Napier port of call for navies
Hawke's Bay is set to become a goodwill port of call for the Australian and New Zealand navies over the next three weeks.
Tomorrow, the first Australian navy ship to tie up at the Port of Napier since the supply ship HMAS Kanimbla back in early 2009, will arrive just after 9am for a four-day goodwill visit.
The 3353-tonne HMAS Tobruk also of the Royal Australian Navy arrives from Auckland where it has been carrying out duties alongside the New Zealand Navy.
It is a multi-purpose amphibious troop and heavy vehicle carrier with capacity to carry up to 500 troops, 18 tanks and 40 armoured personnel carriers or light armoured vehicles.
While in port the officers will be hosting an Art Deco cocktail function for the mayors of Napier and Hastings, councillors and businesspeople.
It is understood Commanding Officer Timothy Watson requested that the function planned have an Art Deco theme.
Members of the 150-strong crew will be taking part in a variety of tours and sporting events during their four-day stay.
The Royal Australian Navy ship will not be open to the public.
Nor will the Royal New Zealand Navy's Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Mana which will tie up at Napier on December 6 - it too for a four-day goodwill visit. The Te Mana was last in Napier back in 2005.
