9 March 2011

A marine oil spill exercise at Mahia next week will test processes and actions for the main oil spill response agencies in Hawke’s Bay and East Coast.

The exercise on Thursday 17 March involves Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Gisborne District Council, Maritime NZ, Massey University and Department of Conservation.

“Mahia and the Maungawhio Lagoon are very special and sensitive environments, so it’s important for staff involved in the response to be familiar with the coastline and test our ability to response quickly and appropriately to any oil spill that might come from a boat in the area,” said Drew Broadley Communications Manager for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council who will be the media liaison for the exercise.

“All around New Zealand, councils and other organisations train for oil spill responses with Maritime NZ so we are ready if an incident occurs.”

This is the first time the two councils have run a joint exercise together, but they have taken part in each other’s exercises in other years. Hawke’s Bay staff also provided support during the oil spill at Gisborne from the Jodi F Millennium in 2002.

Oil spill response and clean up will be the focus for staff from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Gisborne District Council, while staff from the Department of Conservation and Massey University will focus on wildlife risks.

Maritime NZ are providing an overall advisory function, as oil spill responses on a national level is a key role for the organisation.

The exercise areas will be Oraka Beach, Maungawhio Lagoon and Mahia Beach.

Te Mahia School has been invited to meet with Massey University and find out how rescued birds are cleaned. Members of the public are welcome to observe the operations.

The exercise will include the deployment of booms and other equipment, testing air operation and related equipment, communications, health & safety, media planning and wildlife risk identification.

ENDS

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