KEY POINTS:
The Navy's multi-purpose ship Canterbury leaves today for an international exercise in Noumea and a resupply mission for Department of Conservation staff on Raoul Island.
The trip comes less than a month after the Canterbury took part in Exercise Sea Lion in the Townsville and inner Great Barrier Reef areas, off Australia's eastern coast.
"The exercise will involve ship-to-shore loading and unloading of troops and vehicles," said Defence Minister Phil Goff.
"This new capability strengthens our ability to operate with our defence partners and carry out disaster relief-type activities."
"As the Canterbury sets to work, we are beginning to see her versatility and capacity to undertake a variety of roles she was acquired to do."
The exercise is conducted every second year in New Caledonia between defence forces from France, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Tonga.
On the return trip to New Zealand, Canterbury will join forces with DoC to resupply its Raoul Island operation on April 17 and 18.
DoC's programme manager for Raoul Island, Karen Baird, said the island was a very demanding environment.
"It's a huge logistical operation resupplying such a remote location, and it really makes such a difference having the help of the Navy."
Concerns have been raised over the Canterbury's safety and versatility after two incidents last year.
In July the ship lost a rigid hull inflatable boat at sea, and then on October 5 a 22-year-old seaman drowned when trapped under a capsized rigid hull inflatable.
Other issues include the ship's ability in big seas and its ability to do the missions for which it was bought, including patrols to the Southern Ocean.
In December, Mr Goff ordered a review of the ship to provide design assurance.
He has asked the Defence Force and the Ministry of Defence to begin an independent review of the acquisition and introduction into service of the Canterbury.
Mr Goff said at the time he was assured by the Chief of Navy, the Maritime Component Commander and the ship's captain that they all had confidence in the ship and regarded it as a great asset for the Navy.
- NZPA
