The first vessel in the New Zealand government's $500 million navy upgrade has come off its slipway in a Dutch shipbuilding yard.
It will be used to carry troops and cargo, allowing them to be disembarked at sea.
It has been built as part of Project Protector, with seven vessels planned.
Officials say that it will be followed by sea trials, with the vessel due in New Zealand by the end of the year.
source: Radio New Zealand