Defence minister parachutes into Hauraki Gulf

Phil Goff

Defence Minister Phil Goff made one of the biggest splashes of his political career today when he parachuted out of an air force Hercules into the Hauraki Gulf.

Mr Goff said he was not nervous when he leapt off the stern ramp of the Hercules from about 2400m over the Rangitoto Channel.

His parachute was attached by static line to the aircraft and opened automatically.

Ninety seconds later he splashed down into Auckland's Waitemata Harbour and was picked up by a navy rigid-hulled inflatable boat.

"I managed to do what I was meant to do and it went quite smoothly," he said.

"It was an interesting experience as you stand on the edge of the back ramp of a C-130 (Hercules) and there is a clear view right out over Auckland and nothing between you and what is beneath you," he said.

- NZPA