Protecting the ports

Another aspect of the Defence Force deployment has been protecting our maritime borders. Nearly 80 personnel have been deployed to ports from Whangarei to Invercargill.

Corporal (CPL) Shannon Pevreal is working at the NorthPort near Whangarei.

“We’re helping Customs NZ maintain the maritime borders. We ensure people are complying with wearing masks and gloves and carrying out correct sanitisation when they’re coming on and off overseas vessels, both to protect New Zealanders and to protect the crew as well,” she said.

The port mostly dealt with cargo vessels carrying logs, fertiliser and crude oil.

“It’s been pretty good, most people are complying, there are a few who don’t abide by all the rules – they might just wear the mask and no gloves for example.

“We just note that down and pass to the Customs officers and they give the person a friendly reminder about the rules – that’s usually enough.”

The team works in two shifts from 6.30am until 11pm, CPL Pevreal said.

“It’s really good to be able to contribute to protect the country. We’re just doing our part instead of waiting for the virus to disappear – it’s great to be proactive.”