The Government is considering sending a New Zealand navy warship to assist the United Nations with piracy patrol off the coast of Africa.
It has confirmed that the request from the UN has been received and is being considered.
The request is the latest of several from the UN to provide support for piracy patrols, but no craft had been previously been available.
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says two Anzac-class frigates have been overhauled and the Government is now in a position to consider the request.
Dr Mapp says a group of nations participate in the patrols, which typically last between two and six months, to ensure seabourne commerce can proceed unaffected by piracy.
The minister says there are a number of factors to consider, including the cost. Taking part would mean the deployment of up to 170 defence personnel and could cost several million dollars.
A decision is expected in the next six weeks.
The International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre website says there have been two attacks and one hijacking so far this year.
Some 625 hostages and 27 vessels are being held by Somali pirates at present.
