New Zealand Customs' new patrol boat hits Whanganui River

New Zealand Customs' new Whanganui-built patrol vessel has hit the water for trials.

Customs deputy operations controller Bill Perry said the catamaran, named Hawk V, will be based in Auckland but will be used to help secure what is one of the world's longest sea borders.

"It'll be used to target specific threats or intelligence that we receive. We work collaboratively with a number of agencies like defence and police," he said.

"The big thing obviously is drugs. Unfortunately New Zealand is a country now that is under some pressure in regards to drugs being attempted to be brought in."

The boat was built at Q-West in Whanganui and put into the water yesterday morning after a blessing.

The boat is the latest in a lineage of Hawks dating back to the agency's first boat in 1881.

It was purpose-built to help Customs to identify risk, detect non-compliance, and carry out enforcement activities.

Unlike Hawk IV which was fibreglass, Hawk V is aluminium.

"It's a lot bigger and a lot quicker and can get us to places in a lot safer way. It's got a suite of electronics on it as well where we can search large area," said Mr Perry.

The Hawk V is 18m in length, operates with a crew of four Customs officers and can cruise at more than 30 knots.

Mr Perry said Q-West was the first choice when Customs was looking for a builder.

"They build these aluminium boats that are really good for New Zealand sea conditions," he said. "They turn out a fantastic product."

Hawk V will be officially launched in Auckland on January 26, which is International Customs day.