MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12 October 2005

Exercise in Auckland Puts Government Departments to the Test

A range of government departments are today testing their ability to cope with the mass arrival of illegal migrants by sea.

Customs, the Department of Labour, Police, Ministry of Health, the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry are among the agencies involved in the exercise.

The exercise is taking place in Auckland, where a fictional boat from the non-existent country of Colchis will berth safely.

There will be 'real time' field incidents or events, plus additional data and events being generated by Exercise Control. Participants will respond to the exercise as the scenario develops.

The exercise is an opportunity to test the whole-of-government approach and the plans developed for such an event, evaluate operational capability for both personnel and equipment, and assess the application of relevant legislative powers and procedures when responding to such events.

During the day-long exercise, the various agencies will undertake biosecurity, public health, security, and immigration assessments.

ENDS

© Scoop Media