Maritime NZ: Key points from this morning's media standup
Key points from this morning's media standup:
From the MNZ head of the salvage unit, Bruce Anderson:
* Media are reminded not to put any aircraft into the aerial exclusion zone as it could pose a safety risk to the salvage operation
* The salvage team has designed and built four platforms overnight - these will be attached to the port side of the vessel. The platforms will provide a flat surface for fuel pumping operations from the port tanks. This is a complex operation and there is unlikely to be any pumping today.
* The team has a sound plan in place and has effectively choreographed the operation - each team member is clear on what they need to do.
* Svitzer is an internationally recognised and respected company - and they are running a 24-hour operation, with planning and support being provided from Holland and Singapore.
From the Director of MNZ, Catherine Taylor:
* The support from the local community has been outstanding.
* There are now more than 2500 volunteers registered with the clean-up operation.
* Volunteers are asked to wait until they are contacted, as we do not need everyone at once. This will be a staged response - we will still need people in weeks.
* It is important people work with the response team as there is a risk of contamination if people do not follow the correct procedures. We need to keep clean areas clean.
* The oil is toxic - members of the public are asked to please avoid the oil. Information on the health issues associated with the oil is available at http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/rena_public
http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/incident Media queries (including wildlife queries) - 0800 774 554 International media queries - +64 27 815 4849 General queries - 0800 OIL SPILL Wildlife response (non media queries) - 0800 333 771 Public health queries 0800 611 116 Iwi liaison 0800 AWHI ME (0800 294 463)