On 11 March, Whangamata Marina became the venue for a comprehensive marine oil spill response training exercise, coordinated by the Waikato Regional Council (WRC). The exercise aimed to ensure readiness in case of an actual oil spill emergency, bringing together a wide range of agencies and local partners. The exercise involved deploying various response equipment, including drones, oil booms, skimmers, and oil holding tanks.
The training served as a vital opportunity to enhance the preparedness of those involved in responding to marine oil spills. Staff from WRC, along with local Iwi, Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC), the Department of Conservation (DOC), Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), and Coastguard New Zealand, participated in the exercise. Maritime New Zealand (Maritime NZ) was also on-site to evaluate the operations, ensuring that best practices were followed and identifying areas for improvement.
The response team used two types of oil booms to contain the simulated spill, while oil skimmers were deployed to collect the oil from the water’s surface. Drones provided an aerial view of the operation, assisting with situational awareness and allowing for more efficient decision-making. Oil holding tanks were also set up to store the recovered oil during the exercise.
WRC explained the significance of the training, emphasising that it helps bring new staff up to speed with oil spill response protocols and refreshes the skills of experienced team members. The council regularly conducts such exercises to ensure that all personnel are well-prepared and capable of responding effectively if a real spill were to occur.
The exercise took place over a section of the marina and shoreline, but the public was still able to access the marina boat ramp. Members of the public were encouraged to observe the training from a safe distance.
