HMNZS Canterbury will make a stop in Tokelau next week to mark the centenary of New Zealand administration of the Pacific territory on February 11.
The multi-role navy vessel was currently on a fuel stop in Samao as the ship began its first Southwest Pacific operation for 2026 – Operation Calypso focused on illegal fishing.
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and her husband Dr Richard Davies would make the journey on the Canterbury to the atolls of Atafu, Nukunono and Fakaofo.
Their Excellencies would participate in a welcome ceremony on each atoll, have meetings with Taupulega (councils of elders) and Fatupaepae (women's groups), as well as make visits to major infrastructure projects, including schools, hospitals, and renewable energy sites.
Staff from various New Zealand Government agencies would also be onboard.
Weather agency MetService received a request from Tokelau government agencies for observer training and would be conducting a needs assessment as well as servicing the Automatic Weather Station on Nukunonu.
A New Zealand police officer on board will meet with the Tokelau Chief of Police and other officials, and an officer from the Tokelauan National Disaster Management Office will also be on Canterbury to transit between the atolls.
After visiting the atolls, HMNZS Canterbury would return to Apia, where some passengers will disembark.
It will then sail to Raoul Island, where Air Force NH90 helicopters and flight crew and army personnel will help MetService and Earth Sciences New Zealand staff with upgrade and maintenance work on critical weather, tsunami and volcano monitoring equipment and facilities.
"Tokelau and Raoul Island are two examples of hard to reach places in our region, where carrying out tasks can be very logistically challenging," said Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka.
"We're pleased to be able to support the visit of Her Excellency the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro and New Zealand government agencies to deliver services and equipment to these areas through one of our regular South West Pacific deployments."
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