The Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Canterbury has deployed to Samoa as part of New Zealand’s support in hosting the Commonwealth meeting and supplies in response to the Manawanui incident. 

HMNZS Canterbury left Devonport Naval Base on Wednesday with three Royal NZ Air Force NH90 helicopters and crew and is scheduled to arrive sometime next week. 

It will be joined by the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules and the Royal Navy ship HMS Tamar. The ships will commence activities in Samoa’s waters in support of SPPCS security measures.

In the lead-up to CHOGM, the vessels will unload critical stores in Apia Harbour and conduct rehearsals with SPPCS before dispersing to their operational locations around Upolu. 

 During the event, the vessels will host SPPCS ship-riders to provide an extra layer of maritime security.

HMAS Choules, which last visited Apia in July 2024, will be home to over 100 Pacific police members from 11 nations for CHOGM week.

Five Hato Hone St John ambulances and other vehicles and supplies for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is also on board the HMNZS Canterbury.

The NZ Defence Force (NZDF) says personnel will be travelling with other government agency staff to Samoa soon bringing the contingent to approximately 260 personnel. 

The ship is also carrying containers of stores and other supplies specifically for the response to the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui, off the Tafitoala coast last weekend. 

There are another 50 NZDF personnel in Samoa dedicated to supporting the response.

The New Zealand High Commission in Samoa expressed their sincere thanks to Samoa emergency services and the wider community for their efforts to rescue the crew of the HMNZS Manawanui. 

“We are relieved and grateful that because of all your efforts everyone onboard is safe,” says the NZ High Commission.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who may have been affected as a result of this incident. Our focus is now on helping prevent any environmental impacts for Samoa. This is our priority.” 

The specialist dive and hydrographic vessel ran aground on a reef on Saturday and eventually sank 30 meters into the ocean hours later on Sunday. 

The stricken HMNZS Manawanui is leaking oil and debris and the community in Tafitoala and Safata district area are feeling the impact of the wreck. 

HMNZS Canterbury was last in Samoa in June 2012 during a visit to a number of Pacific nations. 

Royal Navy ship HMS Tamar’s deployment to Samoa for CHOGM continues her two-plus years operating in the Pacific. 

As part of the UK’s long-term support to the region, HMS Tamar has been working in a variety of roles to ensure maritime security, including providing humanitarian assistance and countering illegal fishing.