Tauranga's streets were overrun this weekend by sailors with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and beating drums.
On Saturday more than 100 sailors marched down The Strand in a ceremonial parade to show the HMNZS Te Mana's special bond with the city.
The Navy ship had a 17-year relationship with Tauranga, its ceremonial home port where it was commissioned in 1999.
The ship was linked to Tauranga through a ceremonial charter which included the freedom of exercise in the city - hence the parade through the streets with colours flying, swords drawn and drums beating.
Mayor Stuart Crosby spoke to the crowd of about 200 people who gathered at The Strand and said it was a special day for Tauranga.