The Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest vessel, HMNZS Aotearoa, recently proved her capability to refuel ships at sea in an exercise with the Royal Australian Navy.

2021

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest vessel, HMNZS Aotearoa, recently proved her capability to refuel ships at sea in an exercise with the Royal Australian Navy.

In 2021, within the East Australian Exercise Area, HMNZS Aotearoa practised refuelling HMA Ships Stuart, Paramatta and Hobart, starting with ‘dry’ hook-ups and evolving to actual pumping of fuel from ship to ship.

The ability to carry out Replenishment at Sea is a vital capability for a combat-capable Navy. It is a difficult and dangerous evolution that requires a well-trained crew on both HMNZS Aotearoa and the ship receiving the fuel.

Aotearoa is capable of global operations and is able to support a task force of New Zealand ships and partner navies during exercises and operations in the Pacific and beyond.

Our other areas of work

A Royal New Zealand Navy helicopter loadmaster looks out the SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter door down to HMNZS Wellington sailing on the ocean on a nice day.

Peace & security

A Royal New Zealand Navy Landing Craft Mehchniciam (LCM) in the ocean makes its way to the shore. In the background you see an island with some trees on it, clouds and some blue sky. In the foreground some children sit with a wheelbarrow and wait for the

Humanitarian assistance & disaster relief

A navy sailor wearing high vis and a mask gives the thumbs up to a vehicle during a checkpoint inspection in Auckland

Supporting people & communities

Officers and recruits march in formation on the parade ground during a graduation parade

Education & training

HMNZS Te Kaha is dockyard's biggest project

01 September 2022

Capability

HMNZS Aotearoa conducts replenishment at sea with US Coast Guard Cutter Midgett.

NZDF wraps up its role in Rim of the Pacific exercise

05 August 2022

Media Release

As HMNZS Te Mana’s gun salute echoes around the harbour, Canada bids farewell to the ship and crew as she departs Esquimalt Harbour at Duntze Head, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on 30 May 2022.

HMNZS Te Mana heads home

01 July 2022

Capability

HMNZS Te Kaha joins military partners on transit of South China Sea

06 October 2021

Ops & exercises

NZDF exercises with international counterparts in South East Asia

09 September 2021

Media Release

Bay of Plenty woman making the most of her time in the Navy

30 July 2021

People

See all stories

Considering a career in our Navy?

Together we protect New Zealand’s interests at sea. Our Navy carries out a range of tasks including combat operations, search and rescue, underwater recovery, trade protection and peacekeeping. Whatever the mission, you’ll find that there’s a real tight-knit camaraderie whether you’re at sea, at home or abroad.

Find out more