What rights do I have if I find abandoned or derelict vessels in my bay?

Abandoned or derelict vessels are managed by a combination of harbourmasters, regional councils and Maritime New Zealand. Under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and navigation safety bylaws, the harbourmaster can require an owner to move or remove a vessel that poses a hazard, or can take action to remove it and recover the costs from the owner. If the vessel is leaking oil, the regional council may take steps under the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Maritime Transport Act to contain pollution. Report the vessel to the harbourmaster or regional council with the location, photographs and any identifying markings. Tracing the owner can require checking the ship registry or hull identification numbers. If ownership cannot be established, the council may have powers to dispose of the vessel.