Fishermen put their boats into Whakatāne Harbour at the boat ramp.
A $20 fee for "outsiders" to use Whakatāne's boat ramp may cause some boaties to boycott the town.
Whakatāne District Council was warned of the potential backlash during a hearing for its new fees and charges schedule on Wednesday, but mayor Nandor Tanczos and most councillors were prepared to take the risk.
As good neighbours, the council is looking at extending the local rate to the people of Kawerau and Ōpōtiki.
The council will adopt the new schedule in two weeks alongside its 2026-27 Annual Plan, ahead of the new financial year beginning 1 July.
