TAUPO Named
By LTCDR Barbara Cassin RNZN
TAUPO, the fourth of the four Inshore Patrol Vessels being built entirely in New Zealand by BAE Ship Builders in Whangarei, was launched in Whangarei Harbour on Tuesday 22 July 2008.
TAUPO, Pennant No P3570, was formally named on Saturday, 23 August, and with these words “I name this ship TAUPO and may god bless her and all who sail in her”, sponsoring lady Her Excellency, Mrs Susan Satyanand, cut the ribbon releasing the champagne bottle to break on TAUPO’s bow, and the fourth Inshore Patrol Vessel is now one step closer to her delivery date.
The Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson says, “TAUPO is a name with a proud history in the Navy - first of a Loch Class frigate and then a Lake Class patrol craft. These ships have a valued place in the Navy’s story - and made a valuable contribution to it. I’m sure this ship's record will match that of her predecessors. Together with all in the Navy, I look forward to welcoming TAUPO and ROTOITI, PUKAKI and HAWEA to the fleet.”
The Commanding Officer (designate) of TAUPO, LT Jonathan Clarkson, from Okaihau, Northland, says of his appointment, “I am proud to have been selected for this command and especially proud to be taking command of TAUPO because she will be affiliated to Northland. I hope to visit as much of the Northland coast as possible and increase the profile of the Navy in Northland”.
Her Excellency Susan Satyanand
Susan Sharpe moved to NZ from Sydney with her family when she was eight. The family made Mt Eden their home and Susan attended Epsom Girls’ Grammar School until 1964. While studying part time for a science degree. she worked at Lands and Deeds (Justice Department).
Anand Satyanand and Susan were married in Auckland in 1970. Susan worked for a time as a legal executive, before the couple went for their overseas experience to India, Britain and Europe for in 1973.
The first of their three children, a daughter, was born in 1975. Susan chaired the Plunket Mothers’ Club in Grey Lynn (Rose Road) and was active in the Auckland Branch of the Society. The family moved in the late 70’s because their home was small and by now they had another daughter and were expecting another child - their son.
Another move was necessary when Anand Satyanand was appointed to the District Court in Palmerston North. On their return to Auckland in 1985, Susan realised her long time interest in gardening when they bought a house with large grounds.
She completed a Diploma of Education at the Auckland College of Education in 1991. Remuera Intermediate School was Susan’s focus in the early 90s and she chaired the Parent Teacher Association and taught there on a part time basis until the family moved to Wellington in 1996.
In Wellington, she has been a volunteer at both the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and the Benefit Rights Centre. She has also served as the Treasurer for UNICEF Ladies Auxiliary and for three years was Secretary of the Amity Club, a friendly club for women which meets monthly with a speaker.
Susan enjoys walking, gardening, reading, playing bridge and meeting people.
Project Protector Update
The launch and naming of TAUPO is another significant step for the New Zealand-built IPVs of Project Protector. The first ship in the overall project, the Multi-role Vessel, HMNZS CANTERBURY, was commissioned into the Navy in June last year, while the first Offshore Patrol Vessel, OTAGO, was launched in Williamstown in November 2006 and has since undergone initial sea trials. Sister ship, WELLINGTON, was launched in Williamstown in October 2007.
The four Inshore Patrol Vessels are now all afloat and undergoing fitting out at BAe’s Whangarei facility. The IPVs will be used to conduct maritime surveillance in support of other agencies such as Customs and Fisheries. They will be able to patrol the New Zealand coastline and the wider South Pacific region.
Tech Specs
Displacement_340 tonnes
Length Overall_55 metres
Beam_9 metres
Speed_25 knots
Range_3,000 nautical miles
Complement
- Core ship's company_20
- Government agencies_4
- Additional personnel_12
Total_36