NZ port of entry changes

[Snowpetrel]

Formerly NZ had these official ports availible to clear in from overseas.

Former Ports of Entry.

Opua
Nelson
Whangarei
Picton
Auckland
Lyttelton (Christchurch)
Tauranga
Timaru
Napier
Dunedin
Wellington
Bluff (Invercargill)
New Plymouth*

Now it seems like they have been reduced to just four ports

Opua
Whangarei
Picton
Lyttelton

This is fine coming down from the islands as Opua is the logical clearance point, but sailing across from Australia or the Southern ocean the loss of Nelson, Bluff and New Plymouth is a real blow. Picton is hard and possibly dangerous to get to from the west in bad weather. You have to sail through a very tidal areas north of Stephens island and then up a long difficult sound with no option to anchor anywhere. Without an engine and in bad weather the trip would be very dangerous.

Lyttelton is on the wrong side of the island, I can't imagine many boats clearing into lyttleton, Dunedin would be more logical.

Doesn't seem like a well thought out change.

[NoTies]

I think it's all about bio security bollocks. They introduce punitive legislation (aimed at yachties, not the true offenders) then can't support the legislation in all clearance ports so reduce services. Note, all the remaining ports are still open to commercial shipping and short stay vessels because everybody knows they don't carry bio security risks.

[Tillsbury]

Well that is a surprise. I can see why they have those, but it’s surprising that Tauranga is missing as it’s a major international port. And as you say, Nelson would be handy for Aussies.

[Tillsbury]

Interestingly, the mpi website states (May 2018) that the four are Opua, Whangarei, Auckland, and Nelson. They’re the ones who handle bio security. So someone needs to make up their mind.

[Snowpetrel]

Yes the biosecurity risk is an issue, and I understand that a port like bluff is poorly equiped to handle a badly fouled boat arriving, having limited slipping facilities, but all that would be needed is documentation of recent slipping and a fresh antifoul.

Nelson is perfectly equiped to deal with a fouled boat, and is in a far less sensitive area than the Piction.

Biofouling security seems like an issue that is going to badly effect us long distance cruisers in the future. This seems like the thin edge of the wedge.

[Snowpetrel]

Originally Posted by Tillsbury

Interestingly, the mpi website states (May 2018) that the four are Opua, Whangarei, Auckland, and Nelson. They’re the ones who handle bio security. So someone needs to make up their mind.

Well spotted!

It also seems from some of the stuff I have read that superyachts are exempt from these requirements and can clear in at all the major ports, as can ships. I guess we just have to argue that our vessels are actually 'super' yachts or ships.

[Dave_S]

Delete

[NoTies]

Originally Posted by Snowpetrel

Well spotted!

It also seems from some of the stuff I have read that superyachts are exempt from these requirements and can clear in at all the major ports, as can ships. I guess we just have to argue that our vessels are actually 'super' yachts or ships.

Not exempt but if they are professionally crewed they may still clear in to Auckland at the viaduct or silo berths.

[Snowpetrel]

Hrmm yes, what does it say? Something like "selected vessels may clear in at the viaduct"

[Paul L]

Are the port of exit ports for small craft the same as the port of entry? Can you still clear out say in Tauranga if you are east bound?

[Tillsbury]

You can apply with 10 days notice to clear in at another port. No mention of availability or costs though

[NoTies]

Here's the letter from Bio Security in August

[Snowpetrel]

Originally Posted by Tillsbury

You can apply with 10 days notice to clear in at another port. No mention of availability or costs though

Thats a relief, but it's not transparent at this stage what the requirements are.

I fully appreciate the importance of limiting the spread of marine pests, and NZ has been hurt badly with the invasive fanworm, but it needs to a consistant and fair, and evidence based approach for all parties.

[grantmc]

Since that letter was issued things have changed again. On 19 October 2018 the port list for entry by recreational vessels was increased (see this link) to include; Nelson and Bluff again.

[George DuBose]

Another nanny state heard from. I don't plan on visiting New Zealand anyway.