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The HMNZS Canterbury is back in Lyttelton. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, the HMNZS Canterbury, has docked in her home port of Lyttelton for a five-day visit.

The vessel is regularly deployed to the Pacific, but is now on a one-month trip around Aotearoa training junior officers for future operations.

Its primary mission is to deploy personnel, vehicles and cargo, either at ports or using landing craft, helicopter airlifts or boats.

It has its own mini hospital, with two ward-like rooms and the equipment to perform surgery, if necessary.

Cantabrian Ordinary Hydrographic Systems operator Cameron Norton said it was exciting to sail into an area with which he was familiar.

”It was amazing, like being able to be on the foc’s’le as we’re driving into Lyttelton and get to see, see this place again, like on a navy ship. It was pretty cool.” foc’s’le can also be written as ‘forecastle’ – it’s a part of a ship – Anna

Ordinary Hydrographic Systems operator James Marsh agreed.

“Yeah, it was quite exciting just coming down the coast and seeing places that you recognise and stuff like that.”

On board are 154 sailors, as well as 13 current trainees.

Cameron Norton, James Marsh and Renèe Woodward. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Ensign Bravo Watchkeeper under training Renèe Woodward said being on board gave her first-hand experience and training.

She said while the days could be busy, the crew were well looked after and their tummies were kept full.

“We always get Duff, so Duff is dessert, so it will be like biscuits or slice or anything. It’s really good. It’s 10 out 10 … food’s a pretty big morale-booster for the ship’s company, so food is a very integral part of keeping the ship moving and going forward.”

Ship commander Bronwyn Heslop. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Ship commander Bronwyn Heslop said the training carried out during Canterbury’s stint in Aotearoa was important.

“Just to train people to give them experience of how to conduct themselves both at sea and ashore.

“Just trying to bring back some of the training that we’ve missed with attrition and with Covid-19 and an absence of ships readily available at sea.”

Commander Heslop said HMNZS Canterbury was a unique vessel.

“The ship is the coolest in the world because it is Army, Air Force and Navy together.

“So although I wear blue and I’m in the Navy, I have army embarked all the time. I have seven army, the ship’s amphibious load team and we embark Air Force and they come with us.

“And so our motto is called kotahitanga, unity, so it’s the Defence Force united.” she said.

Inside the HMNZS Canterbury. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Canterbury was last in Lyttelton to help with the response to Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023.

It was stationed at Campbell and Auckland Islands when the storm hit but headed back to the mainland.

Commander Heslop said the coordination was incredible.

“A huge response, Ngāi Tahu were amazing and brought generators, the army brought bridges over from Burnham, and lots and lots of stores.

“We did lots and lots of shopping for feminine products and nappies and things to take up, and then we sailed for Napier. “

HMNZS Canterbury’s next destination is Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting with King Charles in October.

The vessel will be back in Lyttelton next year for the 15th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquakes.