Navy names largest-ever shipNAVY An artist's impression of the HMNZS Aotearoa. The Navy has announced its largest-ever ship - a 24,000-tonne vessel which will cost nearly half a billion dollars - will be called Aotearoa. It would replace the navy's current fuel replenishment ship Endeavour, but carry out a greater number of roles. READ MORE:* Government spends nearly $500 million on new navy ship* Royal New Zealand Navy celebrates 30 years of women at sea"Aotearoa will have the ability to deploy anywhere in the world to support maritime operations and enhance our combat force," Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin said. Aotearoa would "represent us as a nation on the international stage whether conducting operational support, maritime sustainment or providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

Source: Stuff April 10, 2017 00:20 UTC