HMZNS TE KAHA is the first of the ANZAC Class Frigates to be built for the RNZN and represented a huge leap forward in technology and operational capability over previous frigates. The ship was launched on 22 July 1995 by the wife of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mrs Joan Bolger, at the Transfield Defence Systems shipyard in Melbourne, Australia.
HMNZS TE KAHA arrived in New Zealand on 11 July 1997 and was commissioned into RNZN service on 22 July at a ceremony in Auckland, the ship's adopted city.
TE KAHA carries one KAMAN SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter that can be armed with torpedoes, depth charges and Maverick missiles.
The name TE KAHA is Maori, meaning 'fighting prowess' or 'strength', The Ship's Motto is 'He Ponanga Kaha' or 'Service with strength' - this embodies the strength of the Ship, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the service to our country.
The Ship's Badge features a wahaika - hand-held thrusting weapon, which symbolises the design to the land and the people. The rope in the badge ties the design to the sea. The knots in the ends of the rope represent skill, strength and protection.