Anti-terror exercise tests readiness for attack

Government agencies have responded well to a three-day mock anti-terrorist operation designed to test New Zealand's readiness for a real attack, say police.

The exercise, dubbed Operation Lawman, began in Christchurch on Monday and pitted the country's counter-terrorism experts against a mock external terrorist group who were trying to import a bio-chemical substance.

Police Assistant Commissioner Gavin McFadyen said the scenario tested intelligence gathering and analysis, multi-agency tactical responses and diplomatic and media relations.

Government agencies had responded well to the test, he said.

"We have some very tired people. They've been working in shifts over a 72-hour period to resolve the threat presented in the scenario, but they're very pleased they have been given the opportunity to put their skills to the test in a realistic situation."

Police, the Defence Force, the Security Intelligence Service, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet took part in the exercise.

Scenarios included a lethal cyanide leak at Christchurch airport, a bomb exploding at a swimming pool and a woman caught smuggling a chemical through the airport.

Mr McFadyen said staff would now analyse findings from the exercise and modify systems if required.

For security reasons, agencies would not discuss the findings.

To the public the only sign of Operation Lawman was some increased police and fire traffic on the roads.

Counter-terrorism exercises are a Government requirement and have been held regularly since the 1970s.

- NZPA