A night-time collision between a power and sailboat has prompted Bay of Plenty's harbourmaster to warn boaties to use lights at night.Boats have to be well lit between sunset and sunrise and in heavy rain and fog.
Read more: Hit and run horror as yacht run over by speeding boat
Under Maritime New Zealand rules, boatsat anchor have to show a white light that's visible from all directions. The colour and type of lights required vary depending on the size and type of the craft. The colour of the light indicates port and starboard, showing which way a person is travelling.
Bay of Plenty harbourmaster Peter Buell said not displaying the correct lights at night was a "hell of a risk".
"If your boat isn't well lit then not only are you endangering the lives of those on board your vessel but you're putting others at risk too," said Buell.