HMNZS Canterbury getting ship-shape in Bluff before Southern mission

Cameron Day will be at the controls of a  Seasprite helicopter as it delivers supplies to the Auckland Islands this month.

Day won’t be flying the 480 some kilometres from Bluff, he will be travelling on the HMNZS Canterbury which leaves on Monday.

The ship is 131 metres long and will transport 170 crew and government scientists to the Auckland Islands.

Working with the Department of Conservation and Metsetvice, the ship is a hive of activity as the crew prepare to sail south.

Canterbury commander Martin Walker said the Auckland Islands are a World Heritage site, and protecting that is part of protecting New Zealand.

The commander also pointed out the key function the islands play in weather forecasting, which contributed to the safety of all mariners.

Day is the only pilot on board.

The pilot grew up in Invercargill before moving to Alexandra at 12 years old.

Flying around the windy Auckland Islands was quite difficult, but he looked forward to the varied work he gets to do, including things like peace keeping missions.

The Seasprite and Day will be helping DOC survey bird and seal populations.

Day said he is doing his dream job, and knew he wanted to fly after his first helicopter ride at 10 years old.

Commander Walker said the conditions would be tough, with little shelter.

He said being on the ship, in the literal high seas, made everything harder to do.

Working is a burden as your body constantly fights to stay upright.