[1] Tuvalu has a 900,000 square kilometres (350,000 sq mi) exclusive economic zone, and Te Mataili was its sole long range patrol vessel, until it was retired, and replaced by the larger and more modern Te Mataili II.

The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs an international human rights group, questioned how the government used Te Mataili after it invoked Tuvalu's Public Order Act, suspending public gatherings, for 14 days, in January 2011.

In October 2011 the government of Tuvalu had to declare a state of emergency when potable water reserves dropped to a dangerous level.

[6] Te Mataili escorted Nivaga III, carrying Polynesian leaders to Amatuka, on July 5, 2018.

[7] On November 22, 2018 Te Mataili carried the body of former Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia from the capital to his home island, Vaitupu.