Here is an artist impression of the new ship HMNZS AOTEAROA which will be delivered in 2020. The ship has a displacement of 24,000 tonnes and cost $498 million dollars. It is 173 metres long and as a design speed of 16 knots. Accommodation for 98 persons. The vessel will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The admiral says “It has the ability to conduct embarked helicopter operations and will be capable of carrying a significant tonnage of operational supplies. And it will provide an important Antarctic support capability to assist with our Southern Ocean monitoring.” Aotearoa would “represent us as a nation on the international stage whether conducting operational support, maritime sustainment or providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Aotearoa will be recognisable within the Pacific region and identifiable with all New Zealanders,”
