The refurbished frigate Te Kaha is to sail from Wellington on October 16 to mark the centenary of troopships leaving the
capital to fight in the First World War.
After almost two years of extensive work to upgrade her capabilities the Anzac class ship will visit Wellington next
week before taking part in First World War centenary commemorations at Albany, Western Australia.
HMNZS Te Kaha has just complete a mid-life upgrade for frigates designed to ensure they remain a combat force through to
the 2030s.
After upgrading the main diesel engines and enhancing stability during the first phase, Te Kaha has now upgraded the
main platform control system and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment onboard. The ship now operates
with unmanned machinery spaces and an upgraded bridge capability.
Representing the Navy, and the NZ Defence Force commitment to the First World War centenary, Te Kaha will sail from
Wellington on 16 October, 100 years to the day since 10 troopships and their escorts, including HMS Philomel, departed
Wellington.
The ship will sail to Albany, Western Australia, to attend Australia’s 100th anniversary commemorations of the joint
departure of the Australian Imperial and New Zealand Expeditionary Forces to Egypt on 31 October. Next year Te Kaha will
deploy to Gallipoli to be part of the commemorations for the centenary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.
The ship will sail into Wellington on October 13 and berth at Queens Wharf. It will be open to the public on October 15
from 11am-2pm, and 4pm-6.30pm.