New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries Nelson fisheries officers have welcomed a faster, sleeker, more advanced patrol vessel intended to eliminate the need to go back to base to refuel or to carry fuel on board.
Nelson-Marlborough Chief Compliance Officer, Anthony Little, says the purpose-built 7.5 metre vessel — named Kiwa (God of all Fish or divine ocean guardian in M?ori) provides significantly more capability.
“This vessel has a far greater range, allowing us to go further uninterrupted than we’ve gone before, the officer stressed.
Little explained they now have the ability to go beyond Farewell Spit from Nelson, which he considered to be a big improvement.
“It’s also pretty quick with a top speed of 45 knots or 83km/h. We’ve got a top of the range sea-faring vessel now. The team’s very happy,” the officer added.
The Kiwa was formally unveiled this morning in a blessing conferred by kaum?tua to the Nelson city and Tasman district councils, Archdeacon Andy Joseph.
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