HMNZS Canterbury concludes week-long Fiji deployment

The ship was in Fiji in support of the South West Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces (SWPHMF) and to participate in events celebrating the Fiji Navy’s 50^th anniversary.

On berthing in Suva on 17 July, the crew unloaded the Royal New Zealand Navy’s two Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua.

Under Operation Calypso, a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) team from HMNZS Matataua will remain in Suva for the next two months working with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel to deploy the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji’s exclusive economic zone, partnered with RNZAF aircraft and Fijian patrol vessels.

Fijian Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, praised the abilities of the Bluebottles during a press conference at Suva’s Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) on 21 July.

He described the deployment of uncrewed surface technology to Fiji as “historic” and a clear indication of both countries’ responsiveness to challenges around illegal fishing and narcotics trafficking.

“For both New Zealand and Fiji, we are facing a more dynamic and challenging security environment than we have for some time,” he said.

“Both countries have large exclusive economic zones that we need to safeguard. I would like to extend a sincere thanks to New Zealand for the deployment of these vessels in Fiji. It is a continued testament to the close cooperation among our forces, and our joint willingness to adapt to a changing security environment.”

For RNZN Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, attendance at the SWPHMF meeting was invaluable as it put the maritime and navy heads of 14 nations on the same page when it came to understanding regional challenges and how best to respond to them.

“Fiji, for example, has a significant issue with the trafficking of narcotics through the islands and they are having a terrible effect on its citizens and the country. That’s why there is joint operation utilising our Navy and Air Force assets along with Fijian Navy personnel and vessels to assist in disrupting the supply. This is the real value that comes from meetings such as this.”

RADM Golding made the point that the challenges faced by Pacific Island nations are not theirs alone.

“What affects our neighbours, directly or indirectly affects us so we have a critically important role to play in the region.”

Another New Zealand-Fiji collaboration which Minister Tikoduadua hoped would remain constant was the inaugural Leander Trophy rugby competition, created to celebrate the Fijian Navy’s 50^th anniversary and intended as a challenge to visiting Royal New Zealand Navy rugby teams.

The Fijian Navy emphatically cemented their right to hold the trophy during a one-sided match against HMNZS Canterbury’s rugby team in Champagnet Park on Saturday 19 July. The trophy now resides in a new display cabinet at the MESC, awaiting the next challenger.

Canterbury’s 50^th anniversary events continued with a Women in Navy luncheon on the ship’s bridge on Monday, hosted by Commanding Officer Commander Bron Heslop.

The following day around 60 volunteers headed to Mosquito Island, a popular picnic island near Lami Bay, to conduct a substantial beach clean-up in support of environmental group Eco Guardians of Fiji.

The rubbish, much of it accumulated in several piles, took four hours to bag up and transport back to shore in multiple trips. Many items were substantial, including large sheets of corrugated iron and fence netting.

Canterbury’s Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Jack Walters, in charge of the clean-up, said they were happy to volunteer their time.

“The awesome thing about this is, Eco Guardians and the New Zealand Defence Force, we’re here because of our values and making the world a better place. This time, it’s a battle against pollution.”

On Tuesday night the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, quartered on board Canterbury, performed with the Fijian Navy Band and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band in an evening concert at Albert Park, attracting hundreds of locals.

Canterbury hosted members and guests of the SWPHMF for a cocktail function on Wednesday night, which included a Multi Culture Group performance.

On Thursday members of the Ship’s Company and the Royal New Zealand Navy Band supported the Fijian Navy and Fiji veterans in a 50^th anniversary street march in Suva.

It was Canterbury’s final activity before departing Suva on Friday for Gladstone, Australia, to resume logistics duties for Exercise Talisman Sabre, a major multi-national military exercise.

Canterbury’s motto, kotahitanga, means unity, and reflects the diverse, multi-service culture fostered aboard.

An example was four Fijian chefs coming on board during the week for galley experience on board a large ship.

Canterbury’s recent travels have included New Zealand Army and Air Force personnel obtaining sea riding experience and a contingent of 20 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors undergoing training and sea time. Canterbury also has a Ship’s Amphibious Load Team (SALT) of New Zealand Army personnel.

The ship’s “embarked forces” population will jump as it conducts two trips between Australia and Wellington, collecting NZ Army and RNZAF personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft following Talisman Sabre.

Commander Heslop says it has been an honour and a privilege to participate in the week’s activities in support of SWPHMF and the RFN’s 50^th Anniversary.

“This visit has demonstrated New Zealand’s commitment to our Pacific neighbours, and we stand ready to face the challenges of today, and tomorrow, together.”