Navy Hydrographic Unit operating in Napier

HMNZS Matataua, the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) Hydrographic and Diving specialist unit, is operating in Napier until Thursday, 27 June.

HMNZS Matataua’s work in Napier began on 20 May, with a training scenario involving the aftermath of a cyclone hitting Napier, requiring an advance team of hydrographic specialists to survey the harbour and approaches before a ship containing relief supplies arrives.

Following this, the team moved on to surveying the approaches to Napier, which were last surveyed in the early 2000s by former RNZN hydrographic vessel HMNZS Resolution.

This survey is continuation training for HMNZS Matataua personnel to prepare for further survey operations from the newly commissioned dive and hydrographic vessel HMNZS Manawanui next year.

The data will be provided to Land Information New Zealand to update nautical charts of the area.

Working from Napier Sailing Club marina, the unit are conducting the surveys using their survey motor boat Adventure.

Media are invited to see a team from the unit surveying the approaches to Napier using a Multi-Beam Echo Sounder.