HMNZS Canterbury to stop in Tokelau to mark centenary

The Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Canterbury will visit Tokelau next week to commemorate 100 years of New Zealand administration of the Pacific territory, while also undertaking a broader Southwest Pacific operation focused on combating illegal fishing. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro will accompany the ship on its visit to the atolls of Atafu, Nukunono, and Fakaofo.

HMNZS Canterbury’s Tokelau Visit

The multi-role navy vessel is currently making a fuel stop in Samoa as it begins Operation Calypso, its first Southwest Pacific operation for 2026. During the visit, Dame Cindy Kiro and her husband, Dr. Richard Davies, will participate in welcome ceremonies on each atoll and meet with local Taupulega (councils of elders) and Fatupaepae (women’s groups).

They will also visit major infrastructure projects, including schools, hospitals, and renewable energy sites. Staff from various New Zealand Government agencies are onboard the Canterbury to provide support.

Support for Tokelau and Raoul Island

The MetService received a request from Tokelau government agencies for observer training and will conduct a needs assessment, as well as service the Automatic Weather Station on Nukunonu. A New Zealand police officer will meet with the Tokelau Chief of Police and other officials, and an officer from the Tokelauan National Disaster Management Office will transit between the atolls on the Canterbury.

Following the visits to the atolls, the HMNZS Canterbury will return to Apia for passenger disembarkation. It will then sail to Raoul Island to assist with upgrades and maintenance work on critical weather, tsunami, and volcano monitoring equipment. Air Force NH90 helicopters, flight crew, and army personnel will join MetService and Earth Sciences New Zealand staff for this task.

“Tokelau and Raoul Island are two examples of hard to reach places in our region, where carrying out tasks can be very logistically challenging,” said Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka. “We’re pleased to be able to support the visit of Her Excellency the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro and New Zealand government agencies to deliver services and equipment to these areas through one of our regular South West Pacific deployments.”