HMNZS Otago (P148) is a Protector class off-shore patrol vessel in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy.

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 She was launched in 2006 but suffered from problems during construction and was not commissioned until 2010, two years later than planned. Soon after commissioning Otago encountered problems with both her engines which delayed her arrival at her home port of Port Chalmers. She has served on several lengthy patrols of the Antarctic, though she lacks the capability to operate in heavier levels of ice-coverage which has led to the cancellation of at least one planned operation.

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https://ift.tt/TXeE8Ir HMNZS Otago (P148) OPV January 18, 2026 at 11:31AM

Babcock to Reinstate NZ OPV into Service – HMNZS Otago

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Babcock, in collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), has commenced efforts to return the HMNZS Otago to operational service. This initiative highlights Babcock Australasia’s commitment to supporting New Zealand’s defense and maritime security, as emphasized by CEO Andrew Cridland. The reactivation process began recently, focusing on vital maintenance tasks to ensure the ship meets modern operational standards.

HMNZS Otago, one of the RNZN’s two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), is pivotal for missions such as maritime surveillance, supply, support, and border and fisheries patrols across New Zealand and the South West Pacific region. After being in care and custody for several years, the RNZN tasked Babcock in late 2024 with assessing the requirements for reactivating the vessel for active duty.

Babcock has taken on the role of the Strategic Maritime Partner to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and is working closely with RNZN personnel to form an integrated team dedicated to the ship’s material reactivation. This extensive project involves significant engineering updates across various systems and equipment. Key activities include overhauling the engines and generators, replacing outdated navigation systems, and upgrading sensors and control systems to enhance operational capabilities.

The reactivation work is conducted at Babcock’s marine engineering and maintenance facility located in Devonport, Auckland. Babcock’s ability to coordinate effectively with a reliable supply chain plays a crucial role in this comprehensive update process. The organization has affirmed that all efforts are progressing on schedule, with HMNZS Otago expected to be returned to the NZDF in early 2026.

Overall, this project underscores Babcock’s longstanding partnership with the NZDF and its role in strengthening maritime security for New Zealand and its Pacific neighbors. The initiative reflects broader strategic objectives to maintain a secure maritime environment in the region.

https://ift.tt/3JEmOKz RNZN News January 18, 2026 at 11:21AM

nznavy_museum #ThisMonth in 1944, a mine disposal officer LT Savage inspected a German mine before it was demolished – it had washed up on Cutter’s Rock in the Manukau Harbour. It was believed to have be laid by the German Navy off the Australian Coast #NZNavy #WW2

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https://ift.tt/zKl8JNh Maritime history in New Zealand January 15, 2026 at 12:08PM

RNZAF Black Falcons aerobatic team begin display flying season

https://ift.tt/1W0bAsw After months of training the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Black Falcons aerobatic team will kick off its display season this week above RNZAF Base Woodbourne in Marlborough.


12 January, 2026

The first display will be for the start of the Air Training Corps National Aviation Course, on Wednesday.

The season will then incorporate flights at events such as Whanganui’s Vintage weekend, the Coast-to-Coast race finish at Christchurch, the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival, and many others around the country.

It will conclude with a display at the Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow in April.

For three of the pilots, Lieutenant Commander Stephen Knowles from Wellington, Squadron Leader Matt Stapp, from Timaru/Christchurch, and Squadron Leader Richard O’Flaherty from Upper Hutt, this will be their first season of flying with the aerobatic team.

Lieutenant Commander Knowles is the first pilot from the Royal New Zealand Navy to be part of the Black Falcons. 

The other members are team leader Squadron Leader Paul Stockley from Lower Hutt, Squadron Leader Paul Harrison from Yorkshire, England (now living in the Manawatū), Flight Lieutenant James Erskine from Christchurch, team manager Warrant Officer Darren Smith, from Gore, and Flying Officer Matt Biggar, the team support officer.

The team recently gained the official approval needed to kick off its display season.

“This was a huge achievement by the team, who can now crack into display flying at numerous events across the country,” said Squadron Leader Stapp, who is the Officer Commanding Central Flying School, as well as being one of the team this year. 

As a high point in their intensive flying careers, RNZAF Qualified Flying Instructors are eligible to become display pilots – work they undertake on top of their fulltime RNZAF roles at Central Flying School and No. 14 Squadron, based at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

Squadron Leader Stapp said the Black Falcons display routines aim to “inspire and educate” and demonstrate “professionalism rather than stardom”.

“Because of the RNZAF’s size and resources, display flying will never be the primary role for any of our pilots, so our approach is simple but professional, rather than complex,” he said. 

The Black Falcons team was formed in 2015 when the RNZAF took delivery of the new Texan II T-6C trainer aircraft, with the five-aircraft aerobatic team created shortly after that.

The team was created to engage with the public and showcase the New Zealand Defence Force and its personnel.

View the season flying schedule.

https://ift.tt/HmD7aGJ RNZAF January 14, 2026 at 01:26PM

Babcock Trials Composites for Faster Navy Repairs – Modernizing Fleet Maintenance in Australia and New Zealand

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Photo of Jodesz Gavilan January 9, 2026

 1 minute read

Babcock Australasia has successfully trialed a new composite repair technology on ships from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), cutting maintenance times from months to days.

The Fiber Reinforced Polymer method offers a permanent alternative to steel, allowing repairs without hot works and curing even underwater. The technology was tested on HMNZS Aotearoa, HMNZS Te Mana, and HMAS Ballarat, addressing corrosion, deck renewals, and floor remediation. 

On the Aotearoa, repairs were completed in just eight days, compared with four to six months using conventional methods, and received Lloyd’s class approval within 24 hours.

Babcock partnered with FUZE, a composite solutions provider with experience in mining and offshore sectors, to deliver both scheduled and emergency maintenance. 

Modernizing Fleet Maintenance in Australia and New Zealand

The trials build on ongoing efforts by the RAN and RNZN to modernize fleet maintenance and repair capabilities. 

The RAN has steadily advanced its fleet sustainment capabilities through initiatives like Plan Galileo and the Regional Maintenance Centre Network. A $2-billion navy maintenance contract announced in November 2023 also sought to consolidate maintenance operations across major RAN vessels.

Meanwhile, the RNZN has invested in lightweight repair materials and rapid-response teams to enhance at-sea maintenance. 

The Frigate Sustainment Communications project, initiated in 2021, continues to modernize HMNZS Te Kaha and Te Mana, upgrading communications systems to maintain operational readiness and interoperability into the 2030s. 

https://ift.tt/S0bqDAj RNZN – Other bits and Pieces January 11, 2026 at 12:23PM

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