New editions for Marsden Point and Whangārei
The New Zealand Hydrographic Authority (NZHA) has released new editions of NZ 5214 Marsden Point and NZ 5215 Whangārei Harbour, both incorporating new survey information and general updates. These supersede the 2014 and 2019 issues, respectively.
For compliance, the older editions must be marked as “superseded” and replaced ahead of any passage through these waters. The updated charts cover the harbour approaches and continuation to the Town Basin, reflecting recent hydrographic survey work and shoreline changes.
A further addition is the publication of NZ6HWRE1 (North Island – East Coast – Northport, HD ENC), part of the ENC suite. Mariners are reminded to consult the README.TXT file within ENC exchange sets, as it contains safety-critical information updated regularly.
Navigation light changes at Milford Beach
One of the most pointed amendments concerns Milford Beach, Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana. The light at 36°45′.85S, 174°45′.95E has had all white, red, and green sectors deleted, and Light List entry No. 3743 has been formally removed.
This means the long-standing directional aid, widely used by small craft in the area, is no longer charted. Skippers relying on this light for coastal navigation or approaches must update charts and publications immediately.
Temporary notices for Whangārei Harbour
The NZHA has also issued a temporary notice (60T/25) covering Whangārei Harbour, with updates to depths, shoreline construction, and aids to navigation. Mariners should annotate their charts in pencil and stay alert for further updates.
ECDIS anomalies flagged
Perhaps most significant for commercial and larger yacht operators is the IMO’s renewed concern over ECDIS anomalies. Some units have been found to fail to display important new chart features, raising clear safety issues.
The International Hydrographic Organization has released an ENC Data Presentation and Performance Check dataset, freely available through ENC service providers and the IHO website. Operators are strongly encouraged to run this dataset, check their ECDIS performance, and report results to the IHO, IMO, hydrographic offices, and manufacturers.
Offshore frequency guidance
For those operating beyond New Zealand’s coast, the Notices also include revised optimum R/T frequency band diagrams for NAVAREA XIV broadcasts (Taupo Maritime Radio, ZLM). These resources are maintained by Australian IPS Radio and Space Services and are available online for planning offshore communications.
Why this matters
For technical mariners, these updates are not optional. Chart compliance is a legal requirement, and light sector deletions or ENC anomalies can pose serious navigational risks. With Marsden Point and Whangārei charts refreshed, Milford light withdrawn, and ECDIS under scrutiny, this edition of the Notices is particularly relevant.
As ever, skippers are reminded that New Zealand Notices to Mariners are the authority for chart corrections. Outdated editions are a liability, and safe passage depends on disciplined updating.
