HMNZS
Te Kaha
, seen here while it was in the Singapore Strait. The frigate has sustained damage to its hull after a berthing accident, and repair work is ongoing.
(Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

New Zealand has begun work on its lead Te Kaha (Anzac)-class frigate, HMNZS
Te Kaha
, after the vessel was damaged during a berthing attempt on 16 May.

In response to questions from
Janes
, a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) spokesperson disclosed on 27 May that the frigate was attempting to berth at Kauri Point in Auckland when its bow came into contact with the wharf as a result of “near gale-force winds”.

As a result of the contact,
Te Kaha
sustained minor damage to its bow, the NZDF spokesperson said, further adding that it was “a small, 60 cm split” in the hull above the waterline.

“No personnel were injured in the incident. Port of Auckland tugs were in attendance at the time, assisting the ship to berth,” the spokesperson noted.

Since then
Te Kaha