In a media statement yesterday, district council regulatory manager Anthony Hall said Wakatipu harbourmasters Marty Black and Dave Black, and Wanaka harbourmaster Craig Blake, would be replaced by Cougar Security Group.
The change meant "farewelling some well-known individuals from our waterways", Mr Hall said.
"The council would like to acknowledge the great work they have done in providing this service, and for frequently going over and above what has been expected."
The longest-serving of the trio, Marty Black, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Mr Hall said Cougar had won a tender to oversee navigational safety on the district’s lakes and rivers by recreational and commercial users.
As well as enforcing the council’s navigation safety bylaw and the Maritime Transport Act, the company would provide education and monitoring services, issue infringement notices and respond to complaints.
The council and Cougar would work closely with the Queenstown and Wanaka Lakes Coastguard teams.
The company had a proven track record after 20 years of operating in the district, he said.
"The community will continue to receive a high level of service from the new provider."
