The Wellington Police Maritime Unit's new launch Lady Elizabeth IV was officially commissioned at a ceremony this morning.
Police Commissioner Howard Broad and the Minister of Police Hon Judith Collins took part in the ceremony to celebrate the milestone.
Lady Liz IV replaces 21 year old Lady Liz III. The boat's design and state of the art features extend the Wellington Police Maritime Unit's deployment capabilities and means she will save more lives on the water than ever before.
The new maritime asset is an 18.5 metre, 33 tonne foil-assisted power catamaran, powered by 2 MTU 8V 2000 engines, which each produce 810 kilowatts.
Lady Liz IV is capable of 30 knots at 65 percent power and is based on the design of Auckland's Deodar III with modifications for heavy weather conditions.
"The Police Maritime Unit is an integral part of the New Zealand Police. This new $3.5 million vessel means the Unit will be able to work even more closely with other Government agencies, and not just act as a search and rescue boat, which was what Lady Liz III was built to do," said Commissioner Broad.
"Her commissioning today is the culmination of four years of work and demonstrates the organisation's continued support for Police Maritime Units."
Officer in charge of the Wellington Police Maritime Unit (WPMU) Senior Sergeant John Bryant says staff have spent the past few weeks familiarising themselves with Lady Liz IV and getting to grips with the extensive electronics package she has onboard and handling characteristics.
"Today is a significant milestone for the WPMU and we're delighted to have a vessel with such capability. It's going to make a huge difference to the service we can provide to Police, the public and other government agencies we work with."
Senior Sergeant Bryant says Police are extremely grateful to all those involved in the project. Lady Liz III has been listed for sale and will remain at the Wellington waterfront until she is sold.
ENDS
For media queries please phone Victoria Evans, Wellington Police District Communications Manager on 0274 373 020.
