Navigation Aid Levy

Under the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2024 (pdf 3.3 MB), all commercial vessel operators are required to contribute to the upkeep of navigation aids along the coastline through a Navigation Aid Levy.

This replaces the old Commercial Vessel Operator Licence. The cost has been adjusted for inflation and includes the Motueka channel. Here are the important details you should know: 

• All commercial vessel operators who through the course of normal operations operate along the coastline within 1NM of the coast from Motueka to Tarakohe inclusive and on Lake Rotoiti are required to pay a navigation aid levy.
• The Council will use these funds only for the replacement and maintenance of navigation aids. The fees will be reviewed though the annual plan process, so the levy remains 50% of the cost with the other 50% coming from rates.
• Vessels that only transit into and out of Tarakohe via the leads are exempt from that levy as they do not operate along the coast.
• The annual fee is applied for each multiple of either one power-driven vessel or up to a total of 15 kayaks, rafts, waka or similar vessels that are not power-driven with greater than 10hpw.
• Normal operation would not include vessels visiting less than three (x3) times a year. 

This levy is to be paid annually from 1 November. 

Please complete the Navigation Aid Levy form (pdf 139 KB) and send it to [email protected].

Once we received your application, we’ll invoice you for the appropriate fees. When payment has been made, a certificate will be issued.

Navigation Aid Levy costs
Port Motueka only	charge per vessel	$150.00
Kaiteriteri to Tarakohe inclusive	charge per vessel	$400.00
Motueka to Tarakohe inclusive	charge per vessel	$500.00
Separation Point to Tarakohe inclusive	charge per vessel	$100.00
Lake Rotoiti (charge based on contractor fee & number of operators)		At cost
Late payment fee		Additional 20%