Royal New Zealand Navy patrol vessel HMNZS Taupo arrives in Fiji

The Royal New Zealand Navy patrol vessel HMNZS Taupo arrived in Fiji this morning to conduct combined maritime patrols with the Fiji Navy over the next 3 months.

Commanding Officer of HMNZS Taupo, Lieutenant Benjamin Flight who was also onboard the HMNZS Hawea last year, hopes that this year they will be able to be of great help in terms of border security and maritime security patrol.

Flight says that this year they will also work with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and the Ministry of Fisheries during their patrols.

Two Fisheries Officers from New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries will support at-sea boarding and inspections of the fishing vessels.

Meanwhile New Zealand Commander Joint Forces, Major General Tim Gall says that the combined maritime surveillance patrols with Fiji would also contribute to region-wide efforts to promote sustainable fishing.

Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilevesau says the Fijian government has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening the management of our resources for the benefit of the people if Fiji.

The HMNZS Taupo will also carry out training for the Fiji Navy sailors as well as personnel from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and the Ministry of Fisheries.

This is the second consecutive year that the New Zealand Defence Force is helping Fiji patrol its Exclusive Economic Zone of over 1.1 million square kilometres.