HMNZS Canterbury is a multi-role vessel (MRV) of the Royal New Zealand Navy and her primary mission is to deploy personnel, vehicles and cargo using conventional port infrastructure or directly ship-to-shore using Landing Craft, boats or helicopter airlift. She was commissioned in June 2007, and is the second ship of the Royal New Zealand Navy to carry the name. She is also New Zealand’s first purpose-built strategic sealift ship. It is significant that her primary purpose is humanitarian and disaster relief, as opposed to warfare.
Canterbury is regularly deployed to the Pacific where she has provided sealift support for military exercises and operations including humanitarian aid and disaster relief. She is also a regular visitor to the sub-Antarctic islands where she assists government agencies such as the Department of Conservation, MetService and GNS Science to conduct important scientific and research work.
History of the Affiliation
In 2019, as part of the World Traders Armed Forces Affiliations Working Group, relationships with armed forces units in the Commonwealth were explored. The World Traders Company has strong relationships with New Zealand. Past Masters have included New Zealanders John Stace and Eric Tracey and former British High Commissioner to New Zealand Robert Alston CMG QSO DL.
It was with much anticipation that, in 2021, the World Traders established this historic, first affiliation between a City of London livery company with a non-British armed forces unit. On 22 July 2021, Liveryman Bevan Killick, who is also an Honorary Captain in the Royal New Zealand Navy, visited Devonport Naval Base to present the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury, Commander Martin Walker, with a plaque to acknowledge the affiliation.
The World Traders’ Bowl
The World Traders’ Bowl, which was generously funded by New Zealand’s Chief of Navy at the time, Rear Admiral David Proctor, is awarded annually to an enlisted sailor who has promoted or protected world trade.
On Friday, 28 March, Past Masters Mark and Mary Hardy, accompanied by Liveryman Bevan Killick, were delighted to be able to go on board HMNZS Canterbury to present the inaugural presentation of the World Traders’ Bowl to Petty Officer Marine Technician (Propulsion) Sanjay Goundar for his dedication to the Royal New Zealand Navy which contributed to world trade. In the words of the Commanding Officer, Commander Bron Heslop:
“The recognition you provide through the award of the World Traders Bowl and contribution of five hundred pounds will go a long way in rewarding distinction and fostering a drive to excel. Your generous gestures highlight the strong spirit of comradery and mutual respect between our organisations and the nations we represent. We look forward to deepening our relationship in the years to come.”
Past Winners of the Bowl
2025: Leading Chef Santina Lidgard
2024: Petty Officer Marine Technician (Propulsion) Sanjay Goundar
Liaison Officer: Liveryman Bevan Killick
