Regional harbourmaster appointed to enhance maritime safety across the West Coast

Buller District Council (BDC) is seconding its harbourmaster to the role of regional harbourmaster in July following the Ministry of Transport’s allocation of a $1m Regional Maritime Safety Grant to West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) last year.

Domonic Venz will take up this role for 2.5 years, focussing on commercial shipping and recreational craft use across West Coast ports, as well as key rivers and lakes.

The new regional focus extends the scope and function across the Coast. The role is about ensuring navigational safety through education and assistance. The harbourmaster can take compliance action through delegated powers, if necessary, but this is a last-resort option.

WCRC Group Manager Regulatory & Policy Matt Smith says the role will provide a single point of contact for watercraft management and oversight, helping drive maritime and water safety initiatives across the region.

“The regional role brings the West Coast into line with the rest of the country. Many other regions, including Otago and Southland, already have similar roles focused on promoting maritime safety and supporting safe recreational and commercial use of waterways.”
Current BDC Port Operations Coordinator Annie Bell will be seconded to the port manager function of Mr Venz’s current BDC role for the same period.

“We are pleased there will be a smooth internal transition for the management of Westport Port, with Ms Bell’s secondment to the port manager position making the most of staff capability within the existing team” explains BDC’s Group Manager Corporate Services Lesley Crichton.

BDC has signed a memorandum of understanding with WCRC and Grey District Council to deliver the full West Coast Maritime Safety programme of funding. This covers five individual projects of which the regional harbourmaster role is one.

Westland District Council will discuss its future involvement at an ordinary council meeting tomorrow.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.