Love our Rangitopuni River
The issue
Riverhead set nets and boat traffic
What:
The recent visits from a range of dolphin species up the reaches of the Riverhead / Rangitopuni river, and the deaths of a rare whale, and a bottlenose dolphin in the area, have highlighted the need for better protection from set nets, fishing gear and dangerous boat traffic in the area. These activities put both humans, dolphins/whales and other wildlife at risk.
We call on Auckland Council to
-prohibit set nets in the area to protect both public safety, and marine life
-monitor and enforce compliance with slow boat speed limits that already apply in the area
Via:
-A review of the Public safety and nuisance bylaw to install a set net prohibition in the area
-Improved (replacement) signage to avoid doubt about the legal speed limits in the area (Five knots)
-An increased harbourmaster presence through regular patrols and monitoring of the area
Why:
Riverhead locals took great joy in and celebrated the return of dolphins to the upper reaches of the Waitemata harbour and their regular presence in the Riverhead area in late 2024 - early 2025.
We were devastated when one of the bottlenose dolphins was entangled in fishing gear which led to its death, and the trauma of its companion.
A rare beaked whale was also found dead where the river meets the upper reaches of the harbour.
The Rangitopuni river is enjoyed for its placid and calm water, and people regularly kayak and paddleboard in the area. Wildlife also roost there. The river is valued for its peace and quiet and relative safety.
All these values are threatened by set nets which indiscriminately kill wildlife, risk human safety, and also by irresponsible people driving boats and jetskis at dangerous speeds which exceed the existing speed limits.
How
We seek to uphold and protect existing values from these threats through
-a petition to council
-submissions to the Auckland Council Annual Plan (March)
-Presentation to the Council regulatory committee
-Presentation to the Rodney Local Board
-Meetings with Councillors and Local Board members
-Support from local MP (lol)
-Letters to the harbourmaster
-Getting kids involved by writing letters
Christine Rose from Cetacean Spotting NZ Whales and Dolphins to speak at Riverhead School (to be confirmed with the school)
86
The issue
Riverhead set nets and boat traffic
What:
The recent visits from a range of dolphin species up the reaches of the Riverhead / Rangitopuni river, and the deaths of a rare whale, and a bottlenose dolphin in the area, have highlighted the need for better protection from set nets, fishing gear and dangerous boat traffic in the area. These activities put both humans, dolphins/whales and other wildlife at risk.
We call on Auckland Council to
-prohibit set nets in the area to protect both public safety, and marine life
-monitor and enforce compliance with slow boat speed limits that already apply in the area
Via:
-A review of the Public safety and nuisance bylaw to install a set net prohibition in the area
-Improved (replacement) signage to avoid doubt about the legal speed limits in the area (Five knots)
-An increased harbourmaster presence through regular patrols and monitoring of the area
Why:
Riverhead locals took great joy in and celebrated the return of dolphins to the upper reaches of the Waitemata harbour and their regular presence in the Riverhead area in late 2024 - early 2025.
We were devastated when one of the bottlenose dolphins was entangled in fishing gear which led to its death, and the trauma of its companion.
A rare beaked whale was also found dead where the river meets the upper reaches of the harbour.
The Rangitopuni river is enjoyed for its placid and calm water, and people regularly kayak and paddleboard in the area. Wildlife also roost there. The river is valued for its peace and quiet and relative safety.
All these values are threatened by set nets which indiscriminately kill wildlife, risk human safety, and also by irresponsible people driving boats and jetskis at dangerous speeds which exceed the existing speed limits.
How
We seek to uphold and protect existing values from these threats through
-a petition to council
-submissions to the Auckland Council Annual Plan (March)
-Presentation to the Council regulatory committee
-Presentation to the Rodney Local Board
-Meetings with Councillors and Local Board members
-Support from local MP (lol)
-Letters to the harbourmaster
-Getting kids involved by writing letters
Christine Rose from Cetacean Spotting NZ Whales and Dolphins to speak at Riverhead School (to be confirmed with the school)
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Petition created on 31 January 2025