HMNZS PUKAKI - P3568
Modern, Versatile, Capable
The Navy's four Inshore Patrol Vessels are designed for maritime surveillance and patrol missions around the New Zealand coast and southwest Pacific. Their primary mission is to protect the security and prosperity of New Zealanders by undertaking maritime security patrols, surveillance, boarding operations and response to search and rescue call outs. The ships work with government agencies such as Fisheries, Customs, Police and the Department of Conservation on operations around New Zealand's 1500 kilometers of coastline.
Specifications:
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
Photo shows the Honorary Naval Officer for Nelson - Commander Cathy Knight and the Launch Lady - Mrs Alison Roxburgh at the naming of PUKAKI.
PUKAKI, the third of the four Inshore Patrol Vessels built entirely in New Zealand by Tenix in Whangarei, was launched in Whangarei Harbour on Tuesday 6 May.
PUKAKI was formally named on Saturday, 10 May, and with these words “I name this ship PUKAKI and may god bless her and all who sail in her”, Launch Lady Mrs Alison Roxburgh cut the ribbon releasing the champagne bottle on to PUKAKI’s bow.
This is another significant step under Project Protector. The first ship, the Multi-role Vessel, HMNZS CANTERBURY, was commissioned into the Navy in June 2007. The first Offshore Patrol Vessel, OTAGO, was launched in Williamstown in November 2006 and sister ship, WELLINGTON, was welcomed into the RNZN fleet on June 2010.
WELLINGTON, an Offshore Patrol Vessel is the seventh and last ship in the Project Protector fleet, and with her delivery the Navy will be operating a fleet of 12 modern and highly capable ships.
The Navy’s Protector Fleet comprises seven ships of three different classes; one Multi Role Vessel (MRV), two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and four Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV).
PUKAKI is the third of four Inshore Patrol Vessels to be launched and the third of its name to serve in the RNZN.
The first HMNZS PUKAKI was one of the Loch-class frigates, British-built frigates (from 1944-45) that were transferred to the RNZN in 1948. Because they were named for Scottish Lochs, in NZ service the ships were renamed with New Zealand lake names.
The second was the Lake Class patrol vessel that carried out some of the important multi-agency tasks on which the latest PUKAKI will be focussed - including activities in support of the Ministry of Fisheries, the Department of Conservation and the Customs Service”.
Lieutenant Alexandra Hansen has become the first woman to command Royal New Zealand Navy Inshore Patrol Vessel, HMNZS PUKAKI. Lieutenant Hansen is the second commanding officer of PUKAKI since the ship was commissioned in May 2009.
Lieutenant Hansen said "I have been looking forward to taking command since I joined the Navy and know that it is a challenge I have been well prepared for. I am fortunate to be taking over a ship that has been well prepared by LT McQueen and the crew to be able to work closely with the other government agencies in achieving her capabilities."