Police monitoring offshore protest activity

Police have been monitoring protest activity over the weekend around the Singapore based oil survey ship "Orient Explorer" operating off the East Cape of New Zealand said Superintendent Barry Taylor, Police National Manager: Operations.

Superintendent Taylor said as long as the protest was peaceful and did not in anyway threaten the safety of those involved or the rights of the operators of the survey ship to operate unimpeded; then Police would continue to maintain a monitoring role.

Police will abide by the rights and freedom of people to demonstrate but ensure they remain within the law and do not threaten the safety of others.

"We are currently exploring the legal options available to us under which the police may be required to act to safeguard the rights of those operating the ship," said Superintendent Taylor.

Police powers out side the twelve mile territorial limit are the same as under New Zealand law.

"Any action taken by Police will be conducted with regard to safety and lawful activity, but any activity undertaken by the protesters that is deemed unlawful we will take appropriate action."

Police will be utilising available assets from other agencies as required; for example the Defence Force naval vessels and aircraft.

An Air Force Orion is currently observing the protest from the air and providing information for Police to maintain a monitoring role.

"Police hope any future protest action will take place lawfully. We would strongly discourage a repeat of Sunday's events that could have risked the safety of both the protesters and those operating the survey ship," said Superintendent Taylor