NZDF helicopter NH90 transporting loads from HMNZS Canterbury to shore at Raoul Island, February 2026. Photo: LAC Jalesa Nomani
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has carried out upgrade of critical tsunami and volcano monitoring equipment on Raoul Island.
It was the last job in a busy Pacific mission by the HMNZS Canterbury in Operation Calypso over the past few weeks, which included a visit to Tokelau.
The stop at Raoul allowed crew working parties to clear overgrowth from the Homestead and Green Lake areas.
NH90 helicopters were used in transporting MetService and Earth Sciences NZ personnel and equipment to remote parts of the island.
Critical tsunami and volcano monitoring equipment on Raoul, which provide an early warning system for New Zealand and the region, were upgraded.
Commanding Officer commander Wayne Andrew said the mission was a busy one for everyone and was one of the best examples of Service interoperability he had seen.
"With two NH90 helicopters and crew, and supporting personnel from the NZ Army's 5 Movements Company, this was a tri-service operation covering a range of tasks supporting New Zealand Government agencies in our Pacific neighbourhood."
A New Zealand Navy Electronics Technician assists an Earth Sciences NZ technician with monitoring equipment on Raoul Island. February 2026. Photo: LAC Jalesa Nomani
As part of the mission, the Canterbury went to Tokelau, taking MetService and other infrastructure support, as well as transporting the Governor-General to Tokelau for commemorations to mark 100 years of the constitutional relationship with New Zealand.
"Not only was the ship there for the centenary of New Zealand's administration of Tokelau, but two Tokelauan members of the Navy were able to reunite with their families there," Commander Andrew explained.
A RNZAF NH90 helicopter departs Tokelau, February 2026 Photo: LAC Jalesa Nomani
On the way back, the NZDF carried out a successful search and rescue operation near Tonga.
The ship's company had two Tongan speakers who were able to translate when Canterbury was last week called on to rescue two men drifting 105 nautical miles south of Tonga.
"Seeing the reaction when our two Tokelauan personnel were welcomed home was incredibly emotional for everyone who witnessed this, and having two Tongan speakers within our ship's company meant we could reassure the rescued sailors that we would be delivering them home," Commander Andrew said.
