigation – MNZ 16006C”. This form includes the Maritime NZ approval number and the expiry date.
If the approval expires before work is completed and before form MNZ 16006C is returned, you may need to re‑apply. Any re‑application may incur additional fees.
Confirm completion of work
Maritime NZ, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and mariners must know when approved work has been completed so that mariners and nautical charts can be updated.
The completion form (MNZ 16006C) is sent to you when approval is granted. You must complete and return a separate completion form for every aid to navigation where work has been completed.
The form confirms that:
- the approved work has been completed
- the date the work was completed
- the final measured position of the aid to navigation
- any other required details
- photographic evidence.
Notice to Mariners
Application approvals and updates to related nautical charts are published by LINZ in its fortnightly Notice to Mariners (NTMs).