Ex HMNZS 'Kahu', the last of the seven Royal New Zealand Navy's Moa-class inshore patrol craft, is to be decommissioned and offered for sale by open public tender.
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has recently taken delivery of their replacements, the four new, inshore patrol vessels of the navy's new Protector Fleet. The four 340-tonne, 55-metre patrol vessels are named HMNZS 'Rotoiti', HMNZS 'Taupo', HMNZS 'Pukaki' and HMNZS 'Hawea'.
Seven Moa Class patrol vessels were built between 1978-1985 by W.E.C.O in Whangarei and became the mainstay of New Zealand's inshore fleet with ships strategically tasked to perform roles ranging from coastal patrol, mine countermeasures, fisheries surveillance, search and rescue through to hydrographic duties.
This first vessel, originally named HMNZS 'Manawanui' was used as a dive tender before been replaced and renamed the 'Kahu', which is currently assigned to the Naval College for training purposes.
Appointed sole agents Auckland Shipbrokers have been instructed to sell 'Kahu' by open public tender closing late January 2010.
