International co-operation – key to partnership

Cdr Clive Butler, Commanding Officer HMCS Vancouver, meets New Zealand MP Ron Mark in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Photo by Cpl Amanda McErlich

Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA Office ~

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). The country organized a number of events throughout the year to mark this milestone and celebrate the service, commitment and sacrifice of the men and women who serve and have served in their naval force.

The highlight of these events was to be the International Naval Review in Auckland Harbour from Nov. 17-22. A total of 22 countries, including Canada, planned to be in attendance at the Review to celebrate alongside their Kiwi allies.

However, just three days before the start of the festivities, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s South Island, claiming the lives of two people and causing extensive damage to infrastructure in the area. Without hesitation, five nations who were already in the region to attend the Naval Review offered their support to the New Zealand government. Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States and Singapore all contributed to the humanitarian relief effort for the people of New Zealand hit hardest by the powerful earthquake.

HMCS Vancouver travelled to the remote area of Kaikoura delivering supplies and helping the community begin to repair and rebuild.

If honouring the RNZN’s anniversary alongside their allies and partners can be seen as a way of showcasing the importance of fostering the alliances that help maintain peace and security on the world’s oceans, then the humanitarian response in the wake of New Zealand’s earthquake demonstrates the power of those partnerships in action.

In the vast maritime environment, success in times of peace and conflict is closely linked to teamwork and collaboration between partner navies.

Modern security challenges, including criminal networks, natural disasters and terrorism, reach beyond borders. These challenges require a multilateral response that uses the resources of multiple countries coordinating their efforts towards a common objective: maritime security.