Taranaki’s challenging west coast sea conditions has led to the postponement of the HMNZS Aotearoa public open day until Monday.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience. Safety is our top priority and we are pleased to have been able to work quickly alongside HMNZS Aotearoa crew so the open day can still go ahead,” Port Taranaki head of operations Ashley McDonald said.
“Monday is a public holiday, so we hope to see lots of people at Port Taranaki taking the opportunity to get a close up look at HMNZS Aotearoa.”
Captain McDonald said the west coast location meant Port Taranaki was exposed to long period wave (LPW) events, which generate a lot of wave energy in the harbour and, at times, can cause vessels to surge at the mooring, creating a safety risk for the vessel and those aboard.
“Unfortunately, a LPW event has coincided with the visit of HMNZS Aotearoa and our forecasts indicate that residual wave energy coming up from the Southern Ocean will mean some of the vessels in port will need to be put to sea tomorrow for safety reasons,” he said.
“We do not want to risk the safety of any person going aboard the vessel or risk the safety of the vessel itself.”
The arrangements for the public open day remain the same:
- The open day will take place from 11am to 2.30pm, Monday 26 April.
- Tours of HMNZS Aotearoa will begin and end at Port Taranaki’s East Gate, on Ocean View Parade, adjacent to the New Plymouth Yacht Club.
- Buses will take groups to the vessel and return.
- Visitors to the ship should wear sensible, covered footwear.
- Unfortunately, the tour of the ship involves narrow access ways and a number of stairwells making it impractical for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
