Boat User Laws to Stop Spread of Gold Clams

1. The Waikato Wake Boat Ban

• • The Rule: Any wake boat or craft with an internal ballast system that has been in the infected stretch of the Waikato River cannot be launched in any other New Zealand waterway, including all Rotorua Lakes.
• The Reason: Residual water in internal tanks cannot be reliably drained or inspected at standard wash stations. [1, 2, 3]

2. General 30-Day Waikato Rule (For Non-Ballast Craft) [1]

• The Rule: If any standard watercraft (such as a jet ski or outboard boat without ballast) has been in the Waikato River within the previous 30 days, it must be cleaned at a designated wash station before entering any Rotorua lake. [1]
• The Location: You must clean the vessel at The Wash Place (338 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua) on the exact day of launching, then drive directly to the lake. [1]

3. Mandatory Self-Certification for All Users [1]

• The Rule: Under Rule 7 of the Regional Pest Management Plan, every boat trailer user must complete a biosecurity form before launching.
• The Action: You must sign a Vessel and Trailer Self-Certification Form confirming your vessel is clear of freshwater pests and that all ballast water has been emptied.
• The Display: This form must be prominently displayed on the dashboard of your towing vehicle. [1]

4. Hyper-Strict Rules for Lake Ōkataina

• The Rule: Lake Ōkataina has an entry gate and a strict Controlled Area Notice (CAN).
• The Process: All boats must clean at the Te Ngae Road wash station before entering, regardless of where they have previously been.
• The PIN: Boaties must scan a QR code at the wash bay, fill out a geo-fenced online form, and receive a four-digit PIN code to unlock the access gate at the lake. [1, 2]