People aboard recreational boats measuring six metres or less will be required to wear properly fitted lifejackets while underway under legislation passed by Parliament.
The Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill establishes a nationwide requirement intended to replace differing approaches to lifejacket use on smaller recreational vessels.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager said 17 people died in recreational boating incidents in New Zealand during 2025, with 12 of those found not to have been wearing lifejackets.
“This legislation creates one clear, simple national rule for everyone to follow,” Meager said, describing the change as aimed at reducing preventable deaths on the water.
The new requirement will take effect 28 days after the legislation receives Royal Assent, putting it in place ahead of the peak summer boating season.
Maritime NZ is working with sector organisations on implementing the change and providing information to recreational water users.
Meager said people heading out on boats should also carry two reliable forms of communication and check weather forecasts before departure.
The legislation had been in development in various forms for more than a decade, first appearing in the members’ bill ballot in 2013. It was subsequently drawn in the name of former MP Cameron Brewer before being sponsored through Parliament by Dr Shane Reti.
