The first of the navy's new inshore patrol vessels, HMNZS Rotoiti has put to sea after her first weekend visit to the Port of Tauranga.

At 55m long and capable of 25 knots, the new inshore patrol vessels represent a significant step up from the previous inshore patrol craft.
Rotoiti has a crew of 22, but can carry 38. The extra accommodation is for other government agency staff.
Rotoiti put to sea with MAF and customs people on board who were familiarising themselves with the vessel, says commanding officer Lieutenant Alistair McHaffie.
'We had police last week as well,” says Alistair.
The new patrol vessels even have kennels. The Rotoiti's kennel was used for the first time on the voyage to Tauranga, with a MAF dog on board.
In time there will be two 7.5 metre ribs on the quarterdeck which can be launched and retrieved while the patrol craft is underway.
'We are still waiting for the second one to arrive from Australia.”
They have successfully launched the boats at sea at speeds of 8-12 knots with eight people aboard.
'We haven't yet tried to launch in the roughest weather, but the indications are that it's quite capable,” says Alistair.
The new patrol boats are designed to perform in New Zealand's extensive economic zone, says Alistair.
The Navy's role is to provide the sea keeping expertise to get customs, police, fisheries and DOC staff to where they want to be, to do what they want to do.