During March 2008 the Kahu was undertaking some maintenance onboard. While a valve was out for maintenance another was inadvertently partially opened. The result was that the generator room became flooded and this flooding also made its way to a portion of the lower deck accommodation. The result is that the Kahu required substantial repairs to the affected areas and as the vessel was an operational part of the RNZN these needed to be completed to a very high standard. The flooding incident coincided with the Kahu’s standard slipping period and so this was completed at the same time.

Though a regrettable incident at the time, it is clear that the vessel is now presented in far better condition than she otherwise would have. The successful purchaser of the Kahu will be able to take advantage of the significant machinery, equipment and outfit repairs. Damaged items were either repaired or replaced without compromise and works were completed by qualified ship repairers at a cost which would usually be prohibitive to many commercial or private operators.  Indicative costs put the entire docking period costs in the region of NZD$500,000, with the flood related refit and repairs making up approx NZD$300,000 of this amount.