Frequently Asked Questions

NZ Boat Register is a free, secure platform that helps owners create a digital record of boats, gear, vehicles, and other identifiable assets. You can register a wide range of items by storing important details such as photos, serial numbers, identifying features, linked products, and emergency contacts in one secure place. This helps owners keep important information organised, improve identification, and support recovery if something is lost, found, or needs to be verified. NZ Boat Register is not a statutory ownership register and does not replace any legal registration, identification, or local bylaw requirements that may apply through Maritime New Zealand, harbour authorities, councils, or other agencies. Important note for commercial vessels: If your boat is used commercially, you must register it with Maritime New Zealand. Maritime NZ manages the official registry for commercial operations and legal vessel ownership records.

You can register many types of assets, including: • Boats • Kayaks • Jet skis • Sailing dinghies • Paddleboards • Kontikis • Fishing drones • Dive floats • Trailers • Bags, packs and cases • Electronics and devices • Tools and machinery • Vehicles • Marine gear and equipment If it is important to identify, record, or connect to ownership information, it can usually be registered.

Registering creates a secure digital record that helps keep ownership and identifying details organised in one place. It also allows you to link products such as AquaTAG and AquaGPS, update records over time, and improve identification if something is lost, found, or needs to be verified.

1. Visit nzboatregister.co.nz 2. Create an account or sign in 3. Select Register Boat 4. Add your boat details including make, model, serial number, colour, photos, and contacts 5. Save your registration You can return at any time to update your details.

1. Sign in to your NZ Boat Register account 2. Select Register Gear 3. Choose the gear type 4. Add identifying details such as brand, serial number, photos, and description 5. Save the record Gear can also be linked to AquaTAG or AquaGPS.

Yes. You can manage multiple boats, gear items, and assets under one account.

Your personal information remains private and under your control. You choose what limited public information may be visible for identification purposes. If an AquaTAG is scanned, only the public details you have selected to display will appear. Private contact details are never shown publicly. Use of your information is governed by the NZ Boat Register Privacy Policy.

Yes. Your information is encrypted and securely hosted.

AquaTAG is a durable NFC-enabled identification tag linked to your registered boat, gear, or asset. It allows someone who finds an item to identify it and securely send a message without seeing private owner details.

1. Register your asset 2. Link your AquaTAG 3. Attach the tag When scanned, the finder sees selected public details and can send a secure private message.

Messages can be securely sent to: • The registered owner • Linked emergency contacts Private email addresses and phone numbers are never shown. Owners can update linked messaging recipients at any time.

AquaTAG can be linked to: • Boats • Kayaks • Jet skis • Paddleboards • Kontikis • Trailers • Gear bags • Electronics • Vehicles • Tools and equipment

No. AquaTAG is battery-free.

Any modern smartphone with NFC enabled can scan an AquaTAG. No app is required.

AquaGPS is a compact battery-powered GPS tracking device linked to your registered boat, gear, or asset on NZ Boat Register. It combines GPS positioning, cellular connectivity, and satellite connectivity (Direct-to-Cell) to provide ongoing location visibility across a much wider operating area than standard cellular-only trackers. AquaGPS is designed for use on and off the water and can be linked to boats, kayaks, kontikis, trailers, vehicles, and other movable assets.

AquaGPS determines location using GPS satellite positioning. When the device is within One NZ mobile coverage, location updates are transmitted through the One NZ 4G LTE cellular network. AquaGPS uses cellular and satellite connectivity to stay connected across coverage areas.

AquaGPS operates across New Zealand using One NZ 4G cellular connectivity with satellite-enabled extension where cellular coverage is unavailable. Current coverage extends across New Zealand and up to 85 nautical miles offshore, depending on location and operating conditions. Because AquaGPS uses two communication paths, it maintains wider reporting capability than a standard mobile-only tracker.

AquaGPS provides regular location reporting rather than second-by-second live tracking. Reporting intervals are managed automatically using adaptive tracking logic. When movement is detected, reporting frequency increases. When stationary, the device reduces reporting frequency to preserve battery life.

AquaGPS supports geofence alerts. Owners can define a geographic boundary and receive alerts if the device moves outside that selected area. This can be useful for monitoring stored boats, trailers, equipment, or vessels left on moorings.

Yes. AquaGPS includes onboard memory that stores location records when transmission is temporarily unavailable. Stored records are forwarded once connectivity is restored.

Yes. The registered owner can choose to share AquaGPS location access with selected people. This can include family, friends, event organisers, or operational contacts. Access remains under owner control and can be removed at any time.

Yes. AquaGPS supports grouped or fleet tracking. Multiple linked devices can be displayed on one shared map, allowing owners or organisations to monitor several assets at once. This is useful for: • Families with multiple craft • Clubs • Fleets • Event organisers • Commercial operators

AquaGPS uses 3 x AA user-replaceable lithium batteries. Use lithium batteries only (e.g. Energizer Ultimate Lithium). Do not use alkaline or Lithium-Thionyl Chloride (LTC) batteries.

Battery life depends heavily on GPS reception, cellular reception, temperature, and where and how the device is mounted. As an indication, AquaGPS is projected to run for up to one year on the NZBoat Track plan with moderate boat usage. Because usage varies significantly between installations, actual battery life will differ between users.

Yes. AquaGPS uses an IP68 and IK07 rated housing designed for marine and outdoor use. An IP Rating outlines the level of resistance of the device enclosure to water and dust penetration. IP68 rated devices can endure fine dust, high-pressure spray, immersion for up to 30 minutes in 1 metre of water, and extreme temperatures.

No. AquaGPS is not an emergency distress beacon and does not replace EPIRBs, PLBs, VHF radios, or other marine safety equipment. It is designed for ongoing location awareness rather than distress signalling.

Yes. AquaGPS requires an active subscription for connectivity, reporting, and access to location services.

AquaGPS must be installed on a rigid flat surface. Do not screw or strap the device onto a curved surface as this can compromise the water tightness of the housing. Multiple mounting options are available including screws, bolts, cable ties, and rivets. Stainless steel screws are provided. For reliable location updates and best satellite performance, mount the device where it has clear line of sight to the sky. Avoid fully enclosed metal compartments which can block GPS signals. Also avoid mounting directly beside very hot surfaces such as engines, and choose a location that reduces tampering risk.

No. AquaGPS uses a nano (4FF) SIM card that is pre-provisioned before dispatch. You do not need to install, configure, or replace the SIM card.

Yes. Your device arrives already active and ready to use. For the first GPS fix, place the device outdoors or somewhere with good sky visibility. If the device is indoors or heavily shielded by metal, the first position update may take longer or fail until it is moved outside.

The magnet is removed during provisioning so your device arrives already active and ready to use. Putting the magnet back in will not do anything at this stage, so you can set it aside. You may want to keep it - future enhancements may use it to detect if the device has been opened or tampered with.

Contact NZ Boat Register in the first instance at skipper@nzboatregister.co.nz. We will triage any devices under warranty with the One NZ IoT support team on your behalf.

The AquaGPS device is manufactured by Digital Matter and is subject to Digital Matter's warranty terms (Manufacturer Warranty), available at: https://support.digitalmatter.com/en_US/warranty/digital-matter-warranty-returns-policy. One New Zealand does not provide any separate warranty for the device. You must comply with all Manufacturer Warranty requirements (including installation, use and return procedures). The Manufacturer Warranty may be void if these are not followed, including where the device is incorrectly installed, modified, or misused. Batteries and battery performance are not covered under the Manufacturer Warranty. The Manufacturer Warranty period commences from the date the device is dispatched from Digital Matter's and accordingly may commence before delivery to the customer.

In the event a device needs to be returned as part of a claim under the Manufacturer's Warranty, One New Zealand will use best endeavours to provide support in accordance with the agreed support process and the Manufacturer Warranty terms. Any costs associated with the return of devices under a Manufacturer's Warranty claim (including shipping, handling and assessment costs) will be managed in accordance with the agreed support process and applicable law, and may be allocated between the parties accordingly. Please contact us at skipper@nzboatregister.co.nz to initiate a warranty return.

Yes. Currently transfers are completed by emailing skipper@nzboatregister.co.nz

Yes. A one-time $10 fee applies.

A digital record helps owners keep useful identifying information organised, which may assist when information is requested for insurance purposes.

Not currently. NZ Boat Register is mobile-optimised and works across phones, tablets, and desktop devices.

AquaTAGs start from $20 and are available in: • Stick-On • Tie-On • Bolt-On

Pricing is shown when purchasing and includes subscription options.

Yes. Discount options are available for clubs, events, organisations, and groups.