Independent 'draft assessment' of the Manawanui wreck circulates govt agencies' for feedback
UAS footage of RNZN Divers surveying the area around HMNZS Manawanui on the Southern Coast of Upulo as part of Op Resolution. 25 October 2024
Photo:
New Zealand Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force is circulating a draft assessment of the wreck of the HMNZS Manawanui to New Zealand government agencies but there's no date for public release.
"I'm getting their advice and providing advice on the initial draft ... They're other agencies such as Maritime New Zealand, MFAT - you know all key agencies that are part of the sort of multi-agency response that is responding to the Manawanui," Commodore Andrew Brown, from the Royal New Zealand Navy, said.
Commodore Brown has led the recovery operation of the wreck of the Manawanui for the New Zealand Defence Force since it hit the Tafitoala Reef, set on fire and sank off the south coast of Upolu Samoa on 6 October, 2024.
Diesel fuel slicks from HMNZS Manawanui observed from aerial shots.
Photo:
Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure Samoa
NZDF conducted more than 284 dives of the wreck, including checking its 55 tanks and compartments.
"We are as confident as we can be that we have removed as much of the diesel fuel and other pollutants from the vessel. If there is anything remaining from the vessel it would be very small amounts... Only traces I would expect of any fuel," Brown said.
"We've also completed work to recover important equipment and weapons and ammunition, and debris from in and around the ship. We've left the ship as secure as possible until a decision is reached on the next steps for the ship and the work required for that."
The salvors have returned to New Zealand bringing back diesel fuel, pollutants, debris and equipment including the azipod and the Manawanui's anchors and chains.
What happens next to the Manawanui will be informed by the independent wreck, reef and environmental impact assessments.
"We're pushing that as hard as we can, but as you could imagine these types of assessments need to be very carefully progressed. They're being carried out by independent experts. One of them is a Singaporean based," Commodore Brown said.
"They're providing the technical advice on the wreck and the wreck assessment and alongside them are independent experts on the reef, and environment experts. They've also subcontracted some work to New Zealand agencies in progressing that."
Commodore Brown said the initial draft of the wreck assessment is being circulated for advice but there is no timing for when the assessments will be completed, nor the names of the assessors.
"There is some commercial sensitivities related to the contracting of those experts" and they are "being tasked in association with our insurers," he said.
NZ Navy Commodore Andrew Brown.
Photo:
RNZ/ Susana Lei'ataua
A 2km prohibitive area around the Manawanui has been legislated by the Government of Samoa "for safety reasons".
"We've worked hand in glove with the Samoan government officials who you know have the lead on the response, and certainly have the lead on monitoring the environment. It's been very pleasing as we've worked alongside the likes of the Samoan science and research organisation who have been conducting seawater environmental testing," Commodore Brown said.
Water testing has gone from twice a week after the HMNZS Manawanui sank, to once a week and now monthly and "all of the results are coming back with the area clear and uncontaminated from elevated hydrocarbons".
NZDF continues to assist Samoan officials with monitoring the environment and testing the seawater but will not release these results.
"Not at this stage. They're owned by the Samoans. And if those results are to be made public I would expect that would be something that the Samoan authorities would release," Commodore Brown said.
He cannot say for sure if the independent wreck, reef and environmental impact assessments will be made public either "but certainly we have got an absolute focus on being as transparent as we can with respect to this response", he said.
This is Commodore Brown's 46th year with the Royal New Zealand Navy.
"I personally feel the loss of a ship like the Manawanui as if I have lost a colleague or a family member almost, and I know many of my sailor colleagues that have been involved in the response feel the same," he said.
"We also feel, I also feel that bond around the Manawanui and the loss of Manawanui from the Samoans as well. And the wonderful relationship that I've been exposed to through the work I've done with Manawanui working with the Samoan government and the people of Samoa has been an incredible privilege.
"No one ever, ever, ever wants this to occur again and never wanted it to occur in the first place, but it has occurred and we're doing our very, very, very best and I'm very proud to be part of the team that is responding to the Manawanui loss."
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RNZ News
6 hours ago
- RNZ News
Independent 'draft assessment' of the Manawanui wreck circulates govt agencies' for feedback
UAS footage of RNZN Divers surveying the area around HMNZS Manawanui on the Southern Coast of Upulo as part of Op Resolution. 25 October 2024 Photo: New Zealand Defence Force The New Zealand Defence Force is circulating a draft assessment of the wreck of the HMNZS Manawanui to New Zealand government agencies but there's no date for public release. "I'm getting their advice and providing advice on the initial draft ... They're other agencies such as Maritime New Zealand, MFAT - you know all key agencies that are part of the sort of multi-agency response that is responding to the Manawanui," Commodore Andrew Brown, from the Royal New Zealand Navy, said. Commodore Brown has led the recovery operation of the wreck of the Manawanui for the New Zealand Defence Force since it hit the Tafitoala Reef, set on fire and sank off the south coast of Upolu Samoa on 6 October, 2024. Diesel fuel slicks from HMNZS Manawanui observed from aerial shots. Photo: Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure Samoa NZDF conducted more than 284 dives of the wreck, including checking its 55 tanks and compartments. "We are as confident as we can be that we have removed as much of the diesel fuel and other pollutants from the vessel. If there is anything remaining from the vessel it would be very small amounts... Only traces I would expect of any fuel," Brown said. "We've also completed work to recover important equipment and weapons and ammunition, and debris from in and around the ship. We've left the ship as secure as possible until a decision is reached on the next steps for the ship and the work required for that." The salvors have returned to New Zealand bringing back diesel fuel, pollutants, debris and equipment including the azipod and the Manawanui's anchors and chains. What happens next to the Manawanui will be informed by the independent wreck, reef and environmental impact assessments. "We're pushing that as hard as we can, but as you could imagine these types of assessments need to be very carefully progressed. They're being carried out by independent experts. One of them is a Singaporean based," Commodore Brown said. "They're providing the technical advice on the wreck and the wreck assessment and alongside them are independent experts on the reef, and environment experts. They've also subcontracted some work to New Zealand agencies in progressing that." Commodore Brown said the initial draft of the wreck assessment is being circulated for advice but there is no timing for when the assessments will be completed, nor the names of the assessors. "There is some commercial sensitivities related to the contracting of those experts" and they are "being tasked in association with our insurers," he said. NZ Navy Commodore Andrew Brown. Photo: RNZ/ Susana Lei'ataua A 2km prohibitive area around the Manawanui has been legislated by the Government of Samoa "for safety reasons". "We've worked hand in glove with the Samoan government officials who you know have the lead on the response, and certainly have the lead on monitoring the environment. It's been very pleasing as we've worked alongside the likes of the Samoan science and research organisation who have been conducting seawater environmental testing," Commodore Brown said. Water testing has gone from twice a week after the HMNZS Manawanui sank, to once a week and now monthly and "all of the results are coming back with the area clear and uncontaminated from elevated hydrocarbons". NZDF continues to assist Samoan officials with monitoring the environment and testing the seawater but will not release these results. "Not at this stage. They're owned by the Samoans. And if those results are to be made public I would expect that would be something that the Samoan authorities would release," Commodore Brown said. He cannot say for sure if the independent wreck, reef and environmental impact assessments will be made public either "but certainly we have got an absolute focus on being as transparent as we can with respect to this response", he said. This is Commodore Brown's 46th year with the Royal New Zealand Navy. "I personally feel the loss of a ship like the Manawanui as if I have lost a colleague or a family member almost, and I know many of my sailor colleagues that have been involved in the response feel the same," he said. "We also feel, I also feel that bond around the Manawanui and the loss of Manawanui from the Samoans as well. And the wonderful relationship that I've been exposed to through the work I've done with Manawanui working with the Samoan government and the people of Samoa has been an incredible privilege. "No one ever, ever, ever wants this to occur again and never wanted it to occur in the first place, but it has occurred and we're doing our very, very, very best and I'm very proud to be part of the team that is responding to the Manawanui loss." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- RNZ News
Possible phase-out of copper networks could be dangerous, remote residents say
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The Commerce Commission agrees and has drafted a report that it has been taking submissions on. Submissions have now closed. A Taupo resident - who doesn't want to be named - lives 10 kilometres away from the town centre and relies on the-copper network-for-her-landline-and-internet connection. There's no phone signal where she lives. If the copper network is taken out earlier, she felt she would have little options to stay connected. "What these providers want to do is they provide all these really good services and fibre and super-fibre; they provide it to where all the big populations are because it's worth their while but they're not providing it according to any need." One solution that has been put forward is Starlink - a portable kit that's designed to provide high-speed internet for anywhere. But the Taupo resident is worried about the reliability of Starlink, especially if there's bad weather. Craig Young from the Technology Users Association New Zealand said for some people, the network was their lifeline. "It's Telehealth, it's health and safety, being able to call for ambulances if there's an accident. "It is about mental health, we know from situations like Cyclone Gabrielle when people can't connect or be connected, mental health suffers as well, it's not just about physical health. "There's all sorts of impacts if you can't make those connections, let alone it's very hard to actually live and work these days as so much is done online." Young said affordability of other methods of connection was also a problem. Starlink's residential plan costs $159 per month. He said people who work from home would also be affected by the potential changes. "It's not just remote rural that has an issue, but it's anywhere that can't get a decent wireless connection. "Pushing fibre further is one possibility and so it has to be a programme where not just Chorus look at, but also the National Government to make sure no one is left behind." Young said Aotearoa didn't have universal service obligations like Australia, so a service didn't have to be installed if there wasn't one already. Starlink can be vulnerable to bad weather but it's still in its infancy. Young said over the next few years more satellite providers were likely to come into the market. "If the deregulation is left until later in the decade, and Chorus have said they do really want to switch the network off by 2030, and I think all of us have some sympathy with them that the network is getting older and less and less people on it. "But what we need to make sure is that people have other viable, cost-effective options to be able to connect and particularly, in times of emergency." Mark Hooper from Federated Farmers. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Mark Hooper from Federated Farmers said he'd like to see more government investment in rural infrastructure. He said there had been anxiety around the deregulation of the copper network. "We need to look at the whole infrastructure model, the current government has made infrastructure investment a priority and there's a lot of talk about roads and bridges and other aspects that are desperately needed. "But I think just as a part of that process we need to make sure we don't lose sight of having a permanent investment in a good fibre network and reaching to as far into rural communities as practical." Submissions from the report will be finalised for Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith by the end of the year. He'll then decide whether to go ahead with it. Chorus general manager Anna Mitchell responsible for its copper retirement programme said fewer than 100,000 New Zealanders were using the copper network. She said for 97 percent of people remaining on the copper network, there were three alternatives available. "A geostationary satellite option, low earth orbit satellite [like] a service like Starlink as well as a fixed colour service. So, all New Zealanders are covered by something and for 97 percent they have multiple options." She said people can opt for Starlink's residential light service which is $79 or the full plan of $159. There were misconceptions the copper network was particularly reliable, she said. "We saw in Cyclone Gabrielle services were eight times more faulty on copper than fibre, 10 times more likely in the Auckland floods to go under than fibre. "If we get a major weather event with copper, we can have entire services washed out that can't be restored for weeks. "Part of this is putting in perspective. If you have a satellite service with an uninterruptible power supply, you can actually be far more resilient on a service like that than you would be on the copper network." The copper network would not be shut off overnight, she said. "We're working through this over the next four or five years and we've been engaging with the government with stakeholders we're working to find those solutions and to make sure that people are comfortable switching." Chorus general manager Anna Mitchell. Photo: Supplied She said 80,000 households were outside of the fibre network. "Chorus has been really strong and advocating that we need to extend fibre further, we have put in a bid to the infrastructure priorities pipeline." Head of Telecommunications at the Commerce Commission Rachael Coyle said the draft decision on copper deregulation was based on data, legal and economic reasoning, but they understood that it didn't fully address some of the concerns rural consumers had raised. "While we're limited by the legislation in terms of how we can address these concerns, we believe rural copper consumers deserve the same level of protection and consideration that urban consumers received during the urban copper withdrawal process. "Technological advances mean most rural consumers can now access multiple alternative technologies that are often more reliable and affordable than copper. Rural consumers continue to move off copper and onto cheaper and better performing alternatives in large numbers." She acknowledged technology change could be difficult for consumers. "Not all consumers will get their first choice of technology and provider, which also happened in urban areas during copper withdrawal. "We're making sure that our final decision considers the needs of these consumers and supports them through any possible changes." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
21 hours ago
- RNZ News
Auditor-General asked to look into food waste from school lunch programme
Fears that uneaten school lunches are adding to the nation's landfill problem. Photo: Jackie Diprose Anti-food waste campaigners have asked the Auditor-General to look into waste from the school lunch programme as part of his inquiry into the scheme. They say unopened lunches returned to providers are likely a small fraction of the programme's waste, but appear to be the only measure the Ministry of Education tracks towards its performance indicators. "We are really missing a trick and have a real blindspot, if we are not looking at all the food from start to finish, and it also doesn't include manufacturing and upstream processes," said Kaitlin Dawson of Food Waste Champions NZ. "We don't know what's happening there, and then once schools have a bunch of opened and uneaten lunches to deal with, we don't know where that's going - if it's going to landfill and producing methane emissions, or if they have better pathways to deal with that." Food waste produces methane - the same potent, planet-heating gas produced by New Zealand's millions of cows and sheep. Instead of rising from grass, and other animal food breaking down in the airless confines of cow's or sheep's gut, this methane comes from wasted food and garden material breaking down in the airless conditions of a landfill. While methane from cows and sheep accounts for about 91 percent of New Zealand's total methane, landfills account for most of the rest. Avoiding food waste, and ensuring any scraps are composted, or used to create gas for household or business use reduces the climate impact. The Government's procurement plan for the restructure of the school lunch programme included a performance indicator of keeping waste below 7 percent of total food. It also mentioned opportunities to reduce surplus food and manage waste disposal. The Food Waste Champions group said it understood waste was only measured by tracking the proportion of lunches returned unopened to the provider. It said the Ministry didn't know the fate of many meals that were opened, but largely uneaten. "What I understand is that a lot of waste is still happening at schools," Dawson said. "We see the inquiry into the school lunch programme as an incredible opportunity for the providers and everyone involved to make sure more food gets to people." The anti-waste group also said that, while the previous programme of using local lunch providers resulted in families taking a lot of uneaten food home, this couldn't happen under the new model, because the food was not supposed to be reheated. It said the lack of centralised data was a governance gap, which the Auditor-General should look into. "We fully support the intent behind 'Ka Ora, Ka Ako', but the current model poses significant food waste risks, as well as environmental impacts, if not properly monitored," Dawson said. While the full emissions from the current programme weren't known, Dawson pointed to a climate footprint evaluation by the Ministry in 2022, which found the school lunches programme to be the third-highest emissions source for the Ministry, producing the equivalent of more than 71,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The Ministry said a survey of suppliers in the first term of the 2025 school year showed 33 percent of kitchens composted some food waste and 26 percent fed scraps to animals. It said uneaten food scraps removed from schools were composted "where possible", but it didn't supply a percentage for this. The Ministry said previous iterations of the programme delivered meals to the total school roll, but now schools ordered meals based on attendance, which it believed was the most sustainable way to reduce waste. "Our service agreements require suppliers to provide details on the approach to both waste and surplus meals, and to set minimisation targets," it said. "Packaging waste and food scraps removed from schools and kura are measured by weight, and where possible, is composted or recycled. The number of surplus meals returned to the supplier is counted for reporting purposes." It said NZ Food Waste Champions had not approached the Ministry about its concerns, but it welcomed the opportunity to discuss the issue. Dawson said a scrapped kerbside compost bin rollout was also a missed opportunity by the Government to use its power to lower food waste emissions. The Government has a goal of cutting total methane by 10 percent by 2030 and between 24-47 percent by 2050, although the 2050 target is under review. Environment officials and the Climate Change Commission have told successive governments that the waste sector has potential to do more than its share towards reducing methane, despite being a smaller contributor than farming, through capturing methane from landfills and using it for energy, and diverting food scraps from reaching landfills in the first place. In 2022, waste sector emissions were almost 20 percent below 1990 levels, because of tightened regulations on many city landfills. Waste companies say, if all landfills performed as well as the newest ones, methane emissions could reduce further. Diverting and reducing waste using food scrap collections, food rescue and other measures would also help, according to campaigners. The Climate Change Commission estimated waste emissions could be slashed further to a total 40 percent reduction by 2035, with strong policies, but several planned waste policies have been rolled back by the Government. The Waste Minimisation Fund available to councils for initiatives such as kerbside collections was cut by 49 percent at the 2025 Budget. Three days before Christmas 2024, the Government quietly cancelled plans for a performance standard for council composting schemes, as well as a mandatory roll out of kerbside food scraps bins for all urban areas. More than half of New Zealanders have access to kerbside compost collection, including Auckland and Christchurch residents, but people in cities likeTaupō and Wellington do not. The schemes collect food waste and compost them, reducing methane emissions. One scheme at Reporoa turns household compost into gas that can partially replace fossil gas in household appliances, but Dawson said that, with only one such facility operating, many more initiatives were needed to reduce and reuse waste. Environment officials told Environment Minister Penny Simmonds that making kerbside collections mandatory in urban areas would likely result in rates rises for residents in places without existing schemes. She was told the rollout would also "offer a high level of waste minimisation and emissions abatement benefits". They recommended shifting the rollout deadline to 2030 from 2027, but the mandate was dropped. That decision resulted in Taupō District Council turning down $486,000 government funding to create an organic kerbside collection and ditching its kerbside collection plans. Environment ministry officials have noted that food waste produced six times the emissions of other landfill waste and broke down quickly, releasing much of its methane, before it could be captured by landfill gas systems. They've reported that New Zealand was underperforming in waste reduction and management, and lags behind many countries, when it came to reducing and managing household waste. In 2021, an average of 700kg of waste per person was sent to landfill, making New Zealand one of the highest generators of waste per person in the OECD. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
