Media Advisory
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Spectacular Sight in Auckland as the Navy Patrol Force Comes Home for Christmas
The Royal New Zealand Naval Patrol Force will be out in strength to form a “Fleet Entry” into Auckland Harbour.

This impressive sight is an opportunity for the public to see seven of the Navy’s twelve ships in formation as they come down the harbour from 0930 on Wednesday 15 December 2010.

This year the Navy received the last of the new ships under Project Protector, the Offshore Patrol Vessels HMNZS OTAGO and WELLINGTON. The other ships participating in the fleet entry will be the Inshore Patrol Vessels HMNZS PUKAKI, ROTOITI, TAUPO and HAWEA and Littoral Support ship HMNZS MANAWANUI.

“With the arrival of the Offshore Patrol Vessels, the Naval Patrol Force is completed and fully operational,” said Commodore Ross Smith, Maritime Component Commander.

“The Offshore Patrol Vessels, along with the Inshore Patrol vessels, play a significant role in the contribution to the security and the prosperity for all New Zealanders.”

HMNZS OTAGO and WELLINGTON arrived into Auckland in April and July 2010 respectively and between them have already spent 245 days at sea.

The Inshore Patrol Vessels have been very busy around the coasts of New Zealand and have spent 546 days between them at sea which includes working with other government agencies like the Ministry of Fisheries, Customs and Department of Conservation.

HMNZS MANAWANUI is a purpose built dive vessel and has spent 129 days at sea and has spent time in the Bay of Islands, around the Tauranga area and also visited Lyttleton earlier this year.

The best viewing positions are North Head and the Devonport waterfront and city side, Bastion Point.

ENDS

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