Photos – HMNZS Canterbury bound for sub-Antarctic islands Michael Fallow 11:44, Feb 14 2023

While New Zealand deals with the torments of Cyclone Gabrielle, the HMNZS Canterbury departed Bluff on Tuesday bound for the so-often wild seas of the sub-Antaractic islands.

But there will be a gentle introduction for the novice seagoers who will be conducting conservation and science work.

Commander Bronwyn Heslop said conditions were shaping up to be “fairly benign’’ initially.

In the second week, weather was likely to be a challenge, Heslop acknowledged.

Of the newcomers aboard, “I do expect everyone will earn their sea legs,’’, she said.

The Canterbury’s arrival in Bluff, to take DOC, meteorological and science personnel to Campbell Island and the Auckland Islands had initially been uncertain.

The ship had been on stand-by in case the call came for a sharp turn back north to assist communities assailed by Gabrielle.

New Zealand’s Navy, Army and Air Force had collectively stood up for duties in Northland, Auckland, Gisborne, Thames and Coromandel.

“Fortunately, they’ve got it covered – we can carry on,’’ Heslop said.

The ship’s crew were well aware of the value of the work the teams on board would be doing.

For her part, Heslop said: “I have trained as a meteorologist and have a passion for everything to do with conservation. For us to help the early warning for different events that are happening, and to make the southern ocean a more save environment, is something that we’re proud to be part of.’’

The mission spans a range of projects, some of them catch-up work because of Covid-era disruptions to infrastructure work scheduled earlier.

One task was to have Campbell Island better prepared for the Navy to provide assistance in future, Heslop said.

“Right now we’re taking a Seasprite (marine helicopter) because she’s lighter. The landing site there is not yet graded for a NH90 so we have engineers on board to do that.’’

DOC and MetService staff would upgrade their facilities at the islands and members of the Sir Peter Blake Trust were taking an environmental leadership expedition of scientific research teachers and students.

Kai Tahu representatives from Bluff were picked up in Bluff to go aboard to support the work protecting taoka (taonga) species.

It is the first time Kāi Tahu Kā Rūnaka ki Murihiku have been given such an opportunity.

DOC operations supervisor Sharon Trainor said most of the department’s work would be on hut and track maintenance but also sealion, hoiho and albatross monitoring.

DOC and MetService facilities needed to be “checked over and tidied up,’’ she said.