Hawke’s Bay naval officer hones his skills in the Pacific

Sub Lieutenant Zac Jenkins is looking forward to his return to Auckland on board HMNZS Canterbury on Friday, after nearly three months overseas.

27 August, 2025

The 23-year-old Waipukurau man initially worked as a butcher for three years after leaving Central Hawke’s Bay College, before joining the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in 2022.

“I have a history of family members serving in the Navy. My grandad was a Petty Officer Marine Technician, and all four great-grandfathers served in the Royal Navy and Merchant Marine during World War II. 

“I joined because the Navy gave me an opportunity to continue the family tradition and see parts of the world I wouldn’t have otherwise.” 

His latest deployment has taken him across the Pacific.

HMNZS Canterbury, the RNZN’s multi-role logistics vessel, played a key role for the New Zealand Defence Force in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, transporting troops, vehicles, equipment and helicopters between Wellington, and Townsville and Gladstone.

The ship has also been to Noumea for a port visit and Suva where it unloaded two of the Navy’s new uncrewed surface vessels to assist with Fijian Navy-led border protection activities. The crew also supported the South West Pacific Maritime Heads Forum hosted in Fiji.

HMNZS Canterbury, the Royal New Zealand Navy’s multi-role logistics vessel, enters Wellington Harbour

As a warfare officer on board HMNZS Canterbury, Sub Lieutenant Jenkins has used the time well, ticking off a variety of endorsements and qualifications and earning a promotion from Ensign.

“There are high expectations to be met with my work, so I am constantly aiming to meet these expectations to develop myself professionally,” he says.

“This deployment will set me up well for my future in the Navy.”

Sub Lieutenant Jenkins has previously served aboard HMNZS Taupo and HMNZS Matataua, the RNZN’s dive unit, using his warfare officer skills to remotely operate the Navy’s uncrewed surface vessels Rua and Tahi.

During his latest stint at sea, visited New Caledonia and North Queensland for the first time.

“It was a privilege to visit Noumea, as my grandfather was posted there during World War II. It makes me proud to be continuing a family tradition that spans over half a century.”

Sub Lieutenant Jenkins’ advice to those looking at the Navy as a career is to be prepared to be away from home at short notice.

“It’s been a long time away from home and my partner, and the longest I have been away from home while in the Royal New Zealand Navy,” he says.

“There are a lot of moving parts in the Defence Force, and a lot of cool opportunities to do things you wouldn’t normally do in civilian jobs. It takes a while to adapt to the lifestyle but the rewards are huge.”

from WordPress
via IFTTT

HMNZS Te Kaha returns to rousing welcome after seven-month deployment

By 1News Reporters – Sunday 6:32pm

See video here – click link below

https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/08/24/hmnzs-te-kaha-returns-to-rousing-welcome-after-seven-month-deployment/

HMNZS Te Kaha returns to rousing welcome after seven-month deployment

Gun salutes echoed across the Waitemata Harbour as the ship returned to Devonport Naval Base after 193 days.

https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.715.0_en.html#fid=goog_108015566Play Video

HMNZS Te Kaha returns to rousing welcome after seven-month deployment2:27

Gun salutes echoed across the Waitemata Harbour as the ship returned to Devonport Naval Base after 193 days. (Source: 1News)

After close to seven months at sea, Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha returned to Devonport Naval Base this morning to a hero’s welcome, greeted by hundreds of emotional friends and whānau.

The ship’s 193-day deployment included operations with Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), a multinational coalition focused on maritime security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean.

Led by New Zealand for part of the year, the task force disrupted transnational criminal and terrorist networks operating in key shipping lanes.

One of the most significant achievements of Te Kaha’s deployment was its support in the seizure of narcotics valued at $1.8 billion NZD, a record-breaking haul that dealt a major blow to drug trafficking operations in the Arabian Sea.

“The tactics and procedures we contributed to have changed that region for the coming five years,” said Commander Fiona Jameson, Te Kaha’s Commanding Officer.

“There have been further drug busts since we left, based on our intelligence.”

The ship also participated in Operation Highmast, integrating with a UK Carrier Strike Group, and took part in Talisman Sabre, the world’s largest multi-domain military exercise.

Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, said the deployment demonstrated New Zealand’s role as a responsible global partner.

“Deployments like these are us playing our part in good order and being a good global citizen,” he said.

Because the deployment exceeded six months, Te Kaha was honoured with a ceremonial homecoming.

Gun salutes echoed across the harbour, haka were performed both ashore and aboard, and cheers erupted as the ship berthed and the crew disembarked.

“It’s amazing, it’s been a long six months,” one family member told 1News.

“Very emotional seeing them—and this one jumping up and down,” added another.

“It doesn’t feel real. It feels like I’m dreaming.”

The deployment also included diplomatic engagements, such as hosting a New Zealand Government trade delegation in Mumbai and monitoring a Chinese maritime task group in the Tasman Sea.

After months at sea, many crew members were looking forward to simple comforts.

“KFC and a mince and cheese pie,” one sailor said.

“The first thing I’m doing is having a massive island feed,” said another.

More on this topic

NZ-led naval taskforce wraps anti-drug operation with $1.8b haul

Wed, Jun 25

“Sometimes, being away from your wife for so long, you snuggle up to some of the guys for a cuddle—just to keep warm, of course!” one joked.

“It gets cold out at sea, doesn’t it? Yeah, especially in Oman!”

from WordPress
via IFTTT

NZ Defence Helicopter, Plane Decisions Announced

Thursday, 21 August 2025, 3:12 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government

Hon Judith Collins KC
Minister of Defence

Hon Winston Peters
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft in the first major investment decisions to be made as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP).

Royal Australian Navy MH-60R from HMAS Brisbane conducting deck landing on HMNZS Te Mana during Ex Bersama Lima 23. (Photo/ New Zealand Defence Force)

Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters today announced investment decisions of $2.7 billion, with the MH-60R Seahawk the preferred option to replace the existing maritime helicopters. The Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft will replace the aging 757 fleet.

“This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” Ms Collins says.

“The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force, and the new planes will give us reliable aircraft to deploy personnel and respond to international events.”

Mr Peters says these decisions show how the Government is responding to the sharply deteriorating security environment.

Royal Australian Navy MH-60R from 725 Squadron launching a Hellfire missile in Florida, United States. (Photo/Australian Defence Force)

“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity.

“The DCP provides the foundation for our uplift in defence spending, and two-yearly reviews of the plan will allow us to adapt to an ever-changing security environment.”

The $2 billion plus investment in maritime helicopters and $700 million investment in the new Airbus A321XLRs are both part of the $12 billion in planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP announced in April.

Ms Collins says the maritime helicopters are versatile and add combat and deterrent capability to our naval fleet.

“These five Seahawks will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates and ensure we are interoperable with our ally Australia and other partner defence forces,” she says.

“We will now move at pace to procure helicopters directly through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales programme instead of going to a wider tender, with Cabinet expected to consider the final business case next year.

Royal Australian Navy MH-60R conducts anti-submarine warfare dipping sonar training in the East Australian Exercise Area. (Photo/Australian Defence Force)

“The two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be acquired on a six-year lease to buy arrangement, with capital costs of $620 million and four-year operating costs of $80.86 million.

“New Zealand needs reliable aircraft to deploy our personnel, deliver military equipment and humanitarian aid, support the evacuation of civilians, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly, over long distances, and often at short notice.

“The decision to acquire the extra long range aircraft reflects the importance of having an aircraft capable of such things as returning safely from Antarctica if it is unable to land due to conditions on the ice.

“Our Defence Force personnel have proven time and time again they do an outstanding job and we must ensure they have the tools that are up to the task.”

Notes:

MH-60R Seahawk technical specifications

Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (a Lockheed Martin company)

Length: 19.76m

Max Speed: 333km/h (180kts)

Range: 963 km (520 nautical miles)

Cargo: In utility mode it can carry 1500+ kg

Crew: Three

Weapon systems: Mk 54 anti-submarine torpedo, AGM-114 Hellfire air-surface missiles, crew-served machine guns; Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)

Airbus A321XLR technical specifications

Engines: Pratt & Whitney

Wingspan: 35.80 metres

Length: 44.51 metres

Height: 11.76 metres

Max cruise speed: Mach 0.78

Range: 8,700km (4,700 nautical miles)

Layout: standard commercial layout to accommodate 122 passengers.

Cargo (in cargo holds): Capacity 9,100kg or 42m3

Standard crew: Seven but can be as few as three or as many as 15 depending on mission type.

© Scoop Media

from WordPress
via IFTTT

RNZAF deploys King Air to Fiji for international surveillance work for first time

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) for the first time deployed its MC-12K King Air aircraft to Fiji to conduct maritime surveillance patrols.

19 August, 2025

New Zealand and Fiji engage frequently on challenges facing the region, and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) deploys aircraft and ships to work with Southwest Pacific partners such as Fiji on maritime patrols.

The RNZAF’s No. 42 Squadron regularly conducts maritime patrols with the MC-12K King Air in New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), working with other government agencies to detect and deter IUU fishing.

Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott said Fiji was an important security partner.

“By working closely together, combining assets and expertise, we hope to counter IUU activities and help protect Fiji’s fishing stocks. IUU fishing is of concern to all our Pacific neighbours as this impacts regional security, and people’s livelihoods,” he said.

“The MC-12K King Air is an extremely versatile aircraft in both training and for operational missions. Demonstrating our ability to deploy this aircraft to the Pacific and conduct patrols with Fiji’s officials in Fiji’s EEZ is another string to its bow. 

“It has been a busy period in Fiji, as the Royal New Zealand Navy also has two uncrewed surface vessels deployed to Fiji conducting border protection tasks on behalf of the Fijian Government. 

“Recently we also had a P-8A Poseidon aircraft deployed there patrolling Fijian waters and other areas of the Pacific. Our P-8A crews regularly deploy to the Pacific, conducting maritime patrols with Forum Fisheries Agency nations and conducting patrols of high seas pockets to detect and deter IUU fishing activities.”

The RNZAF, for the first time, deployed its MC-12K King Air aircraft to Fiji to conduct maritime surveillance patrols.

RNZAF Squadron Leader Craig Clark said the deployment of the MC-12K to Fiji was a major step forward in the squadron’s ability to project capability into the Southwest Pacific in support of wider NZDF efforts in the region.

“We expected our focus during the deployment to be mainly on fisheries, but the Fijian authorities are also very interested in pleasure craft activity in their waters as they strive to combat transnational organised crime in their region,” he said. 

“The MC-12K is ideally suited to investigating vessels in the vicinity of remote islands around Fiji, often tucked into small bays or inside reefs. The crew were quickly able to pivot to any task requested of them by Fijian authorities, who were impressed by the agility and effectiveness of the MC-12K.”

Over two weeks of maritime surveillance, the crew conducted six patrols, investigating and taking imagery of almost 100 vessels. They also took key Fijian leaders up in the MC-12K to demonstrate the capability on two further flights. 

“What was also incredibly valuable was having our geospatial intelligence analysts embedded alongside their Fijian counterparts during the deployment,” Squadron Leader Clark said. 

“Our analysts learned a great deal from the Fijian analysts, and vice versa. This kind of interoperability and cooperation is at the heart of our partnership with Fiji.”

Squadron Leader Clark said it was important New Zealand could support the security and resilience of Pacific countries and of the Pacific region as a whole.

“What happens in the Pacific is important to us, and being familiar with the Southwest Pacific and our Pacific neighbours is essential, especially in the context of greater geostrategic competition and with the threat of climate change and trans-national organised crime being of great concern in the region.’’

Royal New Zealand Air Force and Republic of Fiji Navy personnel with the MC-12K King Air aircraft which has been conducting maritime surveillance patrols in Fiji.

from WordPress
via IFTTT

Bombshell finding after humiliating $147million New Zealand navy ship sinking

https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/bombshell-finding-after-147million-new-zealand-navy-ship-sinking/ar-AA1v0piH?cvid=4A18C259901947FA9B76C1B2B9E1C89E&ocid=hpmsn&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

The crew of the HMNZS Manawanui didn’t realise autopilot was engaged as it crashed into a Samoan reef, a military Court of Inquiry has found.

New Zealand‘s worst peacetime maritime accident occurred in October when the ship sunk off the coast in bad weather, with all 75 crew making it to shore in a dangerous overnight evacuation.

Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding ordered the probe, which found a ‘series of human errors’ behind the $NZ147 million ($A133 million) ship’s loss.

‘The crew did not realise Manawanui remained in autopilot and, as a consequence, mistakenly believed its failure to respond to direction changes was the result of a thruster control failure,’ Rear Amdl Golding said.

‘Having mistakenly assessed a thruster control failure, standard procedures should have prompted ship’s crew to check that the ship was under manual control rather than in autopilot.

‘This check did not occur. Remaining in autopilot resulted in the ship maintaining a course toward land, until grounding and eventually stranding.’

HMNZS Manawanui hit a reef near Samoa, caught fire and sunk in New Zealand’s worst peacetime navy sinking

Divers survey the area around the sunken ship near the southern coast of Upulo, Samoa

The Royal New Zealand Navy ship the HMNZS Manawanui (right) in front of HMNZS Otago during a training exercise in 2020

3.5k viewing nowThe royal treatment is over as Meghan begs for a tag from Khloe5.7k viewing nowEuroMillions winning numbers for biggest EVER jackpot are revealed1.7k viewing now

The finding is part of a preliminary report into the matter, with the Court of Inquiry to continue into 2025.

The vessel ran aground on October 5 while undertaking surveying work, with Commander Yvonne Gray, the ship’s captain, ordering an evacuation half an hour later.

It took around five hours for the crew to make it to shore in life rafts and inflatable boats, assisted by local seafaring Samoans who became aware of the distress.

The ship caught fire and sank early on the morning of October 6.

Rear Adml Golding said he took responsibility for the crash, and he had ordered audits across the navy fleet of eight vessels.

NZ’s naval forces were already under intense pressure, with attrition grounding up to four of the ships in recent times, and government-ordered belt-tightening.

The blunder prompted Prime Minister Chris Luxon to apologise to Samoa, a former colony of New Zealand’s which it has a history of mistreating, and organise a salvage operation.

Members of the New Zealand Defence Force on shore in Samoa after being rescued

New Zealand pursues a ‘soft power’ approach in the Pacific, often partnering with nations like Somoa and Tonga in military exercises (pictured Lieutenant Commander Tala Mafile’o of the Royal Tongan Navy presents NZ Navy Commander Yvonne Gray with a carved wooden bowl as a memento of the RNZN’s participation in the 50th Anniversary Fleet Review)

+7

The ship on fire before it sank on October 6 which sparked the evacuation on everyone on bo

Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding ordered the probe, which found a ‘series of human errors’ behind the sinking

from WordPress
via IFTTT

Japanese naval ships make rare port stop in New Zealand

August 15, 2025

 The JS Ise was one of two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers that made a port call in Wellington, New Zealand, in August 2025. IMAGE CREDIT: PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS JUSTIN MCTAGGART/U.S. NAVY

The Associated Press

Deployed on a months-long mission to deepen ties among South Pacific nations, two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JSMDF) ships docked in Wellington in August 2025, marking the first time Japanese naval vessels have made port in New Zealand’s capital in almost 90 years.

The destroyers JS Ise and JS Suzunami sailed into Wellington harbor accompanied by the Royal New Zealand Navy multipurpose ship HMNZS Canterbury. The JMSDF vessels, with more than 500 crew members, arrived from Sydney, Australia, where Japanese and New Zealand forces were among the participants in the multilateral exercise Talisman Sabre.

The ceremonial Wellington visit came as Japan, whose only treaty ally is the United States, has increasingly sought to enhance military cooperation amid Indo-Pacific tensions.

“Our defense force [is] developing cooperative work, not only with New Zealand and Australia but also many Pacific Island Countries,” Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand Makoto Osawa said. “Our main goal is the Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

Earlier in August, Canberra announced that Japanese firm Mitsubishi Heavy Industries won a contract to build Royal Australian Navy ships, in what officials hailed as the nations’ largest defense industry agreement.

Tokyo, meanwhile, recently deployed three F-35B stealth fighter jets to Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki prefecture in southern Japan. The aircraft, which have short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, will operate from two JMSDF helicopter carriers. Tokyo plans to deploy 42 of the U.S.-made fighters.

Wellington, too, is enhancing its strategic and military relations in the region, including intensifying Pacific cooperation and security. Officials announced recently that work is underway on a defense logistics agreement with Japan to help the countries’ forces work together.

JMSDF vessels seldom deploy so far south in the Pacific Ocean — the previous visit to New Zealand was a 2016 port call to the nation’s largest city, Auckland. But the resource-rich and strategically important waters around Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island Countries are increasingly contested.

Although remote, New Zealand has recently been exposed to security tensions. In February 2025, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy conducted unprecedented live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, drawing complaints from Canberra and Wellington after commercial flights were forced to divert abruptly

from WordPress
via IFTTT