Australian Navy Ship Accidentally Knocks out NZ Internet, Radio Services

HMAS Canberra inadvertently interfered with New Zealand’s communications during a visit celebrating the two nations’ friendship.

Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Adelaide (centre), HMAS Canberra and HMAS Supply (left) are escorted into Nuku‘alofa harbour by the Tongan Navy Guardian-class patrol boat VOEA Ngahau Siliva (right) during Operation Tonga Assist 2022 on March 1, 2022. David Cox/Australian Defence Force

A friendly visit from Australia’s largest navy vessel, HMAS Canberra, accidentally knocked out a range of internet and radio services in New Zealand.

Matthew Harrison, the founder and owner of New Zealand internet service provider (ISP) Primo, said the incident occurred on June 4 and was unlike anything he had ever seen.