Public can gain insight into Navy life on vessel

Lieutenant Dave Luhrs on the HMNZS Hawea. Photo/Andrew Warner

As part of the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th Anniversary and Anzac Day commemorations, the HMNZS Hawea is in Tauranga and will be open to the public today.

Officer in Command Lieutenant Dave Luhrs said the public would be able to get an "insight into the kind of work we do".

"It's a pretty amazing workplace," he said.

The HMNZS Hawea was one of the Navy's four Inshore Patrol Vessels, designed for maritime surveillance and patrol missions around New Zealand.

The average age of those aboard the ship was 25.

"It's quite a young team," Lieutenant Luhrs said.

A lot of maritime patrol and training was conducted on the ship.

The last time HMNZS Hawea visited Tauranga was two years ago.

Lieutenant Luhrs said part of the reason the ships were visiting was to "support the local regions".

Closed toe footwear should be worn, and drinking water and sunblock was recommended.
It would be free to attend, between 10am and 2pm.

HMNZS Hawea would be berthed at Number 1 Berth, Port of Tauranga, and public access to Hawea was through the Salisbury Gate (next door to Mount Ocean Sports Club).

The ship hosted a group from Mount Maunganui College yesterday, where students were provided with a tour of Hawea and a sea riding board to the berth.