KEY POINTS:
The second new ship in the Navy's $500 million, seven-ship programme is in the water in Whangarei.
The inshore patrol vessel Rotoiti was launched without traditional naval fanfare in Whangarei this week.
It will be formally named by Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott on Saturday.
The first of the seven new ships, the 9000-tonne mult-irole HMNZS Canterbury, was commissioned this year.
It is being followed by four 55m inshore patrol boats - including the one launched this week - and two 85m offshore patrol vessels.
The inshore vessels have a top speed of 45km/h, a range of 5500km, and a crew of 22.
Defence Minister Phil Goff said the vessels were another significant step in the Project Protector programme.
"They will contribute significantly to the patrolling of New Zealand's 15,000km coastline, and our exclusive economic zone, the fourth-biggest in the world," he said.
Their design and operation reflected their main role of multi-agency operations in support of national security tasks.
"Their versatile capabilities will also include surveillance, response and boarding operations, and search and rescue."
Secondary roles would include New Zealand disaster relief and civil defence aid.
They would enhance the capabilities of a broad range of agencies, including Customs, fisheries, police, conservation and foreign affairs, Mr Goff said.
- NZPA
