Comptroller of Customs Martyn Dunne switching on the system with Customs Deputy Comptroller Robert Lake (left) and Commander of Joint Forces Air-Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell (right)

19 November 2010

New border protection system unveiled

Today a new maritime command and control system, designed to further improve New Zealand’s border security, was launched in Wellington.

Comptroller of Customs Martyn Dunne and Commander of Joint Forces (New Zealand Defence Force) Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell switched on the Maritime Safety and Security Information System which enables government agencies, through the National Maritime Coordination Centre (NMCC), to see a near real-time picture of ship movements both within our borders and beyond.

The new system dramatically reduces the time taken to gather accurate data on the identity and movements of vessels in our region.

The agencies can now spend more time on analysing information, identifying risks, and developing a picture of ships operating in and around our region.

Customs Minister Maurice Williamson says that participating in this initiative is a great step forward in the maritime safety and security of New Zealand’s border.
Comptroller of Customs Martyn Dunne said New Zealand was now part of a global system that would be widely available to several agencies for safety and security information.
Air Vice-Marshal Stockwell added that the new system gives us a much better picture of our maritime area of interest which in turn will enable us to monitor and respond to any threats in a more timely and accurate manner.

“It will also enable NZ to contribute information to other national agencies thereby increasing our standing in the international border protection community.”

There are around 70 countries contributing to the system at present. In the Asia Pacific region New Zealand joins Australia and Singapore as full contributors.

ENDS

© Scoop Media