the server is up, but the content on it is protected and the mechanism whereby it works out you are authorised to view it has gone pear shaped.

This sort of thing happens fairly often, particularly whilst someone is working on additions to the website.

these sort of security systems are common in trade organisations to keep premium content locked down to members or subscribers…

if it is imperative that you can see this content today, Is there anyone you can phone or email to ask what is going on?

I see what you mean now – it looks like someone has been working on the site and has broken it (or some other technical problem), or they are just doing weekend maintenance

Not too impressive though, TBH had that been my project I would have made sure some sort of better message came up warning of downtime and when the site may be back up (that looks like a site peoples livelihoods depend on)

If its not up by business hours on Monday I would suggest ringing someone at IRATA and seeing if they know whats happened….