Friday 27 February 2026 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Australia, Local, National, Regional
Te Kukupa II crew with Royal New Zealand Navy personnel left for Australia on Wednesday for the Royal Australian Navy’s 125th anniversary on March 21. COOK ISLANDS POLICE/26022618
Cook Islands patrol vessel Te Kukupa II, supported by a joint crew including Royal New Zealand Navy personnel, has departed for Sydney to join nearly 30 international ships in celebrating the Royal Australian Navy’s 125th anniversary on March 21.
The police maritime crew, strengthened by four personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), will take part in the International Fleet Review in Sydney on March 21.
This event is a phase of Exercise Kakadu and will contribute to the commemorations marking the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The fleet review is expected to draw up to 30 ships from 20 nations, making it one of the most significantly maritime gatherings in the region.
Participating vessels will sail into the world-famous Sydney Harbour in a ceremonial display of international naval cooperation and partnership.
Cook Islands Police media advisor Trevor Pitt said, “All the Pacific nations and their ships are participating in this milestone event. We have a crew of 20, including the four RNZN personnel.”
“All the Pacific Patrol ships have been invited, including us. To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy.”
Te Kukupa II will make a fuel stop in Suva, Fiji, before proceeding to Cairns, where the Pacific patrol vessels are expected to rendezvous prior to heading southward for the International Fleet Review.
Pitt noted that RAN hosts this maritime exercise biennially, and that this year’s event serves as a milestone anniversary commemoration.
The voyage will also include new additions, including Constable Jack Ting, who recently joined the Maritime Division following a transfer from frontline policing.
Constable Manea Opo, who has also recently transitioned to the Maritime Division from the frontline division, is part of this voyage.
Constable Michael Auora, a former member of the Maritime staff, will also be participating in this deployment.
Constable Auora has stepped in from frontline policing to assist with crew requirements for the voyage.
Te Kukupa II departed on Wednesday morning with the blessings of Police Commissioner Teokotai Joseph who also extended his appreciation to the RNZN team.
“The RNZN personnel arrived in Rarotonga on 15 February, and underwent Induction Training onboard TEK II, which was led by technical advisor (TA) for Cook Islands, CPOMT(L) Kenny Armstrong,” Pitt said.
The RNZN team includes Sub Lieutenant (SLT) Ben Redmond, Officer of the Watch (OOW), Ensign (ENS) Britta Keer-Keer, Officer of the Watch (OOW), Leading Seaman Combat Specialist (LSCS), Beaudine Gibbons-Hiko, Seamanship, and Leading Marine Technician, Electrical (LMT(L), Dana Costello, Engineering.
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