A lobby group is calling for a return to the original bylaw that governed the use of watercraft on Kai Iwi Lakes.
Friends of Kai Iwi Lakes (FOKIL) is encouraging the public to provide feedback on the proposed Kai Iwi Lakes Navigational Bylaw and the Kai Iwi Lakes Bylaw sponsored by the Northland Regional Council (NRC) and Kaipara District Council (KDC).
Bylaws now have to be put in place after KDC commissioners last year decided to keep power boats on Lake Taharoa.
FOKIL said nearly all inland waterways in the country used by watercraft have a bylaw of some form providing a safer option for all users, including powered craft, yachts and windsurfers.
For Taharoa, it recommends two launching ramps and five ski lanes, power boating at 5 knots in the Sin Bin as it is now, and four mooring areas instead of the suggested three.
The draft concept plan proposed by the two councils requires power boats to travel in an anti-clockwise direction.
FOKIL said the proposal was unworkable, based on research at other lakes, and recommended no restriction be put on the direction for safety reasons.
With good management and clear signs, FOKIL said there would only be a need for one swimming zone at Pine Beach rather than several as suggested by the KDC.
Feedback to KDC is due by February 24.
FOKIL has developed a feedback template with suggested alternatives which can be downloaded from its website and Facebook page or a copy picked up from Randell's Motorcycles on Kapia St in Dargaville.