Story
This diving tender (moa class) was built in 1979 by Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO).
Historical Notes
In 1978 this vessel was constructed as a diving tender.
In 1988 this vessel was recommissioned as the basic seamanship and navigation training vessel attached to the Royal New Zealand Naval College.
Owners & Masters
She was owned by the Royal New Zealand Navy.
In 2011-2018 she had previously been owned by Peter White-Robinson (a New Zwalander living in Vancouver BC Canada.
In 2018 she was sold while berthed in Florida.
In 2021 British authorities seized this Jamaica-registered vessel in the English Channel while it was carrying $280 million worth of cocaine.
Name Significance
The name Kahu comes from the Māori-language kāhu - the name for the native swamp harrier hawk.
Rebuilds
In 2011 she was rebuilt as a luxury yacht by Fitzroy Yachts. She was refitted in 2012.
