New Zealand ports that can accept shipments of explosives have recommended limits on the quantity of explosive materials they can handle. The quantity limits in the table at the bottom of the section are based on a report by Opus International Consultants Limited, updated in January 2010.
Read the OPUS report on explosives handling at ports (PDF, 221KB)
The quantities shown are recommended values. Some port companies have since conducted their own studies and determined their quantity limits separately. Contact the relevant port company to establish their requirements before arranging for the movement of explosives through that port.
Each port company wishing to accept vessels carrying explosives or handle consignments of explosives must determine how they achieve compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.
Read the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 - New Zealand Legislation website
For specific enquiries about these Regulations, please contact WorkSafe New Zealand
The current recommended limits (net explosive quantity, (NEQ)) for cargos of explosives, at specified berths at each port, are listed in the table below. Please see Port websites for any updates to this information.
Please note:
- you should consider the type of explosive and quantity (i.e. the hazard presented) and any exposed sites to determine the appropriate transfer zone distance
- there is no limit on the amount of class 1.4 explosives that can be handled, provided a fire safety zone of at least 25 metres is maintained from all other goods
- propellant powders in quantities greater than 500kg are classified as class 1.1C
- quantity-distance limits do not apply to retail fireworks that are controlled by the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001 or to safety ammunition (including pre-primed cartridges and primers) with classification 1.4S.
Recommended maximum quantities (NEQ) for main ports in New Zealand
| Port |
Berth |
Specified point |
Class 1.1/1.5:
Max recommended NEQ (kg) when packed in ISO containers |
Class 1.2:
Max recommended NEQ (kg) when packed in ISO containers |
Class 1.3:
Max recommended NEQ (kg) when packed in ISO containers |
| Auckland |
Fergusson |
Outer |
36,000 |
4,000 |
170,000 |
| Auckland |
Freyberg |
West outer |
4,500 |
90 |
22,000 |
| Auckland |
Freyberg |
East outer |
4,500 |
90 |
22,000 |
| Auckland |
Jellicoe |
West outer |
20,000 |
1,400 |
95,000 |
| Auckland |
Jellicoe |
East outer |
5,000 |
100 |
24,000 |
| Auckland |
Bledisloe |
West outer |
12,000 |
550 |
55,000 |
| Auckland |
Bledisloe |
East outer |
16,000 |
900 |
75,000 |
| Onehunga |
LOLO |
|
1,500 |
12 |
7,000 |
| Tauranga |
S. Point |
Berth 24 |
55,000 |
9,000 |
200,000 |
| Tauranga |
S. Point |
Berth 23 |
55,000 |
9,000 |
200,000 |
| Tauranga |
Berth 11 |
|
6,000 |
160 |
28,000 |
| Napier |
Kirk. No. 5 |
Outer |
59,000 |
10,000 |
200,000 |
| N. Plymouth |
Blyde |
Outer |
7,000 |
200 |
34,000 |
| Wellington |
|
|
Refer to CentrePort for quantity limits |
Refer to CentrePort for quantity limits |
Refer to CentrePort for quantity limits |
| Lyttleton* |
Cashin Q |
|
12,000 |
500 |
55,000 |
| P Chalmers |
No 1 |
|
16,000 |
900 |
75,000 |
(as of January 2010)
*Shipments of class 1.1 of up to 48,000 kg may be accepted by Lyttelton Port Company, depending on berth availability and by a case-by-case consideration; contact Lyttelton Port Company for more information.