Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) informs that for the first time in 5 years it has a permanent presence in New Plymouth on the opening of a new office at Port Taranaki staffed by full-time maritime officer Michael Vredenburg. Opening the office, MNZ Director Keith Manch said the move reflected the significant role of the port and region in New Zealand’s maritime sector. The previous office closed in July 2009, following the retirement of the sole staff member. “Port Taranaki is at the centre of New Zealand’s offshore petroleum industry and is also a key import and export port,” he said. While based at Port Taranaki, new Maritime Officer Michael Vredenburg’s focus will be the wider Taranaki region…