The Government of Niue last week launched a major extension to its maritime VHF network. Niue now has an island-wide VHF coverage, reaching out to 12 nautical miles offshore.
At the launch last Thursday, Minister for Infrastructure-Hon. Crossley Tatui says the extension of this network was a significant and important project for maritime safety in Niue.
“Also our fishing community is important for food security and this VHF network is a safety net for them and by extension all of us,” he said.
Hon. Tatui says the network will also provide an effective communication platform for Niue Police for search and rescue, NDMO for activating the tsunami siren, Bulk fuel for marine spills response and outside services for port operations.
“It will also help provide border agencies with early indications of approaching visiting vessels.” he added.
Advisor to the Maritime NZ Pacific Maritime Safety Programme-Tony Parr says the project has been a long time coming but its good to see it come to fruition.
A team from New Zealand’s Infratel were on the island recently to install the new VHF equipment on three existing telecommunication masts including Kaho in Avatele, Sekena at Makefu and Lakepa.
Hon Tatui acknowledged the Government of New Zealand for funding the extension to the network and Maritime New Zealand for their technical expertise.
Niue government agencies that were involved in the project were the Department of Transport, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Niue Police, Telecom Niue Limited and the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue.
