Under grey skies, the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana triumphantly sailed into Waitematā Harbour today and received a well-deserved Ceremonial Homecoming following the completion of a three-year frigate systems upgrade in Canada.
As gun salutes from ship and shore rang around the harbour, more than 700 excited friends and family lined the wharf and greeted the 175-strong crew with a mix of cheers, banners and helium balloons and cries of excitement.
A rousing haka was performed by sailors on the wharf as the ship came alongside and this received an equally passionate response from the ship’s company.
Commanding Officer, Commander Mike Peebles, then left the ship to greet his family.
He was followed by Petty Officer Jacob Biddle who went down on one knee on the wharf and proposed to his partner who said ‘yes’ to a chorus of cheers. The rest of the crew then disembarked amongst scenes of emotion from friends and family.
Also welcoming the ship and crew back home were the Minister of Defence Peeni Henare, Secretary of Defence Andrew Bridgman, and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Proctor.
Rear Admiral Proctor said it was a very good day for the Navy.
“With the upgraded HMNZS Te Kaha already home, the return of HMNZS Te Mana marks the next step in the restoration of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s combat capability,” he said.
“Once their modern systems have been fully introduced, the frigates will provide Aotearoa with high-end options over the full range of maritime operations.
“Te Kaha and Te Mana will be able to deploy through the IndoPacific and anywhere in the world to advance our national interests, including providing maritime security alongside our partners where needed.”
(NZDF)