Members of the chemical, biological and radiological team at Trentham Military Camp. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Should New Zealand fall victim to a terrorist attack, the Government is confident the country's bomb squad can respond.
The new headquarters and training facility of the Defence Force's explosive ordnance disposal squadron was opened yesterday by Defence Minister Phil Goff.
The facility, at Trentham Camp in Upper
Hutt, cost $22 million and is part of the Government's $4 billion 10-year Long Term Development Plan for Defence.
The squadron, which has about 40 personnel, will build up over the next 18 months to more than 72.
Three smaller units have been established near the air and sea ports of the country's main centres - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
About 50 soldiers will be based at Trentham and smaller numbers will be at the other sites.
"The prospect of a terrorist attack in New Zealand using chemical, biological or radiological devices is lower than in many other countries," Mr Goff said. "Yet given the serious consequences of such an attack, we cannot afford to be complacent.
"This significant financial investment provides a major strengthening of our ability to respond to these types of threats."
Old equipment is being replaced with remote-controlled robots, new detection devices and new decontamination equipment and clothing.
Mr Goff said the new facility would also guarantee more protection during New Zealand-hosted international events such as the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
"The enhanced capability builds on the New Zealand Defence Force's expertise and professionalism - for which it has a long history and gained a well-earned reputation, both at home and internationally - in the area of explosive ordnance disposal."
Defence spokesman Captain Zac Prendergast said the present personnel had been able to work only part-time as part of the squadron, but the new facility and resources meant they could now work full-time.
They would be based in their own building at Trentham Camp, which also included an ammunition school, lecture rooms, offices and barracks.
Captain Prendergast said the opening went well, with police, Customs and the Fire Service also attending.
