HMNZS Canterbury Receives Her Majesty's Commission

Commander Tony Millar, Captain of HMNZS CANTERBURY with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Right Honourable Helen Clark - Lady Sponsor of HMNZS CANTERBURY - pictured at the commissioning today.

HMNZS Canterbury, the Navy’s newest and largest ship, was officially commissioned into service in Melbourne today by the Right Honourable Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Rear Admiral David Ledson, Chief of Navy, said, ”The commissioning of CANTERBURY formalises the ship becoming part of the Navy. It's a great occasion for the Navy and for the Defence Force as we can now start working towards fully exploiting the tremendous range of new capabilities the ship gives us.”

Commander Tony Millar, Commanding Officer of HMNZS CANTERBURY, said “The ship’s company can be rightly proud of all of the work they have put in, and all they have accomplished in such a short period. They are great New Zealanders.”

HMNZS CANTERBURY’s formal handover occurred on 31 May. She will arrive in Lyttelton for her homecoming on June 28. She will then visit Timaru between 4 and 6 July before arriving at the Devonport Naval Base, the home of the Navy, in late July.