Port security
Ports of Auckland must comply with several national and international security measures. These regulations may impact you when you visit the Auckland Port.
Visitors to the port need to register with Security and show photo ID.
The new era of heightened port security is upon us. Ports all around the world have implemented tighter security measures to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, effective 1 July 2004. New Zealand ports must also comply with the New Zealand legislation, the Maritime Security Act 2004.
The regulations are for the security of trade and tourism, and to safeguard port staff, users and local communities from terrorism and transnational crime.
The government-appointed regulatory body, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), has verified that Ports of Auckland is compliant with these new international security requirements as of June 2004. Maritime New Zealand is responsible for setting the Maritime Security Levels of New Zealand ports. These levels are:
Security Level 1 is the normal day-to-day operational level whereby minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times. These include such measures as the presenting of photo ID when entering the Port, searching of bags and vehicles, and various levels of access control.
Security Level 2 is the level for which appropriate additional protective security measures must be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a security incident. These security measures are generally obtained by an increase in the procedures listed at Level 1.
Security Level 3 is the level for which further specific protective security measures must be maintained for a limited period of time when a security incident is probable or imminent. Again, an increase in the security measures listed above for Level 2 are employed with the aid of the various Government agencies.
Access and ID Requirements
All persons wishing to enter the Port of Auckland must have a genuine reason for their visit and present tamper-resistant photo ID to the security staff at the gates or reception areas.
Tamper-resistant photo ID can be:
- A Ports of Auckland Limited-issued ID card
- An ID card issued by any other New Zealand port
- A driver's licence issued by Land Transport Safety
- A valid passport
- An identification card issued by a New Zealand government agency or New Zealand Defence Force
- A seafarer's identity document issued by a contracting government
- An identification credential issued by a recognised company, union or trade association
- Any other form of identification approved by the Chief Executive of Maritime New Zealand
The above identification credentials must have the holder’s name, photograph and the name of the issuing authority.
As a condition of entry to Ports of Auckland Limited, your vehicle or any bags you are carrying in may be subjected to a random search by the security staff. Failure to comply with this request by security staff may cause them to deny entry of the bags, vehicle or, in extreme cases, the individual themselves.
For information on access to the Port of Auckland and related security measures, please refer to the Safe Access and Security Brochure or contact Ports of Auckland's Port Facility Security Officer on 09 336 4801 or email gladmanm@poal.co.nz
For more information about the ISPS Code, please refer to the Maritime New Zealand website.
