Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Defence Minister, has spoken out strongly against hateful online comments aimed at the female captain of the Navy’s dive vessel, Manawanui. The ship sank over the weekend while it was surveying a reef off the coast of Samoa, forcing all 75 crew members and passengers to escape to life rafts.
What Happened to the Manawanui?
The Manawanui was on a mission to study a reef when the incident happened. Luckily, everyone on board was safe, and no lives were lost. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the ship to sink.
Collins emphasized that the investigation would be handled through a court of inquiry. She firmly said the captain’s gender had nothing to do with the incident, reminding people that accidents at sea can happen to anyone, regardless of whether they are male or female.
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Defending the Captain Against Online Bullies
Collins expressed her frustration at the mean comments spreading online. She referred to these people as “armchair admirals,” implying they criticize without knowing the realities that military personnel face. She said it is unfair and wrong to judge someone without knowing them or the full story.
“What is going on here in 2024?” Collins asked, expressing her disappointment with people who made offensive remarks about the captain just because she is a woman. She also shared that some women in the military had even been harassed on the streets after the incident, showing how bad the situation has become.
New Zealand’s Commitment to Gender Equality
The Defence Minister made it clear that such behavior goes against New Zealand’s values. New Zealand takes pride in promoting gender equality, both in civilian life and within the military. About 20% of the country’s armed forces are made up of women, a statistic Collins highlighted with pride.
Historically, women in leadership roles in New Zealand have often faced more criticism than men. This is something that has been frequently discussed in Parliament and covered in local news. Collins said that such outdated attitudes should not be tolerated in modern society.
Impact on the Navy and Next Steps
With the Manawanui now lost, the New Zealand Navy’s fleet is down to five ships. A preliminary report on the incident is expected by mid-November, followed by a final report with detailed findings later on.
This incident has not only sparked discussions about the challenges women in uniform face but also underlined New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to support equality and fairness for all its citizens.