Fixed wing planes, choppers and a raft of emergency units are on high alert and ready for action over a massive oil slick off Marsden Point.
That spill has not happened - yet - but a simulated exercise due to take place today will help Maritime New Zealand's Marine PollutionResponse Service be prepared for the real deal.
The service is planning to test a number of its oil spill response arrangements during today's exercise based off Bream Bay and around the Marsden Point oil refinery.
Locals are being warned the exercise will simulate the dispersal of an offshore oil slick and will involve a number of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters operating in the area, including at low level.
The public is asked to keep well away from the operational area and the refinery will cordon off its helipad area.
No chemicals will be used but aircraft will spray water to simulate the use of dispersants.
The Northland Regional Council and its regional harbourmaster Jim Lyle, Refining New Zealand, Northport, local iwi, NIWA and police have all been notified of the operation.
Unlike a real emergency, this one can be postponed if necessary. In case of bad weather or other factors, the exercise will take place tomorrow.
