Will's Word: How does Manawanui impact NZ's reputation?

The recent sinking of the Manawanui off the coast of Sāmoa is a real embarrassment for New Zealand isn’t it?

A navy vessel now stuck in the sea, inevitably raises questions, doesn't it about how this all happened? The more it drags on the more I want to close my eyes, because I seriously feel for the Sāmoan community over there.

The Manawanui was on a mission to conduct a reef survey when it ran aground just a mile from shore.

We’re grateful that all 75 passengers and crew were safely evacuated.

Replacing the Manawanui will likely come with a hefty price tag, not just in dollars but also in our reputation and strategic presence in the Pacific.

Our allies are watching, and this incident sends a concerning message about our readiness.

This situation should be a wake-up call. We need a thorough investigation to understand what went wrong and what changes are needed to prevent this in the future. New Zealand has a proud maritime history, and we must restore confidence in our Navy.

In short, the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui is a setback that reflects poorly on us. We must take action to clean up this situation—both literally and in terms of our reputation.