It is rare for a developed nation’s Navy to lose a big vessel in peacetime. The sinking of the New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Manawanui after it ran aground on a Samoan reef this month – the country’s first naval loss since World War II – has raised important questions about naval preparedness. Fortunately, all 75 crew members were rescued, a testament to the ship’s commanding officer and crew.

Although the exact cause of the incident is under investigation, it highlights broader issues about the state of readiness, not just for New Zealand but also for allied and partner navies, including Australia.