Welcome to the New Zealand Government's Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) website

Exercise Maru

New Zealand's ability to halt a shipment concealing materials used to make weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has been tested in a major international exercise in Auckland in September 2008.

Exercise Maru tested the capabilities and arrangements of New Zealand and of other countries participating in the exercise for responding to any attempts to ship illicit chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, their delivery systems, or related materials across borders. The exercise also examined legal and process issues arising after the interception of weapons of mass destruction-related items.

The exercise took place in the Hauraki Gulf and Ports of Auckland between 15-19 September, and was a key part of New Zealand's strong commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

New Zealand welcomed a number of fellow Proliferation Security Initiative participating countries to Auckland for the exercise, as well as a number of non-participating countries from the Asia-Pacific as observers.

The Proliferation Security Initiative is an international initiative under which participating countries cooperate to stop illicit shipments of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials in particular dual use items, including chemicals or components that can be used to develop weapons of mass destruction or delivery systems.

The security and reputation of New Zealand's trade regime is widely recognised. New Zealand's active participation in PSI maintains our international reputation and capacity as a secure and trusted trading partner. New Zealand's actions as an active PSI partner reflect our concern about the potential illicit global trade in weapons of mass destruction and related materials, and contribute to a safer world.

Disclaimer: the content of this site is not necessarily the view of Proliferation Security Initiative participants as a whole.