NZ to host interntl counter-proliferation exercise
Hon Nanaia Mahuta
Minister of Customs
13 May 2008
Media Statement
New Zealand to host
international counter-proliferation exercise
New Zealand's ability to deal with shipments concealing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will be put to the test in a major international exercise hosted in Auckland in mid-September, Customs Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today.
"Exercise Maru will test our ability to halt shipments containing chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, their delivery systems or dual-use goods (goods that can be used to make such weapons) as they cross New Zealand's borders and will also test our post-seizure procedures," Nanaia Mahuta said.
The exercise will take place in the Hauraki Gulf and the Port of Auckland between 15-19 September and forms part of New Zealand’s commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).
The PSI is an international counter-proliferation initiative that aims to prevent weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials ending up in the wrong hands.
“This month marks the fifth anniversary of the PSI and we've chosen to use this milestone to announce Exercise Maru,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
“New Zealand has been a strong and active supporter of the PSI. Our participation in PSI helps deter would-be traffickers from targeting New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific region.”
“Exercise Maru is an across-government exercise bringing together the New Zealand government agencies including the New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ministry of Defence, along with international partners, and local industry,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
“Hosting the exercise will assess our capability and arrangements for responding to any attempts to smuggle dangerous weapons, or their components into our country.”
New Zealand will welcome a number of fellow member countries of the PSI to Auckland to participate in the exercise, as well as member and non-member observers from the Asia-Pacific region, Nanaia Mahuta said.
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Q &
A
What is the Proliferation Security Initiative
(PSI)?
The PSI was launched in May 2003 by the
United State in response to the threat posed to
international security by the proliferation of Weapons of
Mass Destruction (WMD), their delivery systems and related
material, in particular the risk WMD might fall into the
hands of state and non-state actors (eg terrorist groups) of
concern. The PSI’s main purpose is to advance
international cooperation to stop shipments of WMD ending up
in the wrong hands, consistent with relevant international
law and national legal requirements. Over 85 countries have
joined the PSI.
What is New Zealand’s role in the
PSI?
New Zealand joined the PSI in 2004 and is a
member of the Initiative’s 20-country Operational Experts
Group (OEG). New Zealand is an active participant in PSI
activities, including hosting a meeting of the OEG in
Auckland last year and participating in global and regional
PSI exercises. Our involvement in PSI demonstrates our
commitment to preventing the proliferation of WMD, and helps
keep our own country and citizens safe from the risk of WMD
falling into the wrong hands.
Who will be involved
in Exercise Maru?
New Zealand Government agencies
participating are the New Zealand Customs Service as lead
agency, New Zealand Defence Force, Ministry of Defence,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, New Zealand Police, New
Zealand Fire Service, Maritime New Zealand, and the
Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet.
The Government is still in the process of confirming international participation but expects that some other members of the PSI Operational Experts Group will participate, especially those from our region. We are also inviting some non-PSI members from our region to observe the exercise.
When and
where will the exercise be held?
Exercise Maru
will be held from Monday 15 September to Friday 19 September
in Auckland. The exercise will involve ships, boats,
helicopters, fire engines and Police and Army vehicles, and
will take place in the Hauraki Gulf and the Port of
Auckland. No disruption to Auckland residents or port
traffic is expected.
What will be discussed at the
5th anniversary meeting in Washington?
The PSI
High Level Planning Meeting to be held on 28 and 29 May 2008
will review the PSI’s results and successes over the last
five years and look at ways to continue strengthening the
PSI for the future. There will also be a workshop open to
both PSI endorsing states and states considering
endorsement. It will provide detailed information on the
broad range of PSI activities and share best practices and
tools that have been developed to assist countries with
implementing their commitment to the
PSI.
ENDS