However, the most discussion at yesterday's meeting - and in the majority of submissions - concerned the adoption of the new Marine Pathways Plan with its charge of $79.50 for all moorings, marina berths and boatsheds.
Northport Ltd, Golden Bay Cement and Port Nikau will be charged $3737.50.
All ratepayers will foot a third of the marine pest management costs, with the balance met by those charges on about 4000 mooring, marina berth and boatshed holders.
Council members Joce Yeoman and Penny Smart voted against those charges being levied.
Ms Smart said she did not think charging one user group aligned with the NRC's principals and charging policies.
She said the council needed the boating sector as a stakeholder and the new charge could alienate that support.
Ms Smart said she did not agree to a charge that targeted only Northland boaties, and not those from out of the district who used local boating facilities.
Ms Yeoman implied the decision to adopt the charge was not democratic, as "it ignored the overwhelming views of the submissions".
Chairman Bill Shepherd said that, although the objectors to the "boat charge" had been the most vocal, they were not necessarily right.
Rick Stolwerk said he believed in "user-pay", and considered the democratic process regarding the plan been robust. David Sinclair said the number of objectors was minimal in relation to the overall number of ratepayers.
"Someone has to cover the costs of divers and other biosecurity work related only to the fact people own boats. I think this charge is fair and reasonable," Justin Blaikie said.
Ticked without much discussion, apart from touching on protocols over notifying the Kaipara District Council and Taharoa Domain management committee, was the Northland Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw, including an amended Kai Iwi Lakes bylaw.
