- Invercargill Airport will carry out a large emergency response exercise involving multiple agencies.
- Volunteers will help simulate a real-life emergency to test communication and coordination systems.
- Public may see emergency vehicles, but there is no actual emergency or cause for concern.
Invercargill Airport will be carrying out a major emergency exercise today, Wednesday 10 September, as part of its ongoing focus on safety and readiness.
The full-scale event will simulate a complex emergency scenario and will involve Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, and airport staff. More than 40 volunteers will take part to help create a realistic training experience for emergency responders.
Although the emergency will only be a simulation, people may notice a higher presence of emergency vehicles around the airport during the day. The public is advised that there is no actual emergency taking place.
Airport Chief Executive Stuart Harris said the event is a key part of making sure the airport is always ready to respond effectively to serious incidents.
“Safety is always our highest priority. These exercises are about testing our systems, building coordination across agencies, and making sure we are fully prepared for any eventuality. It takes months of planning and a lot of work behind the scenes to bring everything together. The support from our volunteers and partner agencies is invaluable, and it reflects our shared commitment to keeping the travelling public safe,” Mr Harris said.
The exercise is expected to begin at around 12 noon and finish by 1.00 pm, though these times may vary depending on the needs of the exercise.
Invercargill Airport has reassured the public that there is no emergency and thanked Southlanders for their understanding and support.