# New Zealand naval transits in the Indo-Pacific

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-naval-transits-in-the-indo-pacific
> Updated: 2026-10-19T01:16:23.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

In September 2026, two New Zealand naval vessels, the frigate Te Mana and the replenishment oiler Aotearoa, transited the Taiwan Strait. New Zealand officials, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, described the transit as a “routine activity” conducted in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

The passage, which was part of a three-month mission in the Indo-Pacific, was monitored by China’s People’s Liberation Army. While China claims sovereignty over the strait, New Zealand, Taiwan, and the United States maintain that it is an international waterway.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: New Zealand uncrewed vessels conduct maritime surveillance in Fiji

New Zealand's Royal Navy and Customs Service deployed uncrewed surface vessels in Fiji's EEZ, identifying 137 vessels of interest during a four-week maritime surveillance operation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-uncrewed-vessels-conduct-maritime-surveillance-in-fiji

### 2026-09-21: New Zealand naval vessels transit the Taiwan Strait

New Zealand naval vessels Te Mana and Aotearoa transited the Taiwan Strait on September 18 as part of a regional mission, a move officials described as a routine exercise of international maritime rights.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-naval-vessels-transit-the-taiwan-strait

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Cite as: New Zealand naval transits in the Indo-Pacific. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-naval-transits-in-the-indo-pacific