RNZN Sailor of the Year lives core values

Royal New Zealand Navy Marine Technician Acting Petty Officer Kristen Kotuhi (Ngāti Raukawa) has been named the 2025 New Zealand Defence Force Sailor of the Year, for her professionalism, outstanding leadership and technical mastery.

SOTY 1

01 December, 2025

“I was pleasantly shocked when I heard my name being called for the award. I thought if I’m there for a reason, so were the other finalists.”

Based in the Navy’s littoral warfare unit, HMNZS Matataua, Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi is naturally drawn to roles where she is able to help and look after others. Those around her say her conduct and leadership extend well beyond her substantive rank.

Her citation says: “She coached junior rates, set fair tasking, and fostered a culture where people felt supported and standards mattered. She organised regular department sports activities, breakfasts, and simple team-building activities kept morale high during demanding periods. Her conduct consistently reflects the Navy’s core values: Courage, Commitment, Comradeship and Integrity.”

“She translated command intent into safe, reliable outputs that enabled boat, diving operations and Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal (MEOD) tasks.”

She said she was grateful to have the capacity to take on the role.

Growing up in Tokoroa and Kawerau, as the oldest of eight daughters, Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi said recruiting drives at school motivated her to look at the military as a career.

“I found out I could play sport, travel the world and make money. It sounded like a win-win. I enlisted as soon as I had finished at Trident High School in Whakatāne.”

SOTY 2

Looking at her career so far, she said she has gained a lot over the years.

“Being in the Navy comes with challenges, but the reward and consequences of those challenges have only made me a better person, helped me grow.

“I’m very lucky in the sense that my fiancé is also in the military, so he understands those challenges.”

Her fiancé Leading Diver Luke Lambe is also based in HMNZS Matataua, and Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi credits him for being her main support in her career.

“He definitely reins me in when I need it, but he is the first to lift me up too.”

Her citation noted how she goes above and beyond to help others.

“She builds an inclusive team that looks after one another and delivers together, and isn’t afraid to take charge under pressure when senior staff are absent.

“She stays with a job until equipment is safe to operate and follows through on training and documentation. She isn’t afraid to hold the line on safe systems and standards, instructing only what is right, addressing minor misses openly, and giving command the information needed for better decision making.”

SOTY 3

New Zealand warship makes rare transit through sensitive Taiwan Strait

New Zealand Navy’s largest ship transited through strait, defence minister says

HMNZS Aotearoa

HMNZS Aotearoa

Published on: 

27 Nov 2025, 10:02 pm

The New Zealand Navy’s largest ship, the oiler HMNZS Aotearoa, made a rare transit through the sensitive Taiwan Strait earlier this month, Defence Minister Judith Collins told Reuters.

One source with knowledge of the situation said the ship was tracked and followed by Chinese forces as it sailed through the strait.

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Collins did not comment on any Chinese activity but said the transit was conducted in accordance with international law. “This includes exercising the right to freedom of navigation, as guaranteed under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea,” she said in an e-mail.

The ship sailed from the South China Sea to the North Asian region via the Taiwan Strait on November 5, the minister added.

The mission has not been previously reported.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own, says it alone exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over the strait. Both the US and Taiwan say the strait – a major trade route through which about half of global container ships pass – is an international waterway.

The last publicised strait transit by New Zealand’s navy, accompanied by an Australian Navy ship, took place in September last year. That was the first time a New Zealand naval ship had passed through the strait since 2017.

The source said that during the sailing, Chinese ships and aircraft monitored the Aotearoa, with Chinese jets carrying out simulated attacks.

The Chinese defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said in a statement that its armed forces, “maintain comprehensive awareness of all military activities across the region and respond appropriately, ensuring national defence security”. It did not elaborate.

The transit coincided with Taiwan reporting that China had, on November 6, carried out another “joint combat readiness patrol” around the island involving J-16 fighter jets, with the activity concentrated in the strait and to Taiwan’s southwest.

The South Korea-built Aotearoa is not armed with heavy weapons, but is equipped to carry a helicopter. It is used for replenishment of fuel and other goods at sea.

The New Zealand Defence Force said last month the ship was planning to take part in United Nations sanctions enforcement missions related to North Korea around Japan.

New Zealand, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but Taipei sees it as an important like-minded democratic partner and both maintain de facto embassies in each other’s capitals.

New Zealand is also one of only two major countries, along with Singapore, to have a free trade agreement with Taiwan.

US warships sail through the strait every few months, drawing the ire of Beijing, and some US allies like Canada and Britain have also made occasional transits.

China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has over the past five years stepped up military activities around the island, including staging war games.

Taiwan’s democratically-elected government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

(Reporting by Greg Torode, Yimou Lee and Lucy Craymer; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Open day a chance to explore ‘Te Kaha’

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By John Lewis

Royal New Zealand Navy Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will be holding a public open day in...

Royal New Zealand Navy Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will be holding a public open day in Dunedin on Saturday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

After spending much of this year monitoring a Chinese Task Group in the Tasman and conducting an anti-piracy deployment in the Arabian Sea, HMNZS Te Kaha and its crew are looking forward to a less combative environment during their visit to Dunedin this week.

It is the first time in 20 years the Royal New Zealand Navy Anzac-class frigate has visited the city.

Te Kaha will arrive at the T/U Wharf, in Fryatt St, tomorrow for a four-day port visit which includes a public open day on Saturday, from 10am until 2pm.

Commander Andy Hunt said it would be a great opportunity for the public to see inside a naval warship and meet the crew, some of whom are from Otago.

“There’ll be a guided tour of the ship to get up close to some of the ship’s new defensive and combat capability.”

Queues were expected, so visitors were advised to arrive early and to wear closed-toe footwear. A good level of fitness was also required to traverse the gangway and negotiate a series of steep ladders and narrow corridors.

Cmdr Hunt said it had been a busy year for Te Kaha.

Aside from monitoring the Chinese task group and spending three months on an anti-piracy deployment, the ship and its crew worked alongside a United Kingdom carrier task group in the Indian Ocean and participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre, off the coast of Australia, one of the largest multinational military exercises in the world.

The 28-year-old vessel is one of 10 Anzac-class frigates and one of two in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The 118m-long ship can travel at 50kmh, with a range of 11,000km, and is armed with guns and missiles including a 54-calibre Mark 45 gun; a Phalanx CIWS that can fire 4500 rounds per minute (75 rounds per second); eight M2 50-calibre Browning machine guns; Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles, and torpedoes.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

Long-term plan to rebuild Defence estate – NZDF

The Government has unveiled a long-term plan to modernise Defence Force infrastructure that will strengthen military resilience and create building and construction jobs across New Zealand.

“The national security of New Zealand depends on a strong Defence estate that empowers the Force to perform at its best,” Associate Minister Chris Penk says.

“Modern facilities support personnel to train, deploy and operate equipment at their peak, while safe and healthy workplaces and homes are essential for their wellbeing.

“Sadly, our infrastructure is not equipped to realise this vision. Much of it is aged, fragile and prone to failure, with more than 70 percent of New Zealand Defence Force infrastructure now having less than 20 years of useful life remaining.

“Failure to act will result in facility closures, degraded training that undermines operational capability, and increased risks to personnel. Regenerating the estate is essential to maintain a high level of operational readiness.

“The Defence Estate Portfolio Plan (DEPP) sets out a long-term vision to deliver major regeneration by 2040, ensuring our camps, bases and training areas are fit for purpose and equipped to meet the needs of a modern Defence Force.

“The DEPP sets out the investment priorities for the $2.5 billion identified in the Defence Capability Plan 2025 to modernise and strengthen Defence infrastructure over the next four years, subject to annual budget processes.

“It replaces earlier regeneration plans and takes a more holistic portfolio approach by bringing together service-critical assets, training infrastructure, and housing across the Defence estate.”

As part of the DEPP, Cabinet has given the green light to the Future Naval Base Programme.

“Devonport Naval Base is vital to the Defence Force as New Zealand’s only naval port, yet the current infrastructure cannot fully meet the Navy’s operational, training and support requirements,” Mr Penk says.

“The Programme addresses historic underinvestment with significant new projects to provide fit-for-purpose accommodation, training facilities, wharf improvements and horizontal infrastructure.

“Investment also extends to associated sites such as Narrow Neck, Kauri Point, and the Tamaki Leadership Centre at Whangaparāoa.

“These upgrades will be rolled out in tranches, enhancing the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ability to operate safely and effectively. The first tranche is already underway, with $25 million in capital funding provided through Budget 2025.”

Alongside the Future Naval Base Programme, the DEPP supports the continuation of five other programmes that back Defence capability and renew infrastructure.

These include:

  • Defence Estate Regeneration Programme (DERP) – Renewing ageing, service-critical infrastructure using depreciation reserves across camps and bases, training areas and regional facilities.
  • Horizontal Infrastructure Workstream – Upgrading essential services like water, power, ICT, and roads across Defence sites.
  • Homes for Families Programme – Delivering modern housing for Defence families at multiple locations.
  • Ōhakea Infrastructure Programme – Supporting Air Force capability through targeted infrastructure upgrades at RNZAF Base Ōhakea.
  • Accommodation Messing and Dining Modernisation Programme – Upgrading barracks, messing and dining facilities to improve living standards and support retention.

“Altogether, this is a generational investment in Defence infrastructure that strengthens strategic objectives, bolsters preparedness, and ensures our people have the facilities to excel at work and recharge while off duty,” Mr Penk says.

“The DEPP also delivers a boost for New Zealand’s building and construction industry. Renovations and new projects across bases and camps nationwide will create jobs and economic opportunities in local communities for years to come.

“This Government is investing in the foundations of our Defence Force. We are building the infrastructure that enables capability, supports our hard-working servicemen and women, and safeguards our country.”

HMAS/HMNZS Stawell (J348 -M348)


HMNZS Stawell passing at the head of a fleet of small craft under the main navigation span of the Auckland Harbour Bridge during its official opening ceremony. At the same moment, the car of Governor-General Lord Cobham, led the procession across the bridge.
HMNZS Stawell, Auckland Harbour Bridge Opening Day, 1959-05-30

HMNZS Stawell
RAN
The majority of Starwell’s career was spent in three areas. Initially, she served as a convoy escort along the east coast of Australia.[1] Following this, Stawell participated in a variety of escort, minesweeping, and combat roles throughout New Guinea waters.[1] In the final third of her career, the ship spent time in Hong Kong waters, performing minsweeping and anti-piracy duties.[1] Stawell returned to Brisbane in November 1945.[1]

The corvette received three battle honours for her wartime service: “Pacific 1943–45”, “New Guinea 1943–44”, and “Borneo 1945”.[10][11]

RNZN
Stawell was removed from RAN service on 26 March 1946.[1] On 5 March 1952, Stawell and three other Bathurst-class corvettes (HMA Ships Echuca, Inverell, and Kiama) were transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy.[12]

She was commissioned into the RNZN during May 1952 and given the prefix HMNZS.[13] Stawell operated primarily as a training vessel until 1959, when she was placed into reserve
Fate
Stawell was sold to Pacific Scrap Limited of Auckland, New Zealand in July 1968, and was broken up for scrap.

HMNZS Stawell alongside HMAS Voyager – Daring Class
HMNZS Royalist and HMNZS Stawell being readied for scrapping. Royalist towed to Japan – Stawell was sold to Pacific Scrap Limited of Auckland, New Zealand in July 1968, and was broken up for scrap
HMNZS Stawell as HMAS Stawell
HMNZS Stawell

Stawell (J348/M348) was a Bathurst-class corvette named for the town of Stawell, Victoria.[1] Sixty Bathurst-class corvettes were constructed during World War II, and Stawell was one of 36 initially manned and commissioned solely by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).[1]

The corvette later served in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) as HMNZS Stawell.

Design and construction

Main article: Bathurst-class corvette

In 1938, the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board (ACNB) identified the need for a general purpose ‘local defence vessel’ capable of both anti-submarine and mine-warfare duties, while easy to construct and operate.[2][3] The vessel was initially envisaged as having a displacement of approximately 500 tons, a speed of at least 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph), and a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km; 2,300 mi)[4] The opportunity to build a prototype in the place of a cancelled Bar-class boom defence vessel saw the proposed design increased to a 680-ton vessel, with a 15.5 knots (28.7 km/h; 17.8 mph) top speed, and a range of 2,850 nautical miles (5,280 km; 3,280 mi), armed with a 4-inch (102 mm) gun, equipped with asdic, and able to fitted with either depth charges or minesweeping equipment depending on the planned operations: although closer in size to a sloop than a local defence vessel, the resulting increased capabilities were accepted due to advantages over British-designed mine warfare and anti-submarine vessels.[2][5] Construction of the prototype HMAS Kangaroo did not go ahead, but the plans were retained.[6] The need for locally built ‘all-rounder’ vessels at the start of World War II saw the “Australian Minesweepers” (designated as such to hide their anti-submarine capability, but popularly referred to as “corvettes”) approved in September 1939, with 60 constructed during the course of the war: 36 (including Stawell) ordered by the RAN, 20 ordered by the British Admiralty but manned and commissioned as RAN vessels, and 4 for the Royal Indian Navy.[2][7][8][9][1]

Stawell was laid down by HMA Naval Dockyard at Williamstown, Victoria on 18 June 1942.[1] She was launched on 3 April 1943 by Mrs. J. J. Dedman, wife of the Minister for War Organisation, and commissioned into the RAN on 7 August 1943.[1]

Operational history

RAN

The majority of Stawell‘s career was spent in three areas. Initially, she served as a convoy escort along the east coast of Australia.[1] Following this, Stawell participated in a variety of escort, minesweeping, and combat roles throughout New Guinea waters.[1] On 3 August 1945 she sank an armed Daihatsu barge in the Moluccas area.[10] In the final third of her career, the ship spent time in Hong Kong waters, performing minsweeping and anti-piracy duties.[1] Stawell returned to Brisbane in November 1945.[1]

The corvette received three battle honours for her wartime service: “Pacific 1943–45”, “New Guinea 1943–44”, and “Borneo 1945”.[11][12]

RNZN

Stawell was removed from RAN service on 26 March 1946.[1] On 5 March 1952, Stawell and three other Bathurst-class corvettes (HMA Ships Echuca, Inverell, and Kiama) were transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy.[13]

She was commissioned into the RNZN during May 1952 and given the prefix HMNZS.[14] Stawell operated primarily as a training vessel until 1959, when she was placed into reserve.[1][14]

Fate

Stawell was sold to Pacific Scrap Limited of Auckland, New Zealand, in July 1968, and was broken up for scrap.

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