Latest news with #RNZN
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Scoop
HMNZS Canterbury Delivers Leading-Edge Technology To Support Regional Security Tasks In Fiji
Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fijis exclusive economic zone – including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury has sailed into Suva for annual Operation Calypso, this time with a technologically advanced capability aboard. Op Calypso focuses on supporting Pacific partners through a range of joint maritime security activities and HMNZS Canterbury carried into the Fijian port advanced capability in the form of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) – the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua. The autonomous vessels can conduct long-endurance operations without requiring refuelling or crew. Propelled and powered by sun, wind and wave action, the Bluebottles are ideal platforms for fishery protection, border patrols, surveillance, and the collection of oceanic and meteorological data. The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji's exclusive economic zone – including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 42 Squadron King Air aircraft will provide identification and surveillance oversight while a Fijian Navy vessel will be available to carry out boarding and seizure tasks. Commodore Shane Arndell, the New Zealand Defence Force's Maritime Component Commander, says the joint effort reflects the deep commitment shared by both nations to tackle common security and economic challenges. 'For many years, at the request of the Fijian government, we have conducted joint fishery patrols to ensure Fiji's natural resources and vital revenue streams aren't being exploited through illegal fishing by other countries. 'Now we are confronting a criminal issue just as important but with deadly consequences,' Commodore Arndell said. 'The movement of drugs from South America through the Pacific is a very real concern and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of Fijians, their families and the wider Pasifika community. 'All too often we see the harm these narcotics bring, so the opportunity to work with our friends and partners in the Fijian Navy to intercept and disrupt their importation is something we are committed to doing. What affects Fiji – directly affects us as well.' The Bluebottles will be jointly monitored by Fijian Navy and RNZN personnel from the newly established Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva. Outside of normal operating hours, monitoring will be conducted by a team from HMNZS Matataua operating from a control room at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. While alongside in Suva, Canterbury crew will participate in a range of important activities, including the Southwest Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces meeting and the Fijian Navy's 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations. Commodore Arndell said operations like Calypso were crucial to maintaining regional preparedness and resilience. 'Canterbury conducts these multi-faceted missions in the southwest Pacific to grow our Navy's capabilities and maritime culture, and to strengthen the ability of our partners in this region,' he said. 'Our long-standing relationships and presence in the region positions us to respond quickly to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events and other security-related issues —but more than that, it provides us with an opportunity to share vital maritime skills and training to partners like Fiji. 'That's a commitment we take very seriously, to help ensure we can maintain a secure and prosperous future for all Pacific nations.' For HMNZS Canterbury, Op Calypso follows quickly from its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre, where it transported NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft to Australia for the major multinational military exercise.
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Scoop
HMNZS Canterbury Delivers Leading-Edge Technology To Support Regional Security Tasks In Fiji
Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fijis exclusive economic zone – including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury has sailed into Suva for annual Operation Calypso, this time with a technologically advanced capability aboard. Op Calypso focuses on supporting Pacific partners through a range of joint maritime security activities and HMNZS Canterbury carried into the Fijian port advanced capability in the form of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) – the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua. The autonomous vessels can conduct long-endurance operations without requiring refuelling or crew. Propelled and powered by sun, wind and wave action, the Bluebottles are ideal platforms for fishery protection, border patrols, surveillance, and the collection of oceanic and meteorological data. The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji's exclusive economic zone – including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 42 Squadron King Air aircraft will provide identification and surveillance oversight while a Fijian Navy vessel will be available to carry out boarding and seizure tasks. Commodore Shane Arndell, the New Zealand Defence Force's Maritime Component Commander, says the joint effort reflects the deep commitment shared by both nations to tackle common security and economic challenges. 'For many years, at the request of the Fijian government, we have conducted joint fishery patrols to ensure Fiji's natural resources and vital revenue streams aren't being exploited through illegal fishing by other countries. 'Now we are confronting a criminal issue just as important but with deadly consequences,' Commodore Arndell said. 'The movement of drugs from South America through the Pacific is a very real concern and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of Fijians, their families and the wider Pasifika community. 'All too often we see the harm these narcotics bring, so the opportunity to work with our friends and partners in the Fijian Navy to intercept and disrupt their importation is something we are committed to doing. What affects Fiji – directly affects us as well.' The Bluebottles will be jointly monitored by Fijian Navy and RNZN personnel from the newly established Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva. Outside of normal operating hours, monitoring will be conducted by a team from HMNZS Matataua operating from a control room at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. While alongside in Suva, Canterbury crew will participate in a range of important activities, including the Southwest Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces meeting and the Fijian Navy's 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations. Commodore Arndell said operations like Calypso were crucial to maintaining regional preparedness and resilience. 'Canterbury conducts these multi-faceted missions in the southwest Pacific to grow our Navy's capabilities and maritime culture, and to strengthen the ability of our partners in this region,' he said. 'Our long-standing relationships and presence in the region positions us to respond quickly to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events and other security-related issues —but more than that, it provides us with an opportunity to share vital maritime skills and training to partners like Fiji. 'That's a commitment we take very seriously, to help ensure we can maintain a secure and prosperous future for all Pacific nations.' For HMNZS Canterbury, Op Calypso follows quickly from its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre, where it transported NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft to Australia for the major multinational military exercise.
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Scoop
HMNZS Canterbury Delivers Leading-Edge Technology To Support Regional Security Tasks In Fiji
The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury has sailed into Suva for annual Operation Calypso, this time with a technologically advanced capability aboard. Op Calypso focuses on supporting Pacific partners through a range of joint maritime security activities and HMNZS Canterbury carried into the Fijian port advanced capability in the form of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) - the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua. The autonomous vessels can conduct long-endurance operations without requiring refuelling or crew. Propelled and powered by sun, wind and wave action, the Bluebottles are ideal platforms for fishery protection, border patrols, surveillance, and the collection of oceanic and meteorological data. The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji's exclusive economic zone - including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 42 Squadron King Air aircraft will provide identification and surveillance oversight while a Fijian Navy vessel will be available to carry out boarding and seizure tasks. Commodore Shane Arndell, the New Zealand Defence Force's Maritime Component Commander, says the joint effort reflects the deep commitment shared by both nations to tackle common security and economic challenges. 'For many years, at the request of the Fijian government, we have conducted joint fishery patrols to ensure Fiji's natural resources and vital revenue streams aren't being exploited through illegal fishing by other countries. 'Now we are confronting a criminal issue just as important but with deadly consequences,' Commodore Arndell said. 'The movement of drugs from South America through the Pacific is a very real concern and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of Fijians, their families and the wider Pasifika community. 'All too often we see the harm these narcotics bring, so the opportunity to work with our friends and partners in the Fijian Navy to intercept and disrupt their importation is something we are committed to doing. What affects Fiji - directly affects us as well.' The Bluebottles will be jointly monitored by Fijian Navy and RNZN personnel from the newly established Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva. Outside of normal operating hours, monitoring will be conducted by a team from HMNZS Matataua operating from a control room at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. While alongside in Suva, Canterbury crew will participate in a range of important activities, including the Southwest Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces meeting and the Fijian Navy's 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations. Commodore Arndell said operations like Calypso were crucial to maintaining regional preparedness and resilience. 'Canterbury conducts these multi-faceted missions in the southwest Pacific to grow our Navy's capabilities and maritime culture, and to strengthen the ability of our partners in this region,' he said. 'Our long-standing relationships and presence in the region positions us to respond quickly to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events and other security-related issues —but more than that, it provides us with an opportunity to share vital maritime skills and training to partners like Fiji. 'That's a commitment we take very seriously, to help ensure we can maintain a secure and prosperous future for all Pacific nations.' For HMNZS Canterbury, Op Calypso follows quickly from its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre, where it transported NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft to Australia for the major multinational military exercise.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Scoop
Royal New Zealand Navy Frigate Visits Jakarta
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) frigate HMNZS Te Kaha has arrived in Jakarta on a goodwill port visit – the first visit to Indonesia by a RNZN vessel since 2017. The two day visit forms part of HMNZS Te Kaha's role in supporting the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group, currently operating in the Indo-Pacific. The ship is berthed alongside Royal Navy and Spanish Navy vessels also visiting Jakarta during this period. Commodore Shane Arndell, the RNZN's Maritime Component Commander, who is in Jakarta to welcome Te Kaha to Indonesia's capital, will also take the opportunity to meet with senior leaders of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), including the Republic of Indonesia Fleet Commander. 'This visit by Te Kaha reflects the importance of the defence relationship between New Zealand and Indonesia,' said Commodore Arndell. 'Ours is a shared commitment to regional maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and this is a welcome opportunity to continue our dialogue and cooperation with the Indonesian Navy.' While in Jakarta, sailors from HMNZS Te Kaha will take part in a programme of engagement with their Indonesian Navy counterparts, including sporting matches and a professional exchange briefing on the ship's recent deployment with the New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150. CTF150 is a multinational maritime security operation focused on denying funds to terrorist and criminal organisations through narcotics smuggling in the Middle East. Over the last six months, ships attached to CTF150 have seized over 7,000kg of narcotics worth $NZ1.8billion. Other activities being conducted during the visit include a courtesy call by HMNZS Te Kaha's Commanding Officer, Commander Fiona Jameson, on the local naval base commander, and an official ship reception co-hosted by Commodore Arndell and New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Phillip Taula. HMNZS Te Kaha's visit follows the RNZN's Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding's participation in the International Maritime Security in Bali earlier this year, and underscores New Zealand's ongoing commitment to maritime partnerships and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Navy Divers Neutralise Second World War Mines In Hauraki Gulf
Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) divers have safely disposed of Second World War-era mines recently discovered on the seafloor near Auckland. The mines, which were more than 80 years old, were originally part of a defensive minefield laid in the early stages of the war to protect Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf from German and Japanese naval threats. The controlled minefields were designed to be detonated from shore stations in the event of an enemy sighting. By 1944, with the threat of attack significantly reduced, the mines were decommissioned by being remotely detonated. However, in the channel between Whangaparaoa Peninsula and Tiritiri Matangi Island, a number of mines misfired. It is believed that during the subsequent clearance by minesweepers, some mines became dislodged from their moorings and, over time, corroded and sank to the seafloor where they drifted with the currents. In 2014, an RNZN Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal team located and disabled some of these historical munitions. In March this year, five further mines were discovered in the area at a depth of between 21 – 28 metres. This week, over three days, divers from the Navy's littoral warfare unit HMNZS Matataua made the mines safe in a carefully planned operation. Low-level explosive charges cracked the mine casings and allowed seawater to render the high explosives inside inert. These carefully calibrated charges are designed to minimise environmental impact and disturbance to marine life. The controlled explosions which effectively defused the mines were barely audible and created no visible disturbance on the surface. Marine mammal observers monitored for the presence of whales, dolphins, and other protected species during the operation to ensure the area was clear prior to the charges detonating. Lieutenant Warwick Creasy, officer in charge of the disposal team, says while dangerous, this type of work is routine for the Navy in the Pacific Islands, where unexploded ordnance remains a concern. 'But these mines are very close to home, so we wanted to take every precaution to ensure they no longer posed a threat to commercial and recreational fishers, divers, or the marine environment. 'The task went exactly according to plan which reflects the intensive training we undertake, careful preparation and the type of extreme care that goes with the handling and placement of high explosives. Job done. Home safe.'
