HMNZS Monowai (A06)

HMNZS "Monowai" (A06) was a hydrographic survey vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) from when she was commissioned in 1977 until 1997.

She had previously been the Zealand Government Island supply/passenger vessel GMV "Moana Roa". She was acquired in 1975 and converted over a two year period to replace her predecessor HMNZS "Lachlan".

During her naval service she was known as the "ghost of the coast" as she quietly remapped most of the New Zealand coastline including the Chatham, Cambell and Auckland Islands as well as the many sub-Antarctic islands in New Zealand's responsibility.

However "Monowai's" duties were not all hydrographic. She acted as a resupply vessel to Campbell and other sub-Antarctic island. She served as an "official residence" for VIPs and dignitaries at Pacific Island conferences. She monitored Chinese missile splashdown tests, stood by Fiji after military coups with a platoon of naval gunners to assist in possible NZ civilian evacuations, participated in the ANZCAN cable route survey and in international searches for sea mounts and shoals. She carried a helicopter and undertook rescue or aid missions, saving the lives of eight people during the New Zealand to Tonga Yacht Regatta.

"Monowai" was replaced in 1997 by HMNZS "Resolution", formerly USNS "Tenacious". She was sold to Scottish buyers in 1998. She was laid up at Lowestoft in England after being found unsuitable for her intended use until 2002 when she was finally sent to Spanish shipbreakers.

"Monowai" was the second of two ships with this name to serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy. She was named after the New Zealand glacial lake Monowai. Monowai is a Māori word meaning "channel full of water".

ee also

Survey ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy

External links

* [http://www.hydrographicsociety.org.nz/reports/report_ghost.htm "Ghost of the coast" decommissioned]
* [http://www.theships.co.nz/shipmonowai/monowai.html HMNZS Monowai]
* [http://www.newzeal.com/steve/Ships/Monowai.htm HMNZS Monowai]

References

* McDougall, R J (1989) "New Zealand Naval Vessels." Page 120-121. Government Printing Office. ISBN 9780477013994