For Immediate Release 5 October 2001
HMNZS Manawanui Departs For Service
In The Solomon Islands
HMNZS Manawanui and a crew of 28, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Lance Cook, RNZN, depart Devonport Naval
Base today for service with the International Peace Monitoring Team (IPMT) in the Solomon Islands.
HMNZS Manawanui is the third New Zealand Naval vessel to take part in the IPMT Mission. The Commanding Officer and Ships
Company, will take over responsibility for supporting the IPMT mission for a period of no less than 30 days from the
Australian Navy Frigate HMAS Canberra, before returning to New Zealand.
Major General Martyn Dunne, CNZM, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand says “HMNZS Manawanui’s deployment is a
continuation of New Zealand’s commitment to working towards a peaceful resolution to the difficulties in the Solomon
Islands. The ship provides security and reassurance to all involved in achieving the outcomes of the Townsville Peace
Agreement”.
Other New Zealand ships to take part in the IPMT mission have been HMNZS Te Mana and HMNZS Te Kaha. HMNZS Te Mana was
involved in the evacuation of Foreign Nationals from the island in July last year, and has recently completed another
tour to the Solomon’s in April this year. HMNZS Te Kaha was involved in hosting peace-talks in August last year.
HMNZS Manawanui will also be transporting an Aluminium support craft supplied by Stabicraft Marine in Invcercargill, for
use by the IPMT.
ENDS