Large-scale energy projects in New Zealand, particularly Marsden Point, resulted in a loss of key dockyard staff and recruitment difficulties.

Later refits saw new long-range air surveillance radar in place of the old 965 bedstead, with the Thales LW08 (1994) [clarification needed] and the original Seacat missile removed and replaced by the Phalanx CIWS (1998).

In 1988, Wellington accompanied HMNZ Ships Canterbury, Endeavour and Waikato to Sydney, Australia to participate in the Bicentennial Salute to mark the 200th Anniversary of the settlement of Europeans in that country.

Vessels from the navies of Australia, Britain, France, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, United States and Vanuatu were represented.

During a storm in February 2006, the ship broke up and is now lying in two sections on the seabed close to where it was sunk at 41°21.18′S 174°46.80′E / 41.35300°S 174.78000°E / -41.35300; 174.78000[5] The depth of her keel is approximately 21 metres (69 ft), making the wreck accessible by scuba divers using standard equipment.