A new rule is about to change how New Zealanders boat this summer. Everyone on board recreational craft of six metres or less will soon be required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket, or other approved personal flotation device, whenever the boat is underway.
Parliament has passed the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill. The requirement becomes law 28 days after it receives Royal Assent, the final formality before a bill takes effect.
The numbers behind the change are grim. Associate Transport Minister James Meager pointed to 17 deaths in recreational craft incidents in 2025, 12 of them involving people who weren't wearing a lifejacket.
"These are tragic and preventable deaths," Meager said. "This legislation creates one clear, simple national rule for everyone to follow, which is a common-sense and long overdue change."
Despite the Bill's wording, "lifejacket" isn't limited to the traditional foam vest. It covers all approved personal flotation devices.
Yachting New Zealand has backed the move, while stressing that legislation alone won't fix everything. Chief executive Steve Armitage said individual responsibility still matters just as much as the rulebook.
"Laws are only one part of the safety picture, individual responsibility, good judgement and informed decision-making remain critically important," Armitage said. "Ultimately, we want everyone to enjoy the water while taking responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them."
Safer Boating Forum chair Sharyn Forsyth called it a big step for recreational craft safety, noting the sector's shared goal is simple: people enjoying the water and getting home again.
"Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket is a simple action that can make the difference when someone unexpectedly ends up in the water," she said.
Coastguard's view comes from the sharp end of things. Chief executive Carl McOnie said crews regularly deal with the aftermath of avoidable tragedies on the water.
"A lifejacket keeps someone afloat and visible, and that is what gives our crews the chance to reach them alive, and bring them home to their loved ones," McOnie said.
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon framed the change as a cultural shift as much as a legal one.
"A lifejacket cannot help if it is not being worn," Scanlon said. "This change, once confirmed, is an opportunity to make lifejacket wearing a normal part of every trip on small recreational craft."
Enforcement will sit with Maritime New Zealand, Police and harbourmasters. Maritime NZ is coordinating the rollout with safer boating partners, including Yachting New Zealand, ahead of what's shaping up to be a busy summer on the water.
Maritime NZ's Principal Advisor for Recreational Craft, Matt Wood, is urging boaties not to wait until the last minute.
"Check that everyone has the right size and type of lifejacket, that it fits properly and that it is in good condition. Wear it, carry two waterproof ways to call for help, and check the marine weather forecast," Wood said.
The Bill has had a long road to get here. It was originally introduced by Hon Cameron Brewer before Dr Shane Reti took over as sponsor, capping off years of work across the recreational boating sector aimed at getting more lifejackets onto more boaties, and fewer names onto the drowning toll each summer.
