Te Kukupa crew members have settled into their new training regime in Perth a month after they sailed from the Cook Islands.

The police patrol boat arrived at Avatiu Harbour in 1989, under the Australian Pacific Patrol boat programme – her crew of 20 sailed her to New Zealand on March 2 where they stopped to refuel before sailing on to Sydney, Australia where she will be disposed of.

They have since taken up residence in Perth where they will spend at least three months training as they prepare to take possession of her replacement, Te Kukupa II in April, before sailing back to the Cook Islands. 

Police Maritime Commander Tepaki Baxter said crew members had settled in well at their accommodation in Western Australia.

“Training is underway with everyone in keen spirits to achieve their objectives, on schedule,” Baxter told Police Media.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the crew were not able to get leave to participate in a welcome by the local Cook Islands community in Perth.

“But all’s well, with much anticipation for the next several weeks of training and preparedness for the handover.”