An exercise to test New Zealand's preparedness for dealing with a mass arrival of asylum seekers by boat is going smoothly, the Government says.
Exercise Barrier started at the beginning of May and runs for eight weeks, with 100 role players being processed through health, customs and immigration checks following their simulated arrival.
"We know we have been a target in the past for people smugglers and we need to do all we can to ensure we are prepared for any future attempts," Immigration Minister Nathan Guy said.
"A freighter with 500 asylum seekers from Asia made it all the way to Canada two years ago, so New Zealand is certainly within reach."
Customs Minister Maurice Williamson says he's impressed with the way the exercise is going.
"Observers from Canada and Australia have been shadowing customs officers during the exercise," he said.
"The officers will benefit greatly from the guidance of those who have first-hand experience of maritime mass arrivals."
NZN