New Zealand’s Te Kaha sailors ready aye ready to explore B.C.

Commodore Jeff Zwick, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, greets Commander Steve Lenik, Commanding Officer of HMNZS Te Kaha, on F Jetty Colwood March 6. Photo by Leading Seaman Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services

SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~

HMNZS Te Kaha arrived in Esquimalt Harbour March 5 to undergo a midlife refit at Seaspan Shipyard, a project that, including post-upgrade testing, will have the Anzac-class frigate operating around CFB Esquimalt well into 2019.

While most of the crew will fly home in six weeks, 20 will remain behind, housed on base, in order to effect work on the ship until mid-summer when fresh New Zealand sailors replace them.

Leading Marine Technician (propulsion) (LMT(P)) Marc Cooper and Able Stores Accounting (ASA) Kendra Young will work in Esquimalt until late July, which gives them time to explore Canada during their time off.

While both are well travelled, in large part due to their navy careers, this is their first time in Canada.

“Been to America a few times,” says LMT(P) Cooper, listing several states he visited en route to a European vacation. “I’ve done like 40 countries now.”

So far, most on the ship have stayed in the local area, figuring out how to get around using public transportation, and planning out a long-term transportation solution.

“We need to make getting around easier,” says ASA Young, discussing the possibility of pooling resources with shipmates to buy a car.

LMT(P) Cooper remarked that while Canada is much larger than New Zealand, British Columbia shares similarities to their homeland.

“The terrain here is pretty similar to New Zealand,” says ASA Young.

The sailors recently enjoyed the outdoors.

“I did the Mount Finlayson walk at Goldstream Park,” says ASA Young, remarking the group expected to get to the top a lot sooner.

The main attraction is undoubtedly snowboarding, before all the snow melts.

“We’re both pretty keen snowboarders, keen to get up to Mount Washington in the next couple of weeks,” says LMT(P) Cooper.

“Even Whistler would be nice,” adds ASA Young.

LMT(P) Cooper says snowboarding is an important part of New Zealand winter sports.

“Because we might miss half our winter, we are taking the opportunity while we can here.”

They have also expressed interest in learning more about Canada’s First Nations’ culture.

When HMNZS Te Kaha arrived in harbour and was greeted by Commodore Jeff Zwick, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, the New Zealand guard performed a traditional Haka, an impressive choreographed Maori dance. LMT(P) Cooper explains that in New Zealand children learn basic Maori in school.

“I’m keen to figure out how Totem poles work, culturally, what it means,” says LMT(P) Cooper.

With so much to see, learn, and explore, many sailors arrived with a laundry list of suggestions from precise to vague.

“Well, one of my friend’s mom told us that we need to see some bridge swing or something,” said ASA Young, speaking most likely of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver.

But before the long-term plans begin, most of the ship’s company will experience the most Canadian of pastimes.

“We got a hockey game this weekend,” said LMT(P) Cooper.

“I went to one the other day and I loved it,” adds ASA Young.

With months ahead of them, both sailors felt welcomed by the Canadians they’ve met so far.

“Open, chill, and an easy chat,” said LMT(P) Cooper.