The first of the Defence Force's new helicopters that were rejected by Australia have arrived.
Three Seasprites were moved to Whenuapai Air Base overnight from the Ports of Auckland to minimise potential damage and traffic disruption.
One of the new Seasprite helicopters arriving at Ports of Auckland on Thursday. Photo: Twitter / Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jack Steer
The Defence Force paid $242 million for eight helicopters and two spare frames.
The airframes were made in the 1960s and 1980s but have been refurbished.
They were not accepted by the Australian Defence Force because of now-resolved safety issues.
Labour's defence spokesman, Phil Goff, says New Zealand got the helicopters cheap because no other country wanted them.
He said this meant it could be hard to get parts in the future and their lifespans will be short.
The Defence Force is selling its five old Seasprites to Peru for $30 million.