Security measures for ferry protest flotilla

Toll NZ will work with authorities on security measures for a planned protest flotilla in Picton Harbour and possibly at the entrance to Tory Channel.

Marlborough Police Area Commander Inspector Steve Caldwell and Marlborough harbourmaster Alex van Wijngaarden were scheduled to meet yesterday with representatives of Picton police, Coastguard, Guardians of the Sounds and possibly Toll New Zealand to discuss the security measures.

The Guardians plan protest action in two places on the water this Saturday, one starting outside Mabel Island in Picton Harbour, the other at the entrance to Tory Channel.

Guardians spokesman Peter Beech said the flotilla planned for Mabel Island would involve the general public but the Tory Channel action would be for a carefully selected number of boats only.

He said the planned protest had no intention of stopping the vessel Kaitaki or causing inconvenience to its passengers.

The action at Tory Channel aimed to slow Kaitaki to the council's legal speed of 15 knots from the 18 knots it is currently travelling at in the Sounds.

The Guardians' boats would maintain a line abreast and ahead of the ship from Tory Channel entrance to Picton Harbour, all going at 15 knots, he said.

The Guardians had written to Toll NZ asking that the master of Kaitaki respect "the safety of our vessels by maintaining safe sea room, between your vessel and our craft".

Mr Beech said police and Coastguard patrol craft would accompany the Tory Channel protest.

The flotilla for the general public outside Mabel Island was a passive protest and would wait for Kaitaki's arrival in Picton Harbour.

The protest boats would not enter the inner harbour until after the ship had started to reverse into its berth.

Toll NZ spokeswoman Sue Foley said the Environment Court sitting in Blenheim to consider an appeal by the shipping industry against the speed restrictions was the correct place to sort the issues.

- NZPA