The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft
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waterfront business Boatie convicted over bridge collision in brief… Smokey attraction Real Journeys, the company that operates Queenstown's historic steamship attraction the TSS Earnslaw, has received emissions complaints from tourists. Running on original coal fired boilers, the TSS Earnslaw will always be smoky but Real Journey's chief executive Richard Lauder says the company will use its upcoming annual maintenance check to reduce the emissions. New multi-day visitor experience for Rangitoto and Motutapu islands By next summer visitors will be able to enjoy a new multi-day walking experience on Rangitoto and Motutapu islands, the Rangitoto Motutapu Haerenga – A Journey through Sacred Islands. The Haerenga is being developed by the Department of Conservation, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development and iwi in partnership with other stakeholders. DOC Auckland conservator Sean Goddard says the Haerenga will be more than just a three-day walk. "It's an opportunity to explore Auckland's largest and most diverse island sanctuaries. These pest-free havens are home to many rare species and visitors may see a takahe or hear a kiwi call. They can also learn about the cultural significance of the islands, see the incredible restoration of Motutapu and even volunteer." Iwi representatives Ngati Paoa, Ngati Whatua and Ngai Tai were closely involved in developing the concept for the Haerenga. Ngai Tai chairman James Brown says that the restoration of the islands' native flora and fauna is a key part of the project, also providing iwi with an opportunity to further protect the many sacred sites of the islands. Day one of the Haerenga will take in the summit of Rangitoto and explore the volcanic landscapes. Day two will explore the cultural significance and ancient landscapes of Motutapu. Day three will be an opportunity to learn about the restoration of Motutapu, stroll through regenerating forest and support conservation work. 46 Professional Skipper July/August 2013 THE DRIVER OF a ski boat, which was dangerously towing a female ski biscuit rider when she struck a bridge pile, has been hit with fines, costs and reparation totalling more than $4000. Daniel Willis was convicted in the Tauranga District Court of dangerously operating his boat on Lake Karapiro and then failing to report the incident to Maritime New Zealand. The convictions and fines handed down by Judge Robert Wolff came after a prosecution by the Waikato Regional Council under the Maritime Transport Act. It related to two separate incidents involving Willis in the vicinity of the Horahora Domain in January last year. Willis was operating his father's boat and had taken a group of friends ski biscuiting on Lake Karapiro. The first incident occurred when one of the biscuit riders being towed narrowly missed striking a protruding branch in an inlet that was a prohibited zone for power driven vessels. The second incident occurred a short time later as Willis was towing another rider under the nearby Horahora bridge while going at well in excess of the five knot speed restriction of that area. He failed to ensure the female rider was lined up correctly behind the boat as he passed underneath the bridge causing her to hit one of the bridge's concrete pillars. She needed hospital treatment for a serious injury to her left ankle. Willis was fined a total of $1000 for these incidents and ordered to pay reparation to the female rider of $2350. Judge Wolff fined him a further $500 for failing to report the matter to Maritime New Zealand, commenting how important reporting was when it came to Maritime New Zealand identifying hazards and risks, and preventing further incidents. The maximum penalty available under the Maritime Transport Act is a $10,000 fine and one year imprisonment. Waikato Regional Council navigation safety manager Nicole Botherway said: "The behaviour of this boatie could easily have resulted in a fatality. We encourage people to have fun on the water, but putting people at this kind of risk is unacceptable." Hutchwilco show proves boating still tops OVER 35,000 PEOPLE headed to the 2013 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in Auckland in mid-May, proving that boating is still a key attraction. The show gave visitors the opportunity to see the latest GRP and aluminium models from the country's leading boatbuilders – industry heavyweights as well as a number of the country's smaller boat builders. Early reports from exhibitors were also positive, with many saying they enjoyed a high level of both sales and genuine inquiries. Parnell man Dave Burgess' entry ticket was drawn out of the thousands of grand prize entries by Stabicraft's Tim van Duyl, meaning he had won the show's amazing $100,000 Stabicraft–Yamaha boat prize. Napier-based Dickey Boats' new Custom 750XS took out the coveted Boat of the Show: Overall Winner award at the gala Marine Direct Boat of the Show Awards Function. Organisers of the 2013 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show also used the function to honour long-time industry stalwart Kim McDell; welcoming him into the New Zealand Boat Show Hall of Fame. www.skipper.co.nz