KEY POINTS:
A security fence is to be built around Whenuapai Air Force Base, where an Australian C-17 transport plane was tagged by youths this month.
The NZ Defence Force called yesterday for registrations of interest from contractors to build the fence, which has to be 7.5km long to surround the West Auckland base.
Wing Commander Les Matthews, of the base's operational support wing, said the project was approved by the Cabinet on December 19 as part of an $129 million upgrade at Ohakea Air Force Base and Whenuapai.
"There is a fence there but it's not a security fence," he said.
"Civil Aviation Authority requires a fence around licensed airfields and this one will give the same protection as any airfield in the country."
Wing Commander Matthews said the fence would be 2.4m-high chain mesh topped by barbed wire outriggers to stop anyone climbing over it.
Since the embarrassing tagging incident, Defence officials have beefed up security between parked aircraft and a public road in the area.
The moves come as a multi-national exercise brings overseas aircraft to Whenuapai, including two from the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.
The Orion P3-B maritime patrol aircraft are taking part in Exercise Maru, which is testing New Zealand's ability to stop a shipment concealing materials for making weapons of mass destruction.
Wing Commander Andrew Clark, of 5 Squadron, said it was the first time that New Zealand had hosted the Japanese aircraft.
They are made in Japan by Kawasaki whereas New Zealand's P3-K Orions were made in the US.
"You notice that the Japanese look after their aircraft very well. They are in good condition and are nicely cleaned," said Wing Commander Clark.
Exercise Maru, which finishes tomorrow, is led by the Customs Service and also involves HMNZS Te Kaha and Resolution and naval patrol ships from Australia and France.
