The 'Royal
New Zealand Navy' ('RNZN') is the maritime arm of the
New Zealand Defence Force. In April 2006 the fleet consists of ten ships, with the combat force consisting of two
frigates.
History
Pre-World War I
The New Zealand Navy did not exist as a separate military force until 1941.
[1]
The first maritime combat activities in New Zealand began with the arrival of the
Māori in
waka around one thousand years ago. One of the first recorded contacts with the Māori was by
Dutchman Abel Tasman, when he was attacked by Māori in war waka off the northern tip of the
South Island in December 1642.
The association of the
Royal Navy with New Zealand began with the arrival of Lieutenant (later Captain)
James Cook in 1769, who completed two subsequent journeys to New Zealand in 1773 and 1777. For the remainder of the 18th century and the early 19th century, the Royal Navy frequently sent warships to New Zealand to maintain law and order amongst
British subjects who were resident in the islands, and to prevent violence between the British and the Māori.
William Hobson, a crucial player in the drafting of the
Treaty of Waitangi, was in New Zealand as a captain in the Royal Navy. The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi made New Zealand a colony in the
British Empire, so the defence of the coastline became the responsibility of the Royal Navy. That role was fulfilled until
World War I, and the Royal Navy also played a part in the
New Zealand Wars: for example, a gunboat shelled fortified Māori
pā from the Waikato River in order to defeat the
Māori King Movement.
World War I and the Inter-War period
In 1909, the New Zealand government decided to fund the purchase of the
battlecruiser HMS ''New Zealand'' for the Royal Navy, which saw action throughout
World War I in
Europe. The passing of the
Naval Defence Act 1913 created the New Zealand Naval Forces, still as a part of the Royal Navy, and from 1921 to 1941 the force was known as the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. The first purchase by the New Zealand government for the New Zealand Naval Forces was the
cruiser HMS ''Philomel'', which escorted New Zealand land forces to occupy the
German colony of
Samoa in 1914. ''Philomel'' saw further action under the command of the Royal Navy in the
Mediterranean Sea, the
Red Sea, and the
Persian Gulf.
Between World War I and
World War II, the New Zealand Division consisted of the two cruisers
HMS ''Achilles'' and
HMS ''Leander'', and a minesweeper,
HMS ''Wakakura''.
World War II
When
Britain went to war against Germany in 1939, New Zealand immediately also declared war. In 1941, the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy became the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), in recognition of the fact that the naval force was now largely self-sufficient and independent of the Royal Navy. Ships thereafter were prefixed HMNZS (His/Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship).
HMS ''Achilles'' participated in the first major naval battle of
World War II, the
Battle of the River Plate off the
River Plate estuary between
Argentina and
Uruguay, in December 1939. ''Achilles'' and two other cruisers,
HMS ''Ajax'' and
HMS ''Exeter'', were in an operation that forced the crew of the German
pocket battleship ''Admiral Graf Spee'' to scuttle her rather than face the loss of many more German seamen's lives. This decision apparently infuriated
Hitler. The ''Achilles'' moved to the Pacific, and was working with the US Navy when damaged by a Japanese bomb off
New Georgia. Following repair she served alongside the British Pacific Fleet until the war's end.
HMNZS ''Leander'' and USS ''St. Louis'' fire on the ''Jintsu''.
escorted the
New Zealand Expeditionary Force to the
Middle East in 1940, and was then deployed in the
Mediterranean Sea, the
Red Sea, and the
Indian Ocean, where she was subjected to air and naval attack from
Axis forces, conducted bombardments and escorted convoys, and sank the Italian "auxiliary cruiser" ''
Ramb I''. After serving in the Mediterranean she returned to the Pacific in 1943, assisting in the destruction of the
Japanese cruiser ''Jintsu'' and being seriously damaged by torpedoes during the
Battle of Kolombangara.
As the war progressed, the size of the RNZN greatly increased, and by the end of WWII there were over 60 ships in commission. These ships participated as part of the British and
Commonwealth effort against the
Axis in Europe, and against the
Japanese in the
Pacific. They also played an important role in the defence of New Zealand, from German
raiders, and especially when the threat of invasion from Japan appeared imminent in 1942. Many merchant boats were requisitioned and armed for help in defence. One of these was
HMNZS ''Monowai'', which saw action against a Japanese
submarine off
Fiji in 1942. In 1941-1942, it was decided in an agreement between the New Zealand and
United States government that the best role for the RNZN in the Pacific was as part of the
United States Navy, so operational control of the RNZN was transferred to the
South West Pacific Area command, and its ships joined
United States 7th Fleet taskforces.
In 1943, the
light cruiser HMS ''Gambia'' was transferred to the RNZN as HMNZS ''Gambia''. In November 1944, the
British Pacific Fleet, a joint British Commonwealth taskforce, was formed, based in
Sydney, Australia. Most RNZN ships were transferred to the BPF, including ''Gambia'' and ''Achilles''. They took part in the
Battle of Okinawa and operations in the
Sakishima Islands, near Japan. In August 1945, ''Gambia'' was New Zealand's representative at
Japan's surrender.
Post-war
RNZN ships participated in the
Korean War,
Malayan Emergency,
Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the
Vietnam War. In the past three decades, the RNZN has operated in the Middle East a number of times. RNZN ships played a role in the
Iran-Iraq War, aiding the Royal Navy in protecting neutral shipping in the
Indian Ocean. Frigates were also sent to participate in the first
Gulf War, and more recently
Operation ''Enduring Freedom''. The RNZN has played an important part in conflicts in the Pacific as well. Naval forces were utilised in the
Bougainville,
Solomon Islands and
East Timor conflicts of the 1990s. The RNZN often participates in
United Nations peacekeeping operations.
The RNZN has played a much broader role than just conflict-related activities. Since 1946, it has policed New Zealand's
territorial waters and
Exclusive Economic Zone for fisheries protection. It also aids New Zealand's deployment in
Antarctica, at
Scott Base.
One of the best-known roles that the RNZN played on the world stage was when the frigates
''Canterbury'' and the
''Otago'' were sent by the
Labour Government of
Norman Kirk to
Moruroa Atoll in 1973 to protest against
French nuclear testing there. The frigates were sent into the potential blast zone of the weapon, which forced France to postpone the tests.
border
border
Until the 1960s, the RNZN had, in common with other Dominion navies, flown the
White Ensign as a common ensign. Post-war, the foreign policies of these independent states had become more distinctive and there was a wish and a need for separate identities, particularly if one Dominion was engaged in hostilities where another was not. Thus, in 1968, the RNZN adopted its own ensign, which retains the
Union Flag in a top quarter but replaces the
St George's Cross with the pattern of stars displayed on the national flag.
The modern RNZN
Current Fleet
The RNZN is currently in a transitional period where its role is being broadened into a navy that is more versatile than in the more recent past. It used to be combat orientated, based on the frigate, but a number of new ships are soon to be incorporated into the fleet that will give the RNZN a much broader platform to work from. These "Project Protector" ships are currently under construction with only the Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) in commission at this stage.
The categorisations of the ships used here are taken from the RNZN website.
[2]
Naval combat force
HMNZS ''Te Kaha''
.jpg)
HMNZS ''Canterbury'', the new MRV commissioned in June 2007. This was the first ship completed in Project Protector.
New RNZN OPV 2 will be delivered in 2007.
HMNZS ''Endeavour'', fleet-replenishment vessel.
The naval combat force currently consists of two
''Anzac'' Class frigates:
HMNZS ''Te Kaha'' and
HMNZS ''Te Mana''. Both ships are based at the
Devonport Naval Base on
Auckland's
North Shore. ''Te Kaha'' was commissioned on
26 July 1997 and ''Te Mana'' on
10 December 1999.
The specifications and armaments of the two ships are identical.
[3][4]
Logistics support force
HMNZS ''Endeavour'' is the fleet tanker. She provides fuel and other supplies for the frigates when they are on international operations, and for allied ships should this be required. ''Endeavour'' takes her name from the Royal Navy ship that carried James Cook to New Zealand on his first voyage, in 1769. Her home port is the city of
New Plymouth.
HMNZS ''Canterbury'', the RNZN's new Multi-Role Vessel entered service in June 2007.
[5]
Hydrographic force
The hydrographic survey ship of the RNZN is
HMNZS ''Resolution''. ''Resolution'' is used to survey and chart the sea around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. She was formerly the
United States Navy USNS ''Tenacious'', used to tow
sonar arrays to detect enemy
submarines. A small motor boat, ''Adventure'', is operated from ''Resolution''. Her home port is the city of Gisborne. ''Resolution'' carries some of the most advanced survey technology available.
[6]
Diving support
Dive Support capability is provided by
HMNZS ''Manawanui''. ''Manawanui'' is provided for the use of the
Operational Dive Team (ODT), which is trained for deep sea diving, underwater demolition and explosives disposal. ''Manawanui'' is a highly specialised Dive Support Vessel.
[7]
Inshore patrol craft
The RNZN has three
''Moa'' class patrol boats, which are used for a range of activities such as training and resource protection; these vessels were operated by the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, but more recently have been employed directly by the regular navy for the purpose of training new personnel. These vessels are scheduled for replacement by the Project Protector Inshore and Offshore Patrol Vessels. The current IPCs are limited by size and speed. Two have already been de-commissioned (''Moa'' and ''Hinau''). The remaining vessels are:
★
HMNZS ''Kiwi'' (P3554)
★
HMNZS ''Wakakura'' (P3555)
★
HMNZS ''Kahu'' (A 04)
HMNZS ''Kahu'' was the RNZN's previous Dive Support Ship before the purchase of ''Manawanui'', and is primarily used for officer training.
[8]
Aircraft
The RNZN operates five
Kaman SH-2G Seasprite helicopters for use on the two frigates, and for future use on the new multi-role vessel and two offshore patrol craft that will be incorporated into the fleet in 2007 and 2008. These five aircraft are part of
No. 6 Squadron of the RNZAF. The squadron is based at
Whenuapai Air Base in Auckland, and helicopters are assigned to the ships as they are sent on deployments across the globe. The roles of the helicopters include:
★ surface warfare missions and surveillance operations
★ under water warfare
★ helicopter delivery services/logistics
★ search and rescue
★ medical evacuation
★ training
★ assistance to other
Government agencies
[9]
Role of the RNZN
Purpose of the New Zealand Defence Force
In its Statement of Intent, the NZDF states its primary mission as:
:''to secure New Zealand from external threat, to protect our sovereign interests, including in the
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and to be able to take action to meet likely contingencies in our strategic area of interest.''
[10]
The intermediate outcomes of the NZDF are listed as:
# Secure New Zealand, including its people, land,
territorial waters, exclusive economic zone, natural resources and critical infrastructure.
# Reduced risks to New Zealand from regional and global insecurity.
# New Zealand values and interests advanced through participation in regional and international security systems.
# New Zealand is able to meet future national security challenges.
[11]
The role of the navy is to fulfil the maritime elements of the missions of the NZDF.
Participation in international security operations
The RNZN has a role to help prevent any unrest occurring in New Zealand. This can be done by having a presence in overseas waters and assisting redevelopment in troubled countries. For example, any unrest in the
Pacific Islands has the potential to spill over into New Zealand because of the large Pacific Island population. If the RNZN can help stabilise the situation in the islands, it will make New Zealand a safer place. The navy has participated in peace-keeping and peace-making in
East Timor,
Bougainville and the
Solomon Islands.
Civilian roles
The 2002 Maritime Forces Review identified a number of roles that other government agencies required the RNZN to undertake. Approximately 1,400 days at sea are required to fulfil these roles annually.
Roles include patrolling the
Exclusive Economic Zone, transport to offshore islands, and support for the
New Zealand Customs Service.
The RNZN produces hydrographic information for
Land Information New Zealand under a commercial contract arrangement.
Current deployments
Since 2001, both ANZAC frigates have participated in the
United States'
Operation ''Enduring Freedom'' in the
Persian Gulf and have conducted maritime patrol operations in support of American and allied efforts in
Afghanistan.
As of
21 June 2006, Te Mana was in
South East Asia. Te Kaha was in New Zealand waters, to be deployed to South East Asia in the second half of 2006.
Personnel
Reserves
The primary reserve component of the RNZN is the
Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve (
RNZNVR), which is organised into a number of divisions based in Auckland (with a subunit at Tauranga), Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin:
★ HMNZS ''Ngapona'': Naval Reserve, Auckland
[1]
★ HMNZS ''Olphert'': Naval Reserve, Wellington
[2]
★ HMNZS ''Pegasus'': Naval Reserve, Christchurch
[3]
★ HMNZS ''Toroa'': Naval Reserve, Dunedin
[4]
At present civilians can join the RNZNVR in one of three branches: Administration, Sea Service (for service on IPVs), and Maritime Trade Organisation (formerly Naval Control of Shipping). In addition ex regular force personnel can now join the RNZNVR in their former branch, and depending on time out of the service, rank. The need to attend compulsory training one night a week has recently been removed.
Finance
'Routine funding'
The RNZN is funded through a "vote" of the
New Zealand Parliament. The New Zealand Defence Force funds personnel, operating and finance costs. Funding is then allocated to specific "Output Classes", which are aligned to policy objectives.
Funding allocation in each Output Class includes consumables, personnel, depreciation and a 'Capital Charge'. The Capital Charge is a budgetary mechanism to reflect the cost of Crown capital and averages approximately 10% of the value of the asset it is charged against.
'Large Projects'
The
Ministry of Defence (New Zealand) is responsible for the acquisition of significant items of military equipment needed to meet New Zealand Defence Force capability requirements. Funding for the Ministry of Defence is appropriated separately.
Onshore establishments
The Royal New Zealand Naval Museum
The Museum, adjacent to the HMNZ Naval Base, Devonport, contains important collections of naval artefacts, and extensive records. Supporters may join the 'Friends of the Royal New Zealand Naval Museum'
[5]
Naval Communications Facility ''Irirangi''
Naval Communication Station at
Waiouru
Future fleet
Main articles: Royal New Zealand Navy Future Plans
The shape of the future fleet was detailed by a New Zealand Government report, the ''2002 Maritime Forces Review''.
The review determined that the current fleet structure was inadequate to support ongoing patrol and response requirements within New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone. Project Protector was commissioned to address some of these shortcomings.
Future fleet (projected for 2008):
★ 2 x ANZAC Frigates
★ 1 x Multi-role vessel
★ 2 x Offshore Patrol vessels
★ 4 x Inshore Patrol vessels
★ 1 x Replenishing ship
★ 1 x Dive Support vessel
★ 1 x Hydrographic Survey vessel
Project Protector
The Ministry of Defence acquisition project to acquire one multi-role vessel, two offshore and four inshore patrol vessels, to be operated by the RNZN to conduct tasks for and with New Zealand Customs, the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime New Zealand & the New Zealand Police.
Notes
1. Much of this discussion is taken from "RNZN History". RNZN Official Website. Accessed April 15 2006.
2. "RNZN - Overview of Ships". RNZN Official website. Accessed April 17 2006.
3. "RNZN - ''Te Kaha''". RNZN Official Website. Accessed April 17, 2006.
4. "RNZN - ''Te Mana''". RNZN Official Website. Accessed 17 April 2006.
5. "RNZN - ''Endeavour''". RNZN Official Website. Accessed 17 April 2006.
6. "RNZN - HMNZS ''Resolution''". RNZN Official Website. Accessed 17 April 2006.
7. "RNZN - ''Manawanui''". RNZN Official Website. Accessed 17 April 2006.
8. "RNZN - Inshore Patrol Craft". RNZN Official Website. Accessed March 29 2007. The site also lists two other craft which have since been decommissioned.
9. "RNZAF - 6 Squadron". RNZAF Official Website. Accessed 17 April 2006.
10. "NZDF Statement of Intent". NZDF Official Website. Accessed 28 April 2006.
11. "NZDF Outcomes and Objectives". NZDF Official Website. Accessed 28 April 2006.
See also
★
History of New Zealand
★
New Zealand military ranks
External links
★
Royal New Zealand Navy homepage
★
The New Zealand Defence Force Website
★
Royal New Zealand Naval Association website
★
''The Royal New Zealand Navy'' in WWII, Official History (online), by S D Waters
★
Google Maps Image of Devonport RNZN Base
.jpg)
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