Naval families reunited after months at sea

Kandra Papanui is welcomed back by her daughter Maia Papanui. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Tears and broad smiles were everywhere as naval families were reunited today after three long months at sea.

It was a timely homecoming for one mother on board the HMNZS Canterbury, arriving just in time for her daughter's birthday.

Dressed in her navy ceremonial rig, Kandra Papanui shed a few tears as her 3-year-old daughter Maia jumped into her arms and planted a big kiss on her lips.

View photos: The HMNZS Canterbury returns to Auckland

Image 1 of 12: Family member of crew wait for the return of their loved ones. Photo / Jason Oxenham

An excited Maia celebrates her fourth birthday tomorrow, and Kandra said she was happy to be home in time to light the candles on her cake.

Lost for words, she said she was "excited, happy" to be back.

Around 100 family members boarded the HMNZS Canterbury after it docked in Devonport, Auckland, this afternoon, emerging onto the flight deck anxiously looking for their loved ones.

It didn't take long for everyone to be reunited.

Little Marley Rodahl, 2, couldn't stop stroking her dad Roman's long beard as she sat happily in his arms.

"It feels great [to be home]," he said, as they hugged again.

Petty Officer Seaman Combat Specialist Gan Elphick-Moon's boys appeared to be eyeing up a career at sea themselves as they tried on different navy hats and headgear, posing for photos with dad.

Xander, 8, Macklin, 6, and 2-year-old Jai were "super excited" when they found out dad was coming home today, mum Angela said.

HMNZS Canterbury was the first New Zealand ship to berth at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii since 1995 when it arrived to take part in Exercise Rimpac in June.

It then sailed to New Caledonia for another exercise and to carry out humanitarian aid work.