2 weeks Ago By Ben McKay
Wellington: New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins says Kiwi servicewomen are being abused in the street following gender-based attacks levied at the captain of the HMNZS Manawanui. The Manawanui sank in Samoan waters on Sunday morning after it lost power and hit a reef during surveying work in rough seas. It was New Zealand’s first naval loss since World War II.
Smoke rises from the sinking HMNZS Manawanui in Upolu, Samoa, on Sunday. Credit: AP All 75 crew made it to shore safely after an evacuation order was issued by Captain Yvonne Gray. Following the disaster, Captain Gray has been subjected to vicious online abuse by online trolls, with some suggesting she was promoted above her station due to her gender.
Collins said it was a “deeply concerning misogynistic narrative” from “armchair admirals”, including one from Melbourne. “I’m appalled to hear that our women in uniform are being abused in the street because of this incident,” she said. The crew of the HMNZS Manawanui arrive at RNZAF Base Auckland from Samoa, in Whenuapai, New Zealand, on Monday.
Credit: NZDF via AP NZ also currently has – for the first time – a female defence minister and chief of army..
