New Zealand deploys largest navy ship to monitor North Korean maritime smuggling

Operation near Japan follows dispatch of a patrol aircraft to support DPRK sanctions enforcement earlier this month

Jooheon Kim November 19, 2025 PRINT

The HMNZS Aotearoa | Image: Japan’s defense ministry

The Royal New Zealand navy deployed its largest ship to northeast Asia this month to watch for North Korean violations of U.N. sanctions, according to Japan’s foreign affairs ministry Tuesday.

The HMNZS Aotearoa carried out surveillance operations in “in waters surrounding Japan” from early to mid-November, the ministry said in a press release.

Japan welcomed the vessel’s deployment as part of international efforts to implement U.N. Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) against North Korea.

“As Japan has also been conducting information gathering activities for vessels suspected of violating the UNSCRs, Japan works closely with relevant countries and international organizations, including New Zealand,” the release said. 

In Aug. 2024, the 26,000-ton tanker and sustainment ship patrolled the area to monitor the DPRK’s ship-to-ship transfers in violation of U.N. sanctions for the first time, after its visit to Japan’s Yokosuka Naval Base south of Tokyo.

Earlier this month, Wellington deployed a patrol aircraft to operate out of Japan’s Kadena Air Base, marking the eighth time the aircraft has participated in operations against North Korea’s illegal maritime activities since 2018.

Canada has also sent patrol ships and aircraft to monitor DPRK sanctions evasion from Japan on multiple occassions in recent months.

Pyongyang is widely suspected of exporting coal in defiance of the sanctions and relying on illicit maritime smuggling to obtain oil beyond U.N.-imposed limits. The regime is also accused by the U.S. and other countries of using sanctioned vessels to supply weapons and troops to Russia.

Ship-to-ship transfers by the DPRK have been prohibited under Resolution 2375 since Sept. 2017.

The following year, countries including the U.K., Canada, Australia, France, Germany and Italy have regularly deployed aircraft and vessels to curb the DPRK’s illicit maritime activity.

North Korea officially rejects the international sanctions and condemns them as a U.S.-driven attempt to infringe on its sovereignty. 

In the past, findings from these monitoring missions were included in U.N. Panel of Experts reports on DPRK sanctions violations and were reported to the U.N.’s Enforcement Coordination Cell overseeing the sanctions.

However, since Russia vetoed the Panel’s mandate last year, these results have not been publicly revealed, and maritime surveillance findings have also been absent from the first two reports of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team established to replace the Panel.

Edited by David Choi

Foreign RelationsSanctions

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HMNZS Taupo toughs it out as weather tests Navy trainees

Last month’s red wind warning meant an extended stay in Wellington but not a respite in training for HMNZS Taupo’s trainee watchkeepers.

17 November, 2025

The vessel is two-thirds of the way through its Officer of the Watch ‘Bravos’ commitment, where alternating cohorts of junior warfare officers undertake their sea phase over 16 days, having done the hard yards on the simulator and the coursework at the Navigation Training School.

The latest cohort brought Taupo to Wellington just as an extreme weather system was making itself felt across New Zealand. The initial plan was to arrive early in the week, depart and return, with the trainees undertaking pilotage and navigation training.

However, the deteriorating conditions that kept many Wellingtonians at home meant Taupo’s team opted for a sheltered extended stay in the capital.

Flexibility is a must for naval operations, says Lieutenant Commander Toby Mara, Taupo’s Commanding Officer, especially with a classic Windy Wellington welcome.

“We were handling 50 knots in the Cook Strait and that provided some sporting conditions for entry into Wellington. Taupo has a good power-to-weight ratio and can control its heading quite well, so while the conditions were quite exciting for the students, the more experienced members of the team were confident the ship could handle it.”

Bumpy conditions heading south to Wellington (left), 0.5 calibre training aboard HMNZS Taupo (middle) and Taupo at anchor near Motuihe Island (right).

While it did mean a change of schedule, the team were still able conduct some bumpy pilotage training in a blustery Wellington Harbour during the week.

Earlier in the month Taupo started its latest sea phase from Devonport with an unusual event – operating in company with ROKS Hansando, a visiting helicopter training ship of the Republic of Korea Navy.

Taupo had entered Auckland harbour to ‘escort’ ROKS Hansando out – something that the host nation would typically do on the way into port, but due to Taupo’s availability was not achieved until the exit.

“It’s such a great opportunity to work with another nation. It’s amazing to see that even with a possible language barrier, our communications methods still stand up and we can conduct manoeuvres together.”

HMNZS Taupo escorts Republic of Korean Navy ship Hasando out of Waitemata Harbour.

Variety – and weather – defines Taupo’s vigorous training schedule around New Zealand’s coastline and ports.

Pilotage in and out of Auckland is standard, but previous cohorts this year have conducted training in the Hauraki Gulf, visited Opua in the Bay of Islands, undertaken confined waters navigation (pilotage) through the Motukawao Island group on the western side of the Coromandel and undertaken in-company serials with HMNZS Canterbury.

After Wellington, Taupo encountered Sea State 5 conditions with large beam seas, meaning the ship had to zig-zag up the coast.

“Once again, enriching for new members of the team. The navigation plan had the ship sheltering in Hawke Bay while the worst of the weather passed over the country. We had a stunning anchorage in Anaura Bay (Gisborne District) before heading around East Cape and heading to Auckland. After a weekend break we’ll finish the sea phase – a busy end of year for the Navy’s smallest ship!”

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Navy joins search for missing fisherman in Northland

By 1News Reporters

Monday 1:31pm

Police, including the national dive squad, and search and rescue crews have been joined by the Royal New Zealand Navy in the search today. (Source: istock.com)

Crews have continued the search for the remaining missing fisherman off the coast of Northland’s Pataua South, near Whangārei.

The man is one of two who were reported missing after their boat failed to return on time on Friday night.

The boat was found adrift on Saturday morning with no one aboard, followed soon after by the body of one of the men.

Police, including the national dive squad, and search and rescue crews have been joined by the Royal New Zealand Navy in the search today.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton said the focus was on bringing the missing man home to his whānau.

“I would also like to like extend my thanks to all the other agencies involved in the search, as well as those members of the public who have been nothing short of generous with their time and support,” Overton said.

Police have asked the public to contact them on 111 if anything unusual is seen in the water.

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RNZAF Returns To Fiji And Takes Opportunity To Show MC-12K King Air Capability To Tongan Military

Thursday, 13 November 2025, 3:53 pm – Press Release: New Zealand Defence Force

An MC-12K King Air in Fiji, a first for RNZAF’s No 42 Squadron deploying the aircraft to the South West Pacific region. (Photo/Supplied)

A return trip to Fiji for maritime patrols by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) MC-12K King Air has provided a further opportunity to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to operate in the South West Pacific region.

Aircrews on the MC-12K King Air regularly provide maritime patrols to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone.

Earlier this year, an MC-12K King Air flew to Fiji in what was a first for RNZAF’s No 42 Squadron deploying the aircraft to the South West Pacific region.

A vessel spotted during IUU fishing patrols in the South West Pacific region. (Photo/Supplied)

The aircrew worked in support of the Fijian Maritime Essential Services Centre, conducting patrols searching for IUU fishing and also pleasure craft activity in Fijian waters as Fijian authorities strive to combat transnational organised crime in their region.

On the aircraft’s second deployment to Fiji, patrols were carried out in various locations including a small island chain approximately 150 nautical miles south of Nausori, and also over an area of approximately 9500 square kilometres spanning Yasawa to Kia Island.

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The recent return to Fiji enabled the aircrew to also demonstrate the aircraft’s capabilities to neighbouring Tonga. At the end of the Fijian operation, the crew and aircraft departed for its first visit to Tonga, and took two members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, with experience in maritime surveillance operations, on board as the aircraft patrolled in the vicinity of Pangai Island in the Ha’apai group.

Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott, said it was great to build on the success of the first deployment with another into the region.

“The South West Pacific provides an excellent operating environment for our crews and enhances the strong partnerships between New Zealand and our friends in the region.”

Squadron Leader Craig Graham, who was the detachment commander for the deployment, said the return visit to Fiji was also important for the crew as it provided an opportunity for more junior pilots to step up. Flight Lieutenant Jamie Hull deployed on both operations captaining patrols in Fiji and the international transit flights back to New Zealand.

Squadron Leader Graham said Flight Lieutenant Hull had only been flying in the MC-12K King Air for two years and this deployment provided an opportunity for him to gain valuable experience by leading his crew on a complex operation.

© Scoop Media

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New Zealand Defence Force ready for high-risk weather season

As the South West Pacific high-risk weather season from November to April gets underway, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is reinforcing preparedness of its response capabilities.

11 November, 2025

The frigate  HMNZS Te Kaha and the multi-role ship HMNZS Canterbury and their crews, the Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Task Unit consisting of land forces, and various Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft are on standby to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tasks should they be required.

Two NZDF personnel have also joined the Brisbane-based Pacific Response Group (PRG) to help coordinate military response efforts to weather events.

The PRG is an initiative of the South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting, designed to strengthen coordination and readiness, and improve the effectiveness of military contributions to humanitarian crises in the Pacific.  

It brings together militaries from Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, with the aim of providing rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief options that complement local and international civilian efforts. 

The New Zealand Army’s Warrant Officer Class 2 Don Mohr, right, with Pacific Response Group personnel undertake induction training aboard Australian Defence Force ship ADV Reliant.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka, said the NZDF was committed to standing with its Pacific whānau. 

“Each year the high-risk weather season brings an elevated chance of cyclones and extreme weather in the Pacific.  

“We always hope it doesn’t happen, but if it does, we are prepared to provide our expertise and assets to support our regional partners and civilian agencies in response.

“We remain ready, interoperable and working shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners when communities need us.” 

In recent years, the NZDF has been called on to assist in the response to 2015’s Cyclone Pam which struck Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Kiribati, 2016’s Cyclone Winston which hit Fiji, and the Tongan volcanic eruption in 2022.

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Twenty years on, an old frigate is now a living reef – HMNZS Wellington

Deborah Morris – November 8, 2025

In November, 2005, the former HMNZS Wellington (F69), a Batch 3 Leander Class Frigate was sunk off the coast of Island Bay in Wellington.NZPA/Anthony Phelps

Below the waters of Houghton Bay is a warship – its forward guns intact, anchors in place, helipad empty. It is the HMNZS Wellington and it’s now a living reef.

The day it was scuttled – November 13, 2005 – stopped Wellington in its tracks.

In the single biggest public event ever seen in Wellington – Scuttling Day as it was known – meant thousands of cars were abandoned, parked along the roads of Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay and Lyall Bay as spectators filled the area to watch.

The crowds in 2005 brought Wellington to a standstill as they gathered to see the sinking of the HMNZS Wellington.Marco Zeeman

The sinking itself took under two minutes – the traffic jam took hours to fade away.

Marco Zeeman, a former Wellingtonian of the Year, had seen trawlers and ships repurposed as reefs while in Hawaii.

On returning home, he helped with the sinking of the Waikato in late 2000 and knew the HMNZS Wellington had also been decommissioned. He set up the SinkF69 Trust – and literally made history.

The Leander-class frigate of the Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy was originally commissioned in 1969 and called Bacchante. It joined New Zealand’s navy in 1982 before being decommissioned in 1999.

The frigate had been extensively refitted – a four-year mission which included new fuel tanks, a new gunnery control system along with surface and navigation radar.

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The Wellington had been to Fiji during the first coup there to help evacuate Kiwis and other foreign nationals, went to Sydney to take part in the Bicentennial Salute to mark the 200th anniversary of European settlement, went to Bougainville for peace keeping and to the Persian Gulf in 1995-96 supporting UN sanctions on Iraqi trade.

The SinkF69 Trust obtained resource consents in 2002 to buy the Wellington – for $1 – and sink it off Wellington’s South Coast.

The hull and propellers of F69, the former HMNZS Wellington, were cleaned as the frigate was prepared for scuttling off Wellington’s coast as a dive attraction.john selkirk

In 2005 the Wellington was towed fromAuckland’s Devonport Naval Base to Wellington where it sat at the Overseas Terminal as it was stripped. More than 100,000 people were able to visit the ship.

Holes were cut in the topsides and superstructure to allow the sinking and to allow access for divers.

A text competition was held by Telecom (now Spark) to be the person who would push the button setting off the explosives that would drop the ship.

Run over the 027 mobile network it was a text version of Battleships and at the end Auckland student Jo Smith won, beating off 115,000 entrants who sent 5.4 million text messages in a three-week period.

Zeeman said she was also the daughter of a crewman of the ship.

Originally scheduled for 3pm the previous day, the sinking was delayed by bad weather. Even on the day, strong winds slowed progress as tugs worked to position the ship.

Wellington city stopped to watch. The roads were blocked and boats took to the water – 236 according to the harbourmaster at the time’s count.

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First came fireworks, smoke, and an explosion — then a ball of orange flame and a massive boom. The ship sank, settling upright about 20 metres down, its bow pointing into Cook Strait.

Former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast sits on the now-silent guns of the frigate HMNZS Wellington in the waters off Island Bay after the warship was scuttled. She was one of the first divers to visit the ship.Dave Hansford

And just like that Wellington had a new attraction.

The wreck was then cleared by Police divers and later that day the first official dive took place.

The next year a huge storm caused the wreckage to break apart, the bow broke off and lay onto its side, secured by its 12-tonne mushroom anchor, with the hangar space collapsing under the pressure of the massive waves.

Some debris from the ship also washed ashore.

The Wellington now lies in two main sections on the seabed, close to where it was sunk. The bow rests on its side, 4.5″ guns intact, with the bridge and midship area nearby.

Pieces of the ship are all over Wellington – sold off when the ship was stripped – with the bell now at Wellington City Council, propellers in Cog Park, Houghton Bay and Waitangi Park while the capstan, the huge vertical winch used for pulling ropes or cables, is in Capstan Lane in Whitby.

And Zeeman has moved on to his next big project – Whale Song, seven life-sized bronze sculpted humpback whales in pod formation, to be suspended over a site, centrally located on the Kāpiti Coast.

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