Concert paves way for visit of HMNZS Manawanui

The Royal New Zealand Navy Band entertained lunchtime crowds yesterday ahead of the home port visit of HMNZS Manawanui.

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) diving support, hydrographic survey and deep sea salvage vessel HMNZS Manawanui arrives in Gisborne tomorrow and will be here until Monday. It is the ship’s first visit to her ceremonial home port.

“The crew of HMNZS Manawanui are really looking forward to spending time in Gisborne and the opportunity to further enhance the special and strong relationship that began in June 2019 when the ship was commissioned,” Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Andy Mahoney said.

The visit to Gisborne cements the relationship between the City of Gisborne and the RNZN where the ship will receive the Charter to the City granting the men and women of HMNZS Manawanui the privilege of being able to march through the streets with drums beating and bayonets fixed.

“The receipt of a charter to a city is a long-standing naval tradition and one that we are incredibly honoured to receive from the Gisborne District Council. Our crew come from all over New Zealand, but we can now proudly call Gisborne home.”

This is not the first time Gisborne has had a charter with an RNZN ship. The decommissioned hydrographic ships HMNZS Resolution and HMNZS Monowai held the charter until 2012 and 1997 respectively.

As well as a charter parade on Friday, the ship will be open to visitors on Saturday.

“The crew are looking forward to parading through the streets of Gisborne but also engaging with the community and providing an opportunity for them to view their ship and learn more about their Navy by interacting with the ship’s company,” Lieutenant Commander Mahoney said.

A number of activities have been organised during HMNZS Manawanui’s visit to Gisborne. Along with the Charter Parade and the ship being open to visitors, there will be a powhiri to welcome the ship, an official call by the Commanding Officer on the Mayor of Gisborne and a number of official functions on the ship.

■ The Manawanui will be open to the public on Saturday from 9am to 1pm.