Environment monitoring of Northland's east and west coast received a shot in the arm with the launch of a new catamaran by the Northland Regional Council.
The 4.8m-long Mangapai will replace the NRC's 30-year-old Lasercraft which will be auctioned off on Trade Me.
Regional harbourmaster Jim Lyle said the Mangapai would join the Waikare, Karetu and Ruawai primarily in environment monitoring activities.
"The Mangapai will be used in shallow areas in the inner harbour and she will alternate as a multi vessel, which will also be used for water quality, coastal monitoring, biosecurity and diving," he said.
The catamaran was launched on Friday at the Marsden Cove marina with a blessing from the local iwi, Patu Harakeke.