Boatie bags a success for volunteers, DOC and police

Two more boaty bags changing hands.

There has been no sign of Selwyn Toogood, but the goodies have definitely been in the bag for Bay of Islands boaties this summer.

Up to 400 'boaty bags' will be handed out on the water by Project Island Song volunteers, the Department of Conservation and the police by the time it's all over.

The bags are designed to remind boaties of their responsibilities on the water and land, and a fun way of engaging with them.

DOC's Bay of Islands operations manager, Rolien Elliot, said she appreciated the support of police, which had allowed inter-agency boat patrols in the Bay.

"Working together is more efficient than running our own patrols, and gives us a better appreciation of each other's roles in helping the public keep safe and understand messages around maritime, biosecurity and fishery regulations. The boat patrols and boatie bags are being very well received," she added.

Police Inspector Chris McLellan said a police RHIB had deployed been in the Bay once again, from December 29 to January 12, extremely successfully thanks to all the partners and community members involved.

"It was a great opportunity to work with DOC," he said. , The DOC packs had been greatly appreciated for the valuable information, resources and giveaways they contained.

Bay of Islands DOC community ranger Helen Ough Dealy said the bags contained all the information boaties needed to look after the Bay and its islands, including material on biosecurity — stopping pests returning to the islands — looking after bottlenose dolphins, protecting kauri from kauri dieback disease, keeping to the fishing and marine mammal regulations and being safe on the water.

"The boaty bag is a bit like a man cave," she added.

"It's stuffed full of handy bits and pieces: a floating keyring, reminding people to keep their gear and boat pest-free, a paua measuring stick, a fish measuring sticker, a shoebrush to keep footwear clear of dirt and possibly kauri dieback.

"There are even goodies for the kids — activities and games about looking after bottlenose dolphins, a kauri tree height chart and temporary kauri tattoos."

The boaty bags will continue to be given away until they run out. Anyone who would like one is welcome to contact Ms Ough Dealy on (027) 201-2695 or hodealy@doc.govt.nz