New Zealand Defence Force

WATCH🎬 Underwater footage of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa shows a slow diesel leak from an engine room pipe and vent which is causing a slight sheen on the sea’s surface. While initial estimates had indicated that up to 200,000 litres of the total 900,000 litres of fuel on board had the potential to leak, based on assessments and photographic evidence, NZDF and Maritime New Zealand consider it to be significantly less. So far, the main fuel tanks that are accessible for assessment are intact, and there is no evidence of any leaks from these. The reality is that officials cannot definitively state how much fuel has leaked at this time but do consider, based on a week’s worth of evidence, that it is less than what was first assessed. Our response continues to work towards mitigating any further environmental impacts. Ongoing assessments and further analysis continue to take place regularly as we work to support the Samoan Government. #Force4NZ #NZNavy

Our personnel are on the ground responding to the sinking of Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui.   Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel have conducted drone flights to survey the site off the Southern Coast of Upulo, while our Navy divers have set out on equipment recovery stints and assessments.   We aim to keep you as updated as possible during this difficult time both for our Navy, and for the people of Samoa.   📸SGT V Parker   For the latest updates ➡️ https://lnkd.in/grmjBFQR   #Force4NZ #NZNavy

The latest drone image taken today of our Royal New Zealand Navy's ship HMNZS Manawanui submerged in waters off the coast of Samoa has been released. This is a complex situation and the response will take time, but we will keep you regularly updated on the next steps as we support Samoan authorities. 📸 AC J Somerville For the latest updates ➡️ https://lnkd.in/grmjBFQR #Force4NZ #NZNavy

NEWS📢 We have announced details of our Court of Inquiry (COI) into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa. Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding has directed the assembly of a COI into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui and has appointed Commodore Melissa Ross as the president. The COI will assemble on Friday.   COIs are set up to establish the facts of an incident and any circumstances leading to it to allow the NZDF to identify possible improvements or changes for the future. “Given the high level of public interest in this and with transparency at front of mind, I will make the report publicly available to the maximum extent possible consistent with the Privacy Act and my obligations to uphold national security. I have directed the Court to provide me with an interim report on specific areas by mid-November, and then to provide regular updates on the progress of their inquiry from there.” ~ Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g99mGKTu #Force4NZ #NZNavy

UPDATE📢 HMNZS Manawanui is in water about 30m deep and a light oil sheen from its initial capsize is being dispersed by wind and waves. Royal New Zealand Navy divers were on the water at first light today to assess the wreckage of the ship, to better understand the environmental impacts and clean-up efforts required in Samoa. A number of government agencies are involved in supporting the Samoan Government’s response to the incident, Experts from Maritime New Zealand and other agencies are also assisting with understanding the environmental impacts and initiating clean-up actions. Wildlife experts from Massey University have been assisting with the response and the New Zealand Defence Force, which has 28 personnel in Samoa, is working closely with the Samoan Government. A range of equipment was sent to Samoa with New Zealand Defence Force personnel to assist with the initial response and help address environmental impacts to the area.   Equipment includes remotely operated vehicles used to establish the debris field, and also Maritime NZ spill response equipment, which can be used both in the water and on the land. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/grmjBFQR #Force4NZ #NZNavy

NEWS📢 HMNZS Manawanui crew and passengers rescued after ship runs aground in Samoa. Crew and passengers of Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Manawanui were rescued in the early hours of the morning on Sunday in Samoa after the vessel was grounded off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa. The incident occurred on Saturday evening while conducting a hydrographic survey 1 nautical mile from shore. The 75 crew and passengers began evacuating into lifeboats at 7.52 pm on Saturday 5 October. Those on board the lifeboats and sea boats from HMNZS Manawanui were transferred to vessels that responded to the rescue call and were transported ashore. We worked closely with the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) who led the rescue effort. Numerous vessels responded to provide assistance, and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed to assist. At this stage the exact cause of the grounding is unknown and this will need further investigation. “We are very grateful for the assistance of everyone involved, from RCCNZ who coordinated rescue efforts, to the vessels which responded and took our crew and passengers from Manawanui to safety.” ~ Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gRnVKpP2 #Force4NZ #NZNavy

Partnership and looking to the future have been key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific who met in Auckland this week. Innovation and emerging technology play and important role contributing to maritime domain awareness and peace keeping efforts across the South Pacific. South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting (SPDMM), the premier dialogue for defence in the South Pacific, brought together Australia, Fiji, France, Tonga, Chile, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, with a theme of looking to the future and collaboration. South Pacific defence ministers, cheifs of defence and secretaries of defence gathered to discuss regional solutions to regional challenges, including disaster response, trans-national crime. 📸 LAC J Nomani #Force4NZ

Aiming for the Stars 🚀 Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) is a multinational initiative that leverages commercial assets to enhance Space Domain Awareness, helping us monitor and protect critical space assets vital for military and civilian operations across New Zealand. The Republic of Korea Air Force has officially joined the JCO community! They have completed the JCO200 course at Base Auckland alongside us and our Australian partners. This marks a significant step toward stronger collaboration and excellence in space operations. With more nations, like South Korea, participating, our efforts become even more capable and resilient. #Force4NZ 

STORY📰 Thirty incredible pieces of art are now on display in Christchurch’s Arts Centre as part of our New Zealand Army’s Art in Recovery initiative. ‘A Shared Journey of Recovery’ is an exhibition celebrating and recognising New Zealand Defence Force personnel who have been injured, wounded or ill as part of/during their service to our country, their family and friends, and Families of our Fallen.   On display are 21 artists and over 30 pieces of art across a variety of mediums including mouth painting, sculptures, welding, digital art, plus more.   “Art in Recovery is about raising awareness of recovery through art by exhibiting and showcasing work by our people. The journey to recovery can be found in many forms, including art and creativity which is just one therapeutic method that can help in the recovery process.” ~ Captain Rebecca Millar, New Zealand Army Liaison Officer Injured, Wounded and Ill. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gG_t7wPn #Force4NZ #NZArmy

READ📖 September’s Army News is action packed. This issue will be the last one to be printed as a hard copy, with all three service magazines published in a digital format online from October. Read about our Army's new era of leadership, our war fighting exercise with our Australian counterparts, what it takes to be an ammunition technician, and much more. ➡️ nzdf.mil.nz/army-news #Force4NZ #NZArmy