Speech to mark the naming of the First Inshore Patrol Vessel: Rotoiti

Speech to mark the naming of the First Inshore Patrol Vessel:Rotoiti, Whangarei.

The Canadian Deputy Minister of Defence Ward Elcock, the Mayor of Napier Her Worship Barbara Arnott, the Mayor of Whangarei Her Worship Pamela Peters, Tenix CEO Robert Salteri, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Ledson, Secretary of Defence John McKinnon, MP Phil Heatley, President of the New Zealand Labour Party Mike Williams, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Today’s naming of Rotoiti, and her launch earlier this week, are significant milestones for the Government’s $500 million Project Protector.

Rotoiti is the first of four inshore patrol vessels to be launched and named under the project.

With the Multi-Role Vessel, HMNZS Canterbury, commissioned into service just over a month ago, and the first of the Offshore Patrol Vessels, Otago, launched in Melbourne last November, one vessel of each Protector class has now been launched.

Rotoiti is also the first of the Protector vessels to be built entirely in New Zealand.

The IPVs are an impressive capability. Compared to their predecessors, they are twice as big at 55 metres, with a top speed of 25 knots they are twice as fast and have three times the range.

They will be a big asset in patrolling of New Zealand’s 15,000 km coastline and our Exclusive Economic Zone, the fourth largest in the world.

The IPVs will focus on conducting surveillance and interception, but will also be available for search and rescue, disaster relief and civil defence.

Project Protector exemplifies a whole-of-government approach to the security of our borders, involving Customs, Fisheries, Police, Conservation and Foreign Affairs.

Each IPV has a ship’s company of 24, which includes four government agency personnel. The vessels also have additional accommodation for 12 personnel or embarked troops.

The Protector fleet will be tasked by the National Maritime Coordination Centre.bThe Protector vessels will work alongside and enhance the capabilities of the Customs and Police inshore vessels, and the RNZAF P-3K maritime surveillance aircraft.

Project Protector demonstrates the strength and competitiveness of New Zealand industry.

New Zealand companies will deliver goods and services to Project Protector worth at least NZ$110 million.

At the heart of the project has been Tenix Shipbuilding New Zealand Ltd. I welcome Tenix’s CEO Robert Salteri’s participation here to celebrate Rotoiti’s naming.

A number of sub-contractors have played a significant role in building Rotoiti. Joining the celebration today are ENL, Culham Engineering, Specialist Marine Interiors, South Pacific Industrial Ltd, Eptec NZ Ltd, and MacKay Electrical and Instrumentation, who have also provided switchboard and electrical systems for the OPVs.

The Donovan Group NZ Ltd, which won the Minister of Defence’s industry award for excellence last year, created the panels for the IPV aluminium superstructure.

All of these businesses, and others, 85 in total, have made a valuable contribution to the construction of the Protector fleet.

I congratulate Tenix, the sub-contractors and the Ministry of Defence Project team for working together to achieve a successful outcome within budget.

The launch and naming of the Rotoiti this week is a proud moment for all of you, and for the family members who are also here today.

This site has achieved real progress on all vessels over the last 12 months. I see in the background the second IPV, Pukaki, and sections of the third, Hawea. I look forward too, to the keel lay of the fourth IPV, Taupo, in a few months time.

The naming of all the Protector vessels reflects navy tradition and history.

New Zealand’s first Rotoiti, a Loch Class Frigate, saw service in the Korean War in the 1950s, and then as a weather ship during peacetime at the Christmas Island nuclear test in the 1960s. I'm delighted to have two members of the frigate’s ship’s company here today, Commander Kempthorne and Leading Seaman Button.

The new Rotoiti also follows in the path of her predecessor of the 1970s and 80s, the Lake Class Patrol Craft Rosita.

The role of the IPV's recognises that the future security of New Zealand is not only about dealing with potential military threats but is also about securing our resources, protecting our biodiversity and guarding our borders against transnational crime.

Although Rotoiti was built here in Whangarei and will be based at Devonport Naval Base, she will have a particular bond with Napier, her port of affiliation. It is therefore appropriate that Barbara Arnott, Mayor of Napier, is today’ Lady Sponsor. Rotoiti will enjoy her first visit to this region after she is accepted into service and commissioned later this year.

Once again, I congratulate the contractors and the Ministry of Defence project team for their hard work that has brought Rotoiti to this point, and wish well all those who will join her journeys ahead.