Source: New Zealand Defence Force
3 September 2026
Surveillance assets from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and New Zealand Customs Service have been in action across the Pacific in August, helping regional partners safeguard their waters and protect vital ocean resources.
At the request of the Government of Fiji, the jointly owned Royal New Zealand Navy and Customs Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) Tahi and Rua have completed a four-week deployment in the waters of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), strengthening maritime surveillance and awareness across Fiji’s waters.
USV controllers from the NZDF and Customs monitored the operation from the Customs Integrated Targeting and Operations Centre in Auckland, while NZDF analysts remained at Devonport Naval Base in New Zealand.
Together, the USVs surveilled 145 vessels.
Customs Assistant Comptroller Maritime Operations, Paul Campbell, says the deployment demonstrates the value of agencies working operations together to help build a clearer picture of maritime activity across the region.
“Bringing our people, technology, and intelligence together allows us to share information in real time, make faster and better-informed decisions, and provide stronger support to our Pacific partners.
“This closer way of working has and will continue to deliver benefits and gives us more options for future deployments.
In the skies above, a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon patrolled the EEZs of Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and two high seas pockets, in support of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency.
Fifty-three fishing vessels were observed and reported, with many of them either not holding fishing licences or deliberately obscuring their name plates.
In the Tongan EEZ, an RNZAF MC-12K King Air aircraft completed a week-long series of patrols covering the areas of the Ha’apai Island group and northeast of Tongatapu, for the Government of Tonga.
His Majesty’s Armed Forces Tonga Maritime Intelligence highlighted vessels and areas of interest for the crew to investigate, with 20 being photographed for follow-up by authorities.
The aircraft was also tasked to photograph two volcanic islands for the Department of Lands and Survey.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka, says the maritime and air deployments send a strong message to those who seek to take advantage of Pacific nations.
“We stand by our Pacific neighbours as they work to protect their resources and livelihoods, upholding fishing regulations and preventing transnational serious and organised crime.
“We will continue to make our capabilities available to our Pacific whānau so we can face the threats to our neighbourhood together.