Defence Force

Chris Penk says talk about final costs is premature and has defended the court of inquiry process, saying other investigations could occur.

"The recovery efforts will take time but New Zealand is committed to doing the right thing," the deputy head of the Navy who is leading the cleanup says.

The latest claimant stage of the Waitangi Tribunal's Military Veterans Inquiry has drawn to a close in Whakatāne.

Oil seeping from the wreck of the navy's Manawanui is not from the ship's main tanks - but removing them is first on the list for the recovery team, the Defence Force says.

And RNZ sources say concerns had been raised about potential leakage from the ship's engine before it departed New Zealand.

Collins said she heard female defence force officials were being "abused in the street" over the Manawanui sinking. Audio

The sunken Navy ship is leaking diesel from three spots on its underside, officials say. Audio

About 5000 square metres of reef has been damaged by HMNZS Manawanui as it sunk in a marine reserve. Audio

Defence Force diving crews found the voyage data recorder - the equivalent of an aeroplane's flight recorder - on Tuesday.

RNZ asked Judith Collins if she would ensure staffing issues were within the scope an inquiry.

The Navy says HMNZS Manawanui, which sunk off the coast of Samoa, is not leaking oil. Audio

The New Zealand Defence Force has taken part in what the US military calls a "milestone" offensive cyber military exercise.

Analysis - Speed will be of the essence as salvage crews attempt to stop fuel leaking from the sunken ship, Christopher Battershill writes.

They're arriving back in Auckland tonight aboard an air force C-130 Hercules.

Local conservationists want the wreck removed to preserve the delicate ecosystem in the area. Audio