New livestreaming camera for Bay of Plenty's most dangerous bar

The Kaituna Cut is the Bay of Plenty's most dangerous bar. Photo / File

A live-streaming camera has been installed at the Kaituna Cut - the Bay of Plenty's most dangerous bar.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbourmaster Peter Buell said the live feed would help boaties judge the conditions.

"Previously the only way to view the conditions was by physically visiting the bar, so people travelling some distances would arrive at the mouth of the Kaituna River and then realise it's too dangerous to cross.

"This would sometimes lead to some bad decisions."

A view looking down at the Kaituna Cut. Photo / File

Buell said crossing a bar was "one of the riskiest things" a person would ever do on a boat.

"Bar crossings can be dangerous due to the often shallow water, breaking seas and reduced stability."

He said the camera was especially timely given the works happening as part of the Kaituna re-diversion project, affecting access to the groyne and fishing platform.

Trustpower has provided the internet service for the camera.

View the live feed at www.boprc.govt.nz/barcam.

At the beginning of October, five people were rescued on the kaituna Bar within 24 hours.