Two New Zealand Navy vessels, HMNZS Manawanui and HMNZS Wellington arrived in Nuku'alofa last week, as part of a three-month deployment to provide maritime security and other support to Pacific Island partners.

HMNZS Wellington departed for Fiji today to continue its maritime security patrol.

A NZDF representative said in Nuku'alofa the HMNZS Wellington took part in a multiple of defence engagements with His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF).

Other activities, included visiting a high school, taking part in a sports day at the naval base as well as holding tours and workshops on the navy ships providing education in boarding operations and the work undetaken by Royal New Zealand Navy ships at sea.

Meanwhile, the HMNZS Manawanui remains in the capital for the next two-weeks and carry out hydrographic surveying in the approaches to Nuku’alofa harbour.

This includes the establishment of a tidal station in the vicinity of the port to assist in the accuracy of the survey:

• survey within the approaches to and partly within Nuku’alofa harbour (50m to 1000m+)
• at sea training with HMAF personnel board the vessel to get a good look across the entire ship and work with their personnel.