Canterbury in support of CHOGM

HMNZS Canterbury was among naval vessels from Australia and the United Kingdom in support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Samoa in October.

06 November, 2024

At the request of the Samoan Government, HMNZS Canterbury, Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tamar and Australian Landing Ship Dock HMAS Choules arrived in support, to work alongside Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS).

Canterbury arrived with three NH90 helicopters and six Hato Hone St John ambulances, along with equipment and supplies for various other agencies including NZ Police, NZ Fire Service, and NZ Medical Assistance Teams. The St John team were in Samoa to support the Samoan Fire and Emergency Services Authority during CHOGM. According to the Samoan Observer, it was St John’s first deployment in Samoa.

The ships conducted rehearsals with SPPCS before undertaking their operational duties around Upolu in support of security measures for CHOGM. After unloading its cargo Canterbury moved to the north west of Apia to monitor the waterways, while providing a platform for the NH90 helicopters which conducted airborne security cover throughout the meetings

Canterbury also hosted the Australian Defence Force’s Mass Casualty Team and Aeromedical Evacuation teams, who were on standby in case of a serious incident in Samoa.

People walk along the tarmac to board a RNZAF Boeing 757-2K2.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757-2K2 takes multi-agency personnel to Samoa to support CHOGM.

Inside HMNZS Canterbury two ambulances are secured in place in a line.

Hato Hone St John vehicles in Canterbury’s cargo deck.

A grey helicopter after taking off flies just about tents and trees in the background.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter begins a patrol in Samoa.

Two helicopter loadmasters sit inside a NH90 helicopter during flight. They are both looking out of the aircraft as they fly over the ocean with land in the background.

On patrol aboard an NH90.

Two military ships and one cargo ship at sea, taken from the air. In the background the horizon meets land.

HMAS Choules (front) and HMNZS Canterbury monitor sea traffic north of Apia.

In total the New Zealand Defence Force deployed 260 personnel in support of Samoa during CHOGM.

Canterbury departed Apia on 30 October, bringing back to New Zealand HMNZS Manawanui’s three containers, recovered from the reef close to where Manawanui sank. The ship also carried Manawanui’s two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats, used to help evacuate the ship, and other equipment.

Poignantly, Canterbury brought back Manawanui’s Symbol of Command, a ceremonial adze (toki poutangata) recovered by HMNZS Matataua divers. It was handed back to the Commanding Officer of Manawanui, Commander Yvonne Gray, when Canterbury returned to Devonport.

Commodore Andrew Brown, the Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution in Samoa, visited Canterbury to thank the ship’s company for their contribution to CHOGM and their support to the Manawanui response.

Canterbury’s priority now is preparation for humanitarian aid and disaster relief requirements in the Pacific, with the approach of the high risk weather season.