Below is an update on Port Taranaki’s response to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation.

Port operations

To date, there has been no impact on port operations, including shipping.

We are, however, contingency planning for possible changes to our operations as a result of the impact of COVID-19, and specific communication is underway with relevant organisations considering our life-line utility status.

Border entry

Cargo vessels and their crew are subject to strict border controls already in place. These rules are administered by the public health unit of the Taranaki District Health Board. These controls include: 

• Ship captains must within 24 hours of expected arrival declare if there is any illness on board and are not allowed to berth unless public health staff are satisfied there is no risk.

• If the vessel has been at sea for longer than 14 days or travelled between New Zealand ports, the crew do not need to self-isolate.

• Crew must minimise contact with port staff and maintain a safe physical distance of at least two metres. 

Health and safety

Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff, customers and stakeholders who operate at the port.

We have multiple measures in place to protect the health of all Port Taranaki staff, including the use of protective equipment, restrictions on business travel, and the provision for staff to work from home if it is possible.

We ask that all those wishing to enter the port operations area, the Port Taranaki Centre and other port buildings areas follow the Ministry of Health guidelines, which can be found on their website.

I will update you further should any of the circumstances at Port Taranaki change.

Guy Roper
Chief Executive