Royal New Zealand Air Force patrols have targeted vessels suspected of illegal activity across the Exclusive Economic Zones of Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands.
The surveillance missions were carried out during May in support of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and the New Zealand Customs-led Operation Kiwa, which aims to deter and disrupt transnational, serious and organised crime across the Pacific.
An RNZAF MC-12K King Air and a P-8A Poseidon were used to patrol the region and photograph vessels of interest for follow-up by the relevant authorities.
The operation was overseen by two New Zealand Defence Force analysts and two New Zealand Customs officers working from the Maritime Essential Services Centre in Fiji.
The New Zealand Defence Force says the patrols are part of a wider commitment to supporting Pacific partners, protecting fisheries, and strengthening regional security.
Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott says maritime surveillance is important for the economic prosperity, security, and stability of the Pacific, with threats across the region affecting all Pacific Islands Forum members.
It is the third time in the past 12 months that the MC-12K has been deployed to the Pacific, reflecting New Zealand’s ongoing role in regional monitoring and maritime security.
New Zealand Customs says information-sharing and intelligence cooperation are key parts of Operation Kiwa, helping agencies identify, deter, and disrupt criminal activity across the vast Pacific maritime environment.
Customs Group Manager Maritime Paul Campbell says coordinated regional partnerships help extend the reach of enforcement agencies, improve understanding of maritime risks, and support faster responses to emerging threats.
Authorities say the latest patrols are part of ongoing efforts to protect New Zealand and Pacific nations from illegal fishing, smuggling, and other criminal activity operating through the maritime domain.
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