Project Protector
Client
Royal New Zealand Navy
Description
To acquire a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV), and Offshore and Inshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs and IPVs), to be operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy to conduct tasks for and with New Zealand Customs, the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand & New Zealand Police.
Government approval
In 2004, the Government approved a project budget of NZ$500 million excluding GST.
Contract
A Contract was signed at the end of July 2004, with Tenix Defence Pty Limited for the provision of seven ships, comprising one MRV, two OPVs, and four IPVs.
The ships have been built in the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand, with the New Zealand industry component worth at least $110 million.
The names and affiliated home ports of the vessels were announced by the Minister of Defence on 31 March 2006. The Multi Role Vessel has been named HMNZS Canterbury. Once commissioned, the two Offshore Patrol Vessels will be named HMNZS Wellington and HMNZS Otago, and the four Inshore Patrol Vessels will be named HMNZS Hawea, HMNZS Pukaki, HMNZS Rotoiti and HMNZS Taupo.
Current status
The HMNZS Canterbury was commissioned on 31 May 2007, and has since been undertaking an introduction to service programme with the Royal New Zealand Navy.
On 20 December last year, the Minister of Defence announced the commissioning of an independent review of the acquisition and introduction into service of the HMNZS Canterbury.
The purpose of the review is to identify any concerns relevant to the operation of the ship or its design or performance, report whether it is capable of performing the functions for which it was acquired, and identify any remedial action that may be needed. Click here for the terms of reference.
The two OPVs and four IPVs are largely complete. They are due to be delivered by Tenix following resolution of several warranty issues including certification of their seaboats.
Contact
Acquisition Division
Ministry of Defence
PO Box 12703
Molesworth Street
Wellington 6144
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 496 0678
Fax: +64 4 496 0859
Email: info@defence.govt.nz
Data updated
June 2008