Port of Tauranga

Testing Time for Port of Tauranga's Security

Posted on 26th July 2005

The Port of Tauranga today became the first major port in the country to undergo a Level Two security drill under the direction of Maritime New Zealand.

Level Two security is initiated by the director of Maritime New Zealand in consultation with Government and defence advisers in response to a perceived terrorist threat to New Zealand or a terrorist attack in Australia or South East Asia.

The half-day exercise will involve 20 Port security and operations staff, Police and Customs' officers. Customs are providing sniffer dogs and equipment to x-ray freight. The Police will provide gate security assistance.

Last year the Port of Tauranga upgraded security to ensure that the Port complies with the International Ship and Port Security Code. This work included the installation on gateways of one of the most sophisticated photographic identification systems in the country.

Port of Tauranga Chief Executive Jon Mayson says, "The main aim of the exercise is to test our security efficiencies and our ability to control access to the Port.

Security is quite challenging for us because the Port has 11 rail and road access gates and an open water way that divides our two operational areas.

Advanced security is an essential requirement in enabling our exporters to access the world's major markets, as well as helping ensure New Zealand remains a safe place. That only adds weight to the importance of these exercises.

We are pleased to be able to work with Maritime New Zealand in testing the systems we have in place.“

This will be happening at the Port of Tauranga today (July 26th) and will be monitored by Maritime New Zealand's security advisers.

Maritime NZ Security Manager Bill Blaikie says Tauranga is the first major port to take part in this exercise which is critical for international compliance.

“We’ve been working closely with the Port to develop, audit and inspect security operations and now we’re testing what we’ve got in place. This is critical to ensure we meet international requirements, for New Zealand’s security and safety, and for our economy as 99 percent of New Zealand’s international trade is by sea.”

For further information

Jon Mayson
Chief Executive
Port of Tauranga
07 572 8829

Heidi Brook
Media Adviser
Maritime New Zealand
04 499 7318