Navy Today May 09 | Issue 143 - Royal New Zealand Navy

ANZAC 

DAY 09 

LEADERSHIP 

CHANGES AT THE TOP 

INTERNATIONAL 

CHINESE FLEET REVIEW 

PROJECT PROTECTOR 

HMNZS ROTOITI DELIVERED 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT 

CANTERBURY AND VARIETY BASH 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ NT143MAY09 1

YOURS AYE 

ISSN 1173-8332 

RA Tony Parr MVO 

[CHIEF OF NAVY] 

| ISSUE 143 | MAY 2009 

Published to entertain, inform and inspire 

serving members of the RNZN. 

Navy Today is the official newsletter for 

personnel and friends of the Royal New 

Zealand Navy, produced by the Defence 

Public Relations Unit, Wellington, Navy 

Today is now in its thirteenth year of 

publication. 

Views expressed in Navy Today are not 

necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF. 

Contributions are welcomed. Submit copy 

of letters for publication in microsoft word, 

on diskette or emailed. Articles about 300 

words, digital photos at least 200dpi. 

Reprinting of items is encouraged if Navy 

Today is acknowledged. 

Before I joined the Navy in 1980 I had to sit 

through a fairly gruelling interview with a selection 

board of several crusty old Naval Officers. One of 

the questions was: “So what would you like to 

achieve in the Navy?” I responded straight away 

with: “I’d like to be the Captain of a frigate.” I got a 

frosty response. “Can you really see yourself doing 

that?” “Yes” I replied, but I could see immediately 

that they didn’t! The road to becoming a frigate 

Captain was long, but hugely rewarding. So has 

The “people challenge” from an organisational perspective 

is fundamentally one of supply and demand. Demand is set 

by the combination of established posts in our ships and in 

our shore establishments. Supply is a function of our ability to 

recruit and train the right numbers of the right people. Sounds 

easy but it’s complicated by an unstable attrition rate and the 

fact that the majority of our recruits join ab initio – they need 

to be trained from the most junior level. Much has been done 

to attract the right people – there’s more we can do yet. 

We also need to address the “demand” side. We’ve got a 

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NAVY TODAY 

EDITORIAL ADVISERS: 

RA D Ledson, CN 

CDR Maxine Lawes 

EDITOR: 

Richard Jackson 

Defence Communications Group 

HQ NZ Defence Force 

Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand 

P: (04) 496 0293 F: (04) 496 0290 

E: richard.jackson@nzdf.mil.nz 

LT Felicity Anderson lays a red rose on the Tomb of 

the Unknown Warrior at the National War Memorial in 

Wellington during the Anzac Day service there. Felicity 

is an ADC to the Governor General, who was in Gallipoli 

for Anzac Day this year, so Felicity was escorting the 

Administrator, Dame Sian Ellias, who formally stands 

in if the Governor General is absent overseas. 

Photo by CPL Brad Hanson RNZAF OH 09-0252-073 

been the current one to become Chief of Navy. 

I’m honoured to have the job. At the same time 

I’m very conscious of the responsibility that comes with the 

role. It certainly won’t be without its challenges and I’m going 

to need the support of each and every one of you in the 

Navy, both uniform and civilian, as we strive to deliver the 

requirements of our mission, year in, year out and as we take 

the steps along the way towards achieving our vision – “to 

be the best small-nation navy in the world”. 

The way forward for us - our navigation track - is clear 

enough. There has been significant investment in the Navy 

over the past ten years and it’s had superb leadership under 

Admiral David Ledson over the past five. Admiral Ledson’s 

contribution has been hugely significant in preparing and po- 

good idea of how many people it takes to operate our ships, 

the skills that they require and the rank mix. But technology 

marches on and we need to structure ourselves so that we 

can take advantage of smart investments in technology, provide 

our people with the right skills and competencies and 

keep the work that we do rewarding and satisfying to all. 

The third element of the navigation track is the work that 

we must do to ensure that we have ships and capability 

in the future to meet the requirements of our mission. Our 

tanker Endeavour is a strategic asset, giving our fleet the 

flexibility to operate far from our shores. But she is ageing, 

and by 2013 may not meet International Maritime Organisation 

construction standards for tankers, so we must begin 

preparing options for future capability. Our diving tender 

DESIGN & LAYOUT: 

DESIGNBOX LIMITED 

P: (04) 478 4653 

sitioning us for the future. Consequently we are in very good 

shape to move forward along the track that has been set. 

With the commissioning of the Protector ships this year, 

Manawanui and hydrographic survey ship Resolution are 

also also nearing the end of their operational lives. We need 

to investigate what might replace them in the form of a ship 

PRINT: 

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ENQUIRIES TO: 

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LTCDR Barbara Fleissner (Auckland) 

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Director Defence Communications Group 

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Recruiting Officer Auckland: 

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E: navyjobs@ihug.co.nz 

CHANGING ADDRESS? 

To join or leave our mailing list, 

please contact: 

Marianna Robati 

DCG Administration Officer 

HQNZDF 2-12 Aitken St 

Wellington 

P: (04) 496 0270 

E: marianna.robati@nzdf.mil.nz 

06 ROTOITI Delivered! 10 CHINA'S NAVAL REVIEW 20 VARIETY BASH 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 

04 Changes for NZDF 

Leadership 

06 HMNZS ROTOITI 

Delivered 

08 Commemmorating the 

ANZACS 

10 China's Naval Review 

12 The Jinhae International 

Festival South Korea 

14 Sudan, East Timor & 

Afghanistan 

18 Kawe Mate for Dame Te 

Atairangikahu ONZ, DBE 

20 Variety Club Bash and 

Family Day 

23 Project Cassandra 

24 Our People 

26 HMNZS TE MANA 

29 HMNZS RESOLUTION 

30 HMNZS MANAWANUI 

31 HMNZS KAHU 

33 SH-2G Seasprite 

35 Around the Fleet 

36 Defence Technology 

38 The Army Simulation 

Centre 

40 Life as "Flags" 

42 Sport 

45 Main Notice Board 

46 LATEST: Delivering 

ROTOITI 

we are now close to achieving the goal of being a Versatile 

Navy with the capacity to address the spectrum of maritime 

operations from combat, to multi-agency operations, through 

to defence diplomacy tasks. But while we are close to achieving 

success, we are not there yet. The big challenge ahead 

is to prove and sustain our capability to maintain a higher 

tempo of operations over the long term. 

The introduction into service of the Protector ships remains 

a major focus for 2009 and throughout 2010. We need to 

continue building the capability of Canterbury. And while 

doing this we must maintain the sharp edge of our combat 

force Te Mana and Te Kaha as well as our Littoral Warfare 

Support capabilities – diving, mine countermeasures and 

hydrography. 

But as someone once famously said: “Ships are all right – it’s 

the people in them that matter.” He tangata, he tangata, he 

tangata – it is people, it is people, it is people. Ships aren’t 

ships without people. To have every position manned by 

the right person by 2014 remains our number one strategic 

goal. Having the right numbers of the right people has been 

a constant challenge for us over the years – it remains so 

to deploy diving, mine countermeasures and inshore hydrographic 

capability. Last but not least we need to address 

some components of the frigates’ mission systems which, 

after some ten years in service will require replacement in 

the not-too-distant future. 

So we’ve had a change of watch. The passage during the 

last watch has covered a lot of ground, weathered a few 

storms and made a few course alterations to avoid those 

inevitable rocks and obstacles on the way. As a result we 

are in very good shape to proceed on the track that is set 

before us. There is no need for a bold course alteration. But 

as there are undoubtedly more rocks and obstacles before 

us, we also need to be conscious of the winds, tides and 

currents and here I will make mention (and no more than 

that) of the Defence Transformation Programme, the Defence 

Review 2009 and of an era of financial constraint and 

restraint, all now upon us. Some of these winds, tides and 

currents will speed us up, some may slow us down and yet 

others may require us to make some course alterations to 

keep on track. 

Come what may, there is a navigation track to be the best 

today and it will be a challenge that we will continue to ad- 

small-nation navy in the world. We are on it together and my 

dress aggressively on my watch. 

job will be to keep us on it. 

2 NT143MAY09 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ 


LEADERSHIP 

CHANGES FOR NZDF 

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TRIBUTE TO DEPARTING 

SERVICE CHIEFS 

THE CHIEF OF NAVY, RA DAVID LEDSON ONZM, RETIRED ON 30 APRIL 2009. TO MARK HIS HAND OVER TO 

RA TONY PARR MVO, A CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY WAS HELD ON GAMBIA SQUARE AT HMNZS 

PHILOMEL BEFORE THE OFFICERS AND RATINGS OF THE FLEET AND THE NAVAL SUPPORT COMMAND. 

THE CHANGE OF CN WAS ONE OF A NUMBER OF RECENT CHANGES AMONG THE NZDF’S LEADERS. 

RA TONY PARR WEARS THE KOROWAI 

THAT SYMBOLISES THE POSITION OF CN 

“OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS MAJOR NEW 

CAPABILITIES FOR OUR NAVY AND AIR FORCE, AND 

CONTINUED SUCCESS WITH OUR RECRUITMENT 

AND RETENTION PROGRAMMES, WILL RESULT IN A 

FORCE THAT NEW ZEALANDERS ARE PROUD OF” 

- LTGEN MATEPARAE, CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE 

M C - 0 9 - 0 1 5 0 - 0 8 9 

THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE announced last month that LTGEN 

Jerry Mateparae has been reappointed for a further year as CDF, 

from 1 May. LTGEN Mateparae said he welcomed the opportunity 

to continue contributing to the security of New Zealand and 

leading the NZDF. 

CDF also welcomed the confirmation that Chief of Air Force, 

Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott, has also been reappointed 

for a further 12 months, providing added continuity among the 

NZDF’s senior leaders. 

As well as the appointment of RA Tony Parr MVO as CN, 

MGEN Lou Gardiner has retired from the post of Chief of Army 

and been replaced by MGEN Rhys Jones, previously the Commander 

Joint Forces. 

From 1 May, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell is the new Commander 

Joint Forces New Zealand (COM JFNZ), who is based 

at HQ JFNZ in Trentham, and is responsible for the operation of 

all of the NZDF’s offshore deployments. 

CDRE Ross Smith is the new Maritime Component Commander 

(MCC). He was educated at Waitaki Boys’ High School and the 

University of Otago and joined the Navy in January 1981 

RA Jack Steer continues as VCDF. LTGEN Mateparae said 

“Over the next 12 months we [the new team of Service Chiefs] 

will need to show that we can deliver a modern, relevant and 

professional Defence Force. The delivery of new and updated 

equipment, especially major new capabilities for our Navy and Air 

Force, and continued success within our recruitment and retention 

programmes, will result in a Defence Force that New Zealanders 

can continue to be proud of. 

“I look forward to assisting the Government with expert military 

advice during the process of developing a Defence White Paper 

during 2009. The Defence White Paper will define the defence 

capabilities required to meet New Zealand's security interests 

for the future.” 

LTGEN Mateparae acknowledged the massive contributions 

made by the Chief of Navy, RA David Ledson, 

and Chief of Army, MGEN Lou Gardiner, who both retired 

at the end of April. 

RA Ledson has served five years as Chief of Navy. He 

joined the RNZN in 1967 and held a wide range of staff 

and seagoing appointments before being promoted 

to Rear Admiral and appointed as Chief of Naval Staff 

CDF: LTGEN JERRY MATEPARAE CAF: AVM GRAHAM (since LINTOTT re-titled Chief of Navy) in 2004. CA : MGEN RHYS JONES 

“Admiral Ledson has worked hard to enhance the 

MAJOR GENERAL RHYS JONES, 

THE NEW CHIEF OF ARMY 

reputation of the Navy at home and abroad,” said 

LTGEN Mateparae. “His successful leadership of the 

Navy has been marked by significant challenges as 

the Navy has prepared for seven new ships through 

Project Protector. 

“He was responsible for generating new maritime 

capabilities, including mine and amphibious warfare, 

which have enhanced the outputs of the NZDF and the 

naval response options available to the Government. In 

the wider Defence Force context, Admiral Ledson has 

provided leadership to the Infrastructure Change and 

Logistics Change Committees. 

VCDF: RA JACK STEER COM JFNZ: AIRCDRE PETER “Additionally, STOCKWELL if you reflect on the MCC: engagement CDRE ROSS SMITH the 

Navy has at Waitangi Day now, you will see a marked 

change over recent years. During his watch, the Navy 

has reaffirmed its role at Waitangi and in doing so improved 

its historical relationship with Nga Puhi.” 

AIR COMMODORE PETER STOCKWELL, 

Ledson has provided leadership to the Infrastructure Change and 

THE TRIBUTE NEW COMMANDER, TO JOINT DEPARTING 

FORCES NEW ZEALAND 

Logistics Change Committees. 

MGEN Lou Gardiner joined the Army in 1971 and held 

SERVICE CHIEFS 

“Additionally, if you reflect on the engagement the Navy has 

at Waitangi a wide range Day now, of staff you will and see command a marked appointments change over recent 

NZ years. and During overseas. his watch, LTGEN the Mateparae Navy has said reaffirmed that MGEN its role 

in 

LTGEN Mateparae acknowledged the massive contributions made 

by the Chief of Navy, RA David Ledson, and Chief of Army, MGEN at Waitangi Gardiner and led in the doing Army so during improved a time its historical of high operational 

relationship 

Lou Gardiner, who both retired at the end of April. 

with 

tempo 

Nga Puhi.” 

and at the same time was involved in introducing 

new military equipment and rebuilding professional 

RA Ledson has served five years as Chief of Navy. He joined the MGEN Lou Gardiner joined the Army in 1971 and held a wide 

RNZN in 1967 and held a wide range of staff and seagoing appointments 

before being promoted to Rear Admiral and appointed LTGEN Mateparae said that MGEN Gardiner led the Army dur- 

range of staff and command appointments in NZ and overseas. 

military competence throughout the Army. 

as Chief of Naval Staff (since re-titled Chief of Navy) in 2004. ing a “Under time of his high command operational the tempo Army and sustained at the same simultaneous 

commitments in introducing to new operations military equipment in the Solomon and rebuilding Islands, 

time was 

“Admiral Ledson has worked hard to enhance the reputation involved 

of the Navy at home and abroad,” said LTGEN Mateparae. “His professional Timor Leste military and competence Afghanistan; throughout and met the a Army. request to 

successful leadership of the Navy has been marked by significant 

challenges as the Navy has prepared for seven new ships mitments to operations in the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and 

“Under assist his the command restoration the of Army law sustained and order simultaneous in Tonga in com- 

the 

aftermath of rioting in November 2006. Behind the 

through Project Protector. 

Afghanistan; and met a request to assist the restoration of law 

scenes he managed personnel challenges both in the 

“He was responsible for generating new maritime capabilities, and order in Tonga in the aftermath of rioting in November 2006. 

Army and, through his chairmanship of the Defence 

including mine and amphibious warfare, which have enhanced Behind the scenes he managed personnel challenges both in the 

the outputs of the NZDF and the naval response options available Army Transformation and, through his Human chairmanship Resources of the Change Defence Committee, 

Transformation 

across Human the Resources NZDF.” Change Committee, across the NZDF.” 

COMMODORE to the Government. ROSS SMITH, In the wider Defence Force context, Admiral 

THE NEW MARITIME COMPONENT COMMANDER 

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4 NT143MAY09 WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ 

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5

PROJECT PROTECTOR 

MC 09-0141-03 


Project Protector– 

the way ahead 

Dr Mapp said that he and Defence Ministry 

officials were now working towards 

the delivery of the two Offshore Patrol 

Vessels of the Protector fleet, currently 

located in Melbourne. He said that there 

were a number of outstanding issues in 

respect of HMNZS Canterbury and the 

Offshore Patrol Vessels which would 

now be referred to mediation as provided 

for in the contract. The mediation 

is intended to start on 25 May. "Although 

The proud CO stands with his 

ship’s company on 16 April 

we have begun a mediation process, we 

are still working hard to resolve the out- 

ROTOITI in front of Auckland Harbour Bridge 

as she arrives at Devonport, 24 April 

work has gone into getting the ships out of the 

yard and into service. When we came into government 

this project was in a mess which we 

are working hard to clean up. I thank Ministry 

and Defence Force officials for the efforts they 

have made to resolve the issues.” 

Customs and the Ministry of Foreign affairs and 

Trade to address NZ’s security challenges.” 

“Our new patrol vessels are very capable ships 

and they will provide increased opportunities for 

our Sailors, both in the Regular force and the 

Naval Volunteer Reserve, to have new and excit- 

standing issues through negotiation with 

the contractor," Dr Mapp said. 

Merv Davis, Maritime Director for BAE 

Systems Australia, explained that the 

company had been engaged in constructive 

discussions with the Ministry 

of Defence since late 2008 to resolve 


HMNZS 

ROTOITI 

HMNZS Rotoiti, the first of the four new IPVs, was 

accepted by the NZ Ministry of Defence from the ship 

builder on 16 April at Whangarei and commissioned into 

the Navy on 17 April. Our new patrol ship sailed into the 

Devonport Naval Base on 24 April. Rotoiti’s three sister 

ships are due to be delivered by the end of this month. 

Rear Admiral Ledson, Chief of Navy, hosted the 

Navy Acceptance Ceremony which was timed to 

occur in conjunction with the first Colours Ceremony 

to be held on board HMNZS Rotoiti on 17 

April 2009. Prior to the Acceptance Ceremony 

and morning Colours, the ceremony of ‘Laying of 

the Mauri’ (Lifeforce) occurred on board Rotoiti 

just before dawn that morning. 

The day before, the Naval party and guests 

were given a Powhiri by the local iwi at Te Puna 

Marae. The Minister of Defence, Dr Wayne 

Mapp, and the Chief of Defence Force, LT- 

GEN Jerry Mateparae, were present at the 

Admiral Ledson commented that the delivery 

of the four new Patrol Vessels is “an important 

and significant step for the Navy and the NZDF, 

as well as for the country. The delivery of the first 

of these ships reflects a lot of hard work by the 

NZDF, in particular the Navy, and the Ministry 

of Defence.” 

He explained that the new patrol ships “Will 

enable the Navy to make a wider contribution 

both to New Zealand in our EEZ and further 

afield; particularly in the South Pacific. Along 

with the forthcoming Offshore Patrol Vessels and 

the RNZAF’s P-3 Orion Maritime Surveillance 

Aircraft, they will provide a ‘step up’ in the Defence 

Force’s ability to work in close partnership 

with government agencies such as Department 

of Conservation, Ministry of Fisheries, Police, 

HMNZS ROTOITI 

Rotoiti, Pennant Number P3569, will be 

affiliated to the port of Napier and the 

Hawke's Bay region, reflecting the special 

relationship with the Navy that stretches 

back to the 1931 Hawkes Bay Earthquake. 

The new patrol ship’s Lady Sponsor is Her 

Worship the Mayor of Napier, Barbara 

Arnott. The first CO of Rotoiti is Devonport 

man LT Alistair McHaffie and Executive 

ing challenges and experiences. We're grateful 

to the contractor, BAE, for their contribution to 

the significant effort that has gone in to securing 

the delivery of these impressive new ships. The 

delivery of Rotoiti is a very exciting day for the 

Navy,” RA Ledson said. 

Dr Mapp said that it was pleasing that $135.4 

million had been spent in New Zealand as part 

of the contract to build the Project Protector 

fleet.This is nearly 25% ahead of the contract 

requirement of $110 million. The four IPVs were 

completely built and fitted out in Whangarei. 

Rotoiti arrived at the Devonport Naval Base in 

the afternoon of 24 April. The new ship, followed 

by her sisters, will undergo a series of sea trials, 

special equipment installation and crew training 

in order to become ready for operations. 

issues that had caused delay to the 

delivery of the IPVs. 

“We recognised that the RNZN needed 

to commission these ships into service 

as soon as practicable and have agreed 

to install Zodiac sea boats so that this 

can happen.” Mr Davis said discussions 

with the Ministry of Defence for 

the delivery of the two Offshore Patrol 

Vessels were well advanced. “Both parties 

are working together to agree the 

terms under which they will be offered 

for acceptance. BAE Systems is committed 

to delivering the Project Protector 

vessels quickly. The delivery of the 

IPVs marks an important milestone in 

that journey.” 


ceremonies. 

Officer is LT Fraser Toulmin from Napier. 

LT Alistair Mchaffie holds the 

commissioning warrant as RA Ledson 

speaks to the ships company 

Dr Mapp said: "Delivery of the Project Protector 

ships has been the Government's highest 

Defence priority since taking office. A lot of hard 

[For the latest on ROTOITI’s 

delivery voyage, see p 46] 

The assembled group as Navy’s Kaumatua 

lay the mauri, the life force, into ROTOITI 



ANZAC DAY 2009 


COMEMORATING THE 

The Cross of 

Sacrifice at the 

Commonwealth 

War Cemetery in 

Jakarta, Indonesia 

PHILOMEL’s platoon, commanded by LT Tom 

Dooley, marches to the Devonport service 

As dawn broke around the world on 25 April, 

Australians and New Zealanders everywhere, 

often supported by friends and allies, paused 

to remember our war dead of both countries. 

As our Chief of Navy, RA Ledson, stated on the 

Navy’s official wreath in Wellington: “The Officers 

and Ratings of the RNZN, RNZNR and RNZNVR 

remember with pride and gratitude the sacrifices 

made by those who served and those who gave 

their lives in the fight for freedom in wartime.” 

Jakarta, Indonesia: A service was held at the Menteng 

Pulo Commonwealth Cemetery with a number of Indonesian Veterans 

who paraded in a show of respect for their ANZAC colleagues, 

as well as military and civilian dignitaries from Indonesia and other 

embassies. The ANZACs were also remembered by services in 

Bali, Balikpapan and Bandung. 

Singapore: 1000 people attended the ANZAC Day dawn service 

at Kranji War Memorial. 

Bamian, Afghanistan: The Minister of Foreign affairs, Murry Mc- 

Cully, attended a service with the NZPRT at Kiwi Base. 

Gallipoli, Turkey: Our Governor General, HE Anand Satynand, 

and the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs attended the Australian-led dawn 

service, which was followed by the Australian service at Lone Line and 

the NZ service at Chunuk Bair. 

London, UK: Several thousand attended the Dawn Service at Hyde 

Park Corner, which was followed by the wreath-laying at the Cenotaph 

in Whitehall and a service in Westminster Abbey. 

The National Memorial Arboretum: A message from Her 

Majesty The Queen was read out by Vice-Lord LTCOL Michael Beatty 

to the crowd gathered in the Millenium Chapel. The Gallipoli Memorial 

is surrounded by a handful of dead trees, representing the hands 

of the wounded in the trenches. The service finished with Lucy Ward 

giving a magnificent rendition of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" 

which proved very moving for all. 

Weymouth: Weymouth had 15,000 - 16,000 ANZACs recuperating 

in hospitals (converted hotels) during the Great War - the ANZAC Memorial, 

erected in 2005, stands on Weymouth Promenade along the 

beach front directly in front of one of those former hospitals. 

Brockenhurst: The NZ War Memorial is at a 1000 year-old 

church that was part of No.1 NZ General Hospital during WWI and is 

also the site of graves for 93 NZers and one Australian who died in 

the hospital. A large number of people, most of whom have no obvious 

connection to NZ or Australia, attended the ceremony to honour 

the ANZACs. 

Cambridge: F/S Shayne Harris attended the ANZAC Day service 

held in the Church of St Andrew the Great, Cambridge. The service 

was organised by the Britain-Australia Society, Cambridgeshire Branch, 

in the church was where CAPT James Cook and his family came to 

worship. 

Dublin, Ireland: Over 3400 Irishmen were killed at Gallipoli. There 

are a significant number of NZers working in Dublin and ANZAC Day is 

a focal point for them. A dawn service was held at the Grangemorgan 

Military Cemetery where ten NZ and Australian servicemen are buried. 

The local Parks Service tends their graves. The event was well attended 

by expatriates and locals. That evening the NZ Irish Association organised 

church service in St Ann’s Church in central Dublin, which the 

Irish President attended. The Lord Mayor made her residence available 

for a function hosted by the Association afterwards. 

LT Ben Till talks with a British veteran at Brockenhurst 

The Gallipoli Memorial at the National Arboretum 

as the Anzac representatives lay a wreath 

ODVR Sione Tonga stands guard at the Tomb 

of the Unknown Warrior in Wellington 

WN 09-0081-04 Photo: Capt Peter Arnold WN 09-0025-60 

Yokohama, Japan: The Speaker of the NZ House of Representatives 

attended a service at the Commonwealth War Graves 

Cemetery at Hogogaya. 

Florida, USA: GEN David Petraeus, Commander of US Central 

Command, joined NZDF, ADF and Turkish personnel as the senior 

guest at the dawn service at MacDill Air Force Base. 

China: HMNZ Ships Te Mana & Endeavour with HMA Ships Success 

and Pirie held a dawn service in Qingdao and attended the 

international service hosted by our Embassies, in Beijing. 

New York: A dawn service was held at the US East Coast War 

Memorial, Battery Park, Manhattan. 

Turkish, New Zealand and Australian flags 

fly at the dawn service in Tampa, Florida 



INTERNATIONAL 

anchor, for the first time we saw him smile!” 

The two ships made a combined NZ team to 

challenge other nations in Soccer and Sampan 

Racing. “The Sampans were in fact big 

whalers with inefficient narrow oars – and the 

racing was held at the Olympic Sailing Venue. 

In the end we came third after the Chinese 

and Indians!” 

Sailors from both ships also attended AN- 

ZAC Day commemorations in Qingdao, Beijing 

and (later) Hong Kong. “We had a combined 

ANZAC service with HMA Ships Success and 

Pirie; we started with a naval service on the 

jetty at 0430 (sunrise is very early here). Each 

nation had a Chaplain to officiate and our Maori 

A celebration banner at Qingdao 

Cultural Group performed during the service. In 

this port, so close to waters rich in naval history, 

the service was meaningful and moving.” 

Following the Fleet Review in Qingdao, our 

An impressive 

array of ships: 

Chinese destroyer SHENYANG, berthed 

ahead of the Russian cruiser VARYAG 

HMNZS TE MANA and HMNZS Endeavour are 

currently in East Asian waters on a three month 

deployment to North East Asia, South East Asia 

and Australia. Their first commitment was to 

represent New Zealand at the Chinese Navy’s 

60th Anniversary Fleet Review at Quingdao, 

where our ships joined with those of 13 other 

ships are visiting Hong Kong before a busy 

programme of regional exercises in the South 

China Sea and off Malaysia. These exercises 

will provide the ships with prime training environment. 

The deployment will include visits 

to Singapore, Port Klang in Malaysia, Darwin 

and Townsville. The two ships are due back in 

Auckland on 4 July. 

Brazilian LST GARCIA D’A VILA 

Australia 

Bangladesh 

Brazil 

Canada 

France 

India 

Mexico 

Pakistan 

South Korea 

HMAS SUCCESS 

HMAS PIRIE 

OSMAN 

GARCIA D'A VILA 

HMCS PROTECTEUR 

VENDEMIAIRE 

INS MUMBAI 

INS RANVIR 

CUAUHTEMOC 

PNS BADR, PNS NASR 

ROKS DOKDO 

ROKS KANG GAN CHAN 

Russia VARYAG, M6-99 

Singapore 

RSS FORMIDABLE 

navies to commemorate the founding of the 

modern Chinese Navy. 

The CO of Te Mana, CDR Blair Gerritsen said, 

VARYAG (Russia) 

ROK SHIP DOKDO 

Thailand 

United States 

HTMS TAKSIN 

HTMS BANGPAKONG 

USS FITZGERALD 

“Everyone on board both Te Mana and Endeavour 

was eagerly anticipating the opportunity 

to visit China, especially as the visit offered us 

the chance to mix with the large number of 

navies that had ships attending the Chinese 

Fleet Review.” 

Once in Chinese waters the Kiwi sailors found 

the weather to be “freezing” and the language 

barrier high. “We were rugged up to keep warm 

during those cold (11ºC) Qingdao days.” 

Aboard Endeavour they commented: 

“Our PLA(N) Liaision Officer has been fantastic 

and like every good PLA(N) English translator, 

very stressed about us getting it exactly right. 

Happily we anchored in the correct position, 

Aboard ENDEAVOUR with their PLA(Navy) 

Liaison officer (l to r): ASCS Claude Wehi, 

AHSO Sally Solomon, LT Qu Shi Gang, LT 

Aston Talbot & SLT Matt Stephens 

pointing the right way, with the right flags up and 

did the right things…so after 5 days of his liaison 

support and spending overnight with us at 

The Indian destroyer RANVIR berthed astern of ENDEAVOUR 



NAVY BAND 

THE JINHAE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 

SOUTH KOREA 

By LTCDR Keith Anderson RNZN, 

Director of Music 

The RNZN Band, supported by ten members of 

Te Reo Heramana Kapa Haka Group, went to 

S Korea to participate in the Jinhae International 

Military Band and Honour Guard Festival 

last month. 

The Festival was hosted by the Korean Ministry 

of National Defence and was held in the city 

of Jinhae, during 3-5 April. Our contingent was 

invited to take part by the Mayor of Jinhae City. 

WOMUS Shaun Jarrett was the Contingent Liaison 

Officer working with our Korean hosts. A/ 

CPOCSS Muru McLean was responsible for the 

development, rehearsal and execution of the 

Maori Cultural Group’s performances. 

The schedule of performances was: 

• 1 & 2 April: Rehearsals 

• Friday 3 April: pm Street March; 1900 Opening 

Ceremony; o/c Marching Display 

• Saturday 4th April: pm Fringe Concert on 

Jaehuang Mountain; 1900 Marching Display 

• Sunday 5th April: pm Arena Concert; 1900 

Marching Display; o/c Closing Ceremony 

Our contingent was by far the smallest but 

served up a quality that was received by the 

Korean public and fellow musicians as second 

to none. There was no doubting that the Navy 

Band's upbeat performance and the MCG display 

was the greatest point of difference for our 

performances. The Navy Haka and singing of 

Po Karekare Ana by the entire team was one of 

the highlights of the Festival. Po Karakare Ana is 

also a Korean folk tune that is taught to children 

in their schools, so the audience were familiar 

with it and really enjoyed our version. 

Other Bands hailed from China, USA, Scotland, 

and South Africa. The Festival was also 

supplemented with four Korean Service Bands, 

a Korean traditional Band and drill squads. The 

Festival was a credit to the Koreans; the venue 

was on a huge traffic roundabout in the middle 

of town upon which temporary stands and 

a stage were erected. This meant that once 

outside the arena we were right in the middle 

of the local markets and food stalls which are 

famous in Korea, and that made everybody 

happy. Korean fare is, to some, an acquired 

taste. The Koreans enjoyed us, as we made 

every effort to respect their culture (such as 

taking off our shoes before eating). 

Our contingent was feted throughout the 

tournament. I was honoured to be invited to 

make a small speech and toast at the Mayoral 

The RNZN Band on stage at Jinhae 

reception on behalf of the festival participants. 

It was also very pleasing to receive rave comments 

from the Americans (with their 60 plus 

musicians) about how good it was to hear a 

Band play so well and with all our dynamics. 

They thought the MCG were simply great. On 

completion of our very first performance we 

had invitations to two other festivals! 

The team made many friends from all over 

the world; Scotland, America, South Africa and 

Korea. The entire Festival was well organised, 

enjoyable, safe and without incident. 

We were looked after perfectly and loved 

every minute of the seven days, sharing with 

other musicians, meeting new people and trying 

new food, 

There was little downtime but we did manage 

a visit to the Naval Base, where we looked 

over the "turtle ship,” a replica of the ships 

responsible for a naval victory over the Japanese 

in the 1500s. We also were welcomed 

aboard one of their frigates and given a tour 

of the museum. 

Our contingent represented the RNZN and 

our country well - the visit will be a talking 

point for a long time to come. This was the 

best trip to Korea that I have experienced and 

I was proud to have led such a cohesive and 

splendid bunch of people. 

NZDF BANDS SUPPORT 

TIMOR LESTE 

DEFENCE FORCE 

Responding to a request from the F-FDTL 

(Falantil -Forca de Defesa de Timor Lorosae), 

the NZDF’s three Directors of Music 

agreed to donate a dozen musical instruments 

to the Timor-Leste Defence Force. 

The instruments donated include drums, 

a tuba, a trumpet, a euphonium, a flugel 

horn and a trombone. 

As part of their rebuilding phase post- 

Independence in 2002, the F-FDTL has 

decided to form a military band. The 

band's role will be primarily ceremonial 

but it is expected to do much more for the 

hearts and minds of the Timorese people. 

With no national orchestra or similar, the 

band is expected to become an integral 

part of the Timor Leste culture. 

During 2008, when NZ Army Officer 

MAJ Julie Richardson was an NZDF advi- 

GALLIPOLI CEREMONY A HIGHLIGHT 

Representing the NZDF at the Anzac Day ceremonies at Gallipoli this year was a 

highlight for seven members of our Navy Band (l to r): LMUS Craig Thompson; AMUS 

Colin Clark; CPOMUS Michael Tan; LTCDR Keith Anderson; POMUS Chris Lawrence; 

POMUS Riwai Hina and LMUS Craig Rhodes. 

The seven were part of a small contingent of NZDF personnel, who took part in the 

Australian-led Anzac Day dawn service on 25 April. The Navy Band combo and members 

of the Australian Army Band provided music during the commemorations. 

POMUS Riwai Hina said, ”I have had numerous career highlights in my time in the 

Navy but spending Anzac Day in Gallipoli this year, and representing my grandfather 

- who was in 28 (Maori) Battalion - has got to top the list.” 

sor to F-FDTL in Timor Leste, she received 

a request for any surplus instruments the 

NZDF might be able to send. The instruments 

being sent are still in good working 

order but were due for replacement in a few 

years in the respective single-Service bands. 

Directors of Music (l to r): LTCDR Keith Anderson, 

CAPT Leanne Smith & SQNLDR Owen Clarke 

The Directors of Music from the three Services 

said they were glad that they could 

give the F-FDTL "something to start them 

off". In the future NZDF personnel hope to 

follow up with advice on structure, music, 

and training. 


WN 09-0066-01 



PEACEKEEPERS 

SUDAN, EAST TIMOR & 

AFGHANISTAN 

Afghanistan Changeover 

On 14 April a contingent of 133 NZDF personnel departed from Christchurch for a six month deployment in Afghanistan. 

The majority make up the fourteenth rotation to serve in the Provincial Reconstruction Team, in Bamyan Province. The others 

will work in roles within the International Stabilisation Force HQ, the Canadian Multinational Hospital in Khandahar, and 

with the British Army training unit for the Afghan National Army. 

The Navy contingent in 

this rotation are: 

LT J C Packham 

Mr L A Fletcher 

LCH S A Behl 

LCH C M Henderson 

ACO KD Hobson 

AEW(S) J M Landers 

CPOEWS C S McKeieich 

POSCS B L Whitmore 

Coming home this month 

from ‘CRIB 13’ are: 

LT G M Goodridge 

LT G R Marshall 

WOEWS WTJ Teweehi 

WOCSS L J Jamieson 

POPTI M W Kennedy 

LSA K E Jury 

POMED SAL Vissers 

POWTR J R Crook 

LCH A L Growcott 

LMED L K Johannsen 

ACH B U West 

ACO A B Young 

ACO J Sorensen 


ACO Adam Young and SSGT Tim Sorensen 

at the top of Shatu Pass, 3422m high 


A Club Swinger’s VIEW 

By POPTI Mike Kennedy of CRIB 13 

Leading a foot patrol to an altitude of over 

3350 metres in the mountainous region of 

Bamyan, Afghanistan, is not routine for a 

Navy PTI, who would be more at home 

taking circuits on the deck of a frigate in 

the middle of the Indian Ocean. But here 

in Bamyan this Clubswinger had an opportunity 

to ply his trade – and without 

a drop of salt water in sight! In August 

2008 I was offered the chance to deploy 

to Afghanistan as a PTI. This once-in-alifetime 

opportunity couldn’t be turned 

down. So two and a half months later with 

Pre-Deployment Training, a bit of leave, 

and a week in Dubai under my belt, I set 

foot on Kiwi Base, Bamyan. 

The first order of business was to get 

dragged up what is known as ‘PT Hill’, 2½ 

km higher than the Devonport Wharf! The 

high altitude in Bamyan makes physical 

activity much more difficult, since there’s 

less oxygen in the air. New Kiwis on the 

ground usually take a couple of weeks 

to acclimatise to the additional strain on 

the body and training sessions are eased 

back until the body ‘catches up’. 

As well as being a PTI, I also had the job 

of Canteen Manager and Kiwi Base Fire 

Officer. The Canteen Manager role presents 

its own interesting challenges. Much of our 

stock is purchased from the local Bazaar. 

With my interpreter by my side I get to barter 

away with the local shopkeepers trying to get 

the best price possible, a job not too foreign 

to a sailor after trying to get the best deals 

in Singapore. And, since part of my job is to 

promote health and fitness, I have to turn a 

blind eye when buying sweets, chips, and 

cigarettes for the patrons back on base. 

Patrol work, however, has provided the 

highlights of my deployment. I have been 

able to see a lot of the Province and mix, 

work with, and employ, local people. Driving 

here is interesting – my days as a kid spent 

driving my Old Man’s Land Rover have paid 

off as the roads here are not for the fainthearted. 

Our accommodation while on patrol 

has ranged from tents, to local restaurants 

and police stations. 

Into the second half of the deployment our 

focus on physical training was strong. The 

Rugby players wanted to ready themselves 

for the coming season, some were trying to 

balance all the free chocolate bars and goffas 

(soft drinks) they had been scoffing from the 

fridge, while others just want to be in good 

POPTI Mike Kennedy on patrol 

shape before coming home. Hence we 

held the 'Bods from Bamyan' 12 week 

challenge. A number of the Kiwi Base 

team took part, eating healthily and 

training their way to the ultimate beach 

body (which won’t be much use because 

we will have missed summer when we 

get home!) 

All in all it has been a rewarding experience 

and as a sailor I have had opportunities 

to do things I never thought I 

would do. To help the people of Bamyan, 

whether it be by supporting the local 

shop owners or stacking rocks in gabion 

baskets for flood protection, it all made 

being here very worth while. 

SUDAN 

LT Vivienne Orr RNZN and FLT LT Ivan Green 

RNZAF are posted as UN Military Observers 

to Rumbek, in the Sudan. They are seen 

here with a Sudanese local. MAJ Liam Jones 

is another UNMO and also NZ SNO, working 

from Khartoum as the Senior Staff Officer 

The NZDF contributions in Afghanistan 

• 123 personnel in the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan Province. 

• Two non-commissioned officers assisting with the training of the Afghan 

National Army. 

• Five officers in International Security Assistance Force headquarters positions 

• One military liaison officer with the United Nations Assistance Mission. 

• Two medical specialists with the Canadian Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar. 

• In addition, 3 NZ Police are also based in Bamian with the PRT 


Plans of the UN HQ. Their role is to monitor 

and verify the compliance of the Comprehensive 

Peace Agreement between the northern 

and southern parts of Sudan. Along with the 

monitoring and verification aspect of the 

UNMO’s, they also collate information such as 

the current humanitarian situation in a particular 

village, any grievances, security matters, 

and anything else of interest. The tempera- 

As at 1 May there was a total of 717 NZDF personnel deployed on 14 

peacekeeping operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world. 

ACH Brock West meets some 

of the children in Bamyan 

ture has averaged about 40°C by day and 30 

at night and will soon be coming into the wet 

season – complete with mossies! 



NT143MAY09 15

PEACKEEPERS 

POMED Tracey Richdale is 

working in Dili as the Senior 

Medic for the current NZDF 

contingent in Timor Leste. 

She is responsible for three 

junior Medics, and also deals 

with health and environmental 

issues that arise within the 

contingent. POMED Richdale 

describes her ... 

JOURNEY TO 

I decided I would join the Navy when I was 

11. In January 2001 I started Basic Common 

Training at the age of 17. Once through the 

first part of my training I went on to the Junior 

Medical Course at the Joint Services Health 

School (JSHS) in Burnham. After being in the 

Navy for only three months it was a bit of a 

challenge working with the Army, but three 

more months later I was proud to officially be 

a Junior Medical Assistant. 

• Navy Hospital for more training: dental, 

physio, x-ray, treatment room, theatre, training 

department and reception. 

• Te Kaha, getting a brief taste of life at sea; 

promoted to Able Medical Assistant. 

• JSHS to complete my Intermediate Medical 

Course; also an Army exercise “Red Serpent” 

(which confirmed for me my preference for a 

ship rather than life in the field!) 

• Navy Hospital for a year and a half 

• Selected to go to Afghanistan as a Patrol 

Medic. So back down to Burnham for predeployment 

training. 

I really enjoyed my time in Afghanistan and 

would love to return someday. The environment 

and culture are so different to anything I 

had experienced and the country intrigued me 

endlessly. Although driving was a challenge, as 

the terrain is rugged and the wintry conditions 

extremely hazardous, I enjoyed being involved. 

We took medical clinics to remote villages, held 

English lessons for the locals and I was even 

fortunate enough to sit in on some lessons for 

the local trainee medical officers. 

POMED Tracey Richdale playing games with village children 

• 2005 - posted back to Te Kaha as Leading at nights at the Hospital keeping my ties with 

Medic. A 6 month deployment to Singapore, the Navy and the pay was great too. After being 

at university for six months there was an 

Malaysia, and Australia. 

• I was offered the opportunity to transfer to opportunity to deploy with the NZDF mission 

Endeavour in 2006. This time Japan, Korea, in East Timor. 

Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and So I took a break from Uni and here I find 

Australia again. 

myself based in Dili. I am enjoying my time 

I was back at the Navy Hospital when I was here, as the Senior Medic for the current NZ 

selected for the medical team to join the USS contingent. I am responsible for three LCPL 

Peleliu to deliver humanitarian aid to PNG. I Medics, but my work is generally a desk job, 

enjoyed the life on board this enormous aircraft dealing with health and environmental issues 

carrier and we also went ashore to assist with for the contingent. 

vaccinating in remote villages. I was given the I was, however, invited to join an Australian 

opportunity to work with US veterinarians and patrol for 10 days down to Suai in the Cova 

also assisted with vaccinations and deflea-ing Lima district, where our Army was based during 

the ‘Battalion days’. I was able to work with 

animals. 

Following this I was posted back to the Navy an Australian Medical Officer in small villages, 

Hospital. I decided then that I needed a new assisting with the co-ordination of patients in 

challenge and chose to leave the Navy to go mobile clinics. In most villages I would find a 

to university and study nursing, so I changed group of children and teach them some fun 

to the Naval Reserve. I was still able to work games. This trip was a truly rewarding experience 

and I am grateful to have been given the 

opportunity. 

We are now nearly through the tour and I 

am looking forward to getting back to NZ in 

June. Once I get back I will continue my work 

with the Naval Reserve taking a slight career 

change into physiotherapy and continuing my 

study at university. 

Through my career I have been to many different 

places, have some wonderful memories 

and hope that I have helped to make a difference, 

but I can honestly say there is no place 

A medical clinic in a village 

like home. 

NZ SUPPORT 

ELEMENT - 

DARWIN 

By ASA Evan Kaska, 

Supplier NZ NSE Rear, RAAF Base Darwin 

One minute I’m in HMNZS Endeavour, 

the next I’m getting told to pack my bags 

for East Timor! The main NZ contingent 

there works as part of an Australian-led 

international stabilisation force to assist 

the Government of Timor-Leste with the 

provision of security. My job is slightly 

different. I’m currently based in Darwin 

as part of the national support element, 

filling the position of a supplier. Working in 

a small five-person team, we have Army, 

Air Force, Navy and a civilian (and yes, 

there is a bit of rivalry!) We are the team 

that manages the contingent’s logistic 

demands, and as well we facilitate flights 

and personnel passing through Darwin. It 

is very rare that the team is all together 

as we also all spend time in theatre, so it 

gets somewhat busy at times! 

Being posted to the Support Element 

in Darwin is a bit of a rare experience 

for someone from the Navy. The supply 

system is something completely different 

compared to what I am used to in 

the Navy, though the skills I have learnt 

previously have certainly come into use, 

and I’m still learning a lot. The weather in 

Darwin is a lot different to NZ’s; commonly 

about 34-35ºC, but we have a big pool 

just around the corner. The dry season is 

ASA Evan Kaska makes 

friends in Timor Leste 

now upon us and the rain is already easing 

up. In the dry season it won’t rain for about 

6 months! 

We have a great PT roster - we start the day 

by driving to one of our scenic running tracks 

and undergoing a 4-5km run; it definitely 

helps with the waking up process. We usually 

see a bit of wildlife around the place and I 

even came close to stepping on a file snake! 

They are non-venomous, but I wasn’t thinking 

about that while I was jumping for the moon. 

We’ve also seen a lot of spiders, frill-necked 

lizards, kangaroos and a few crocodiles. The 

fitness regime when in Timor is awesome! It 

is run by a PTI and it ranges through all types 

of fitness. It’s not unusual to find yourself 

running around with body armour and a gas 

mask. It’s even got to the point where I find 

a 10km run enjoyable. 

So far in this deployment I have spent 34 

days in Timor and thoroughly enjoyed working 

there with the Army; in fact I keep putting 

my hand up for more! I’ve even caught 

up with a schoolmate, Army LT Brent 

Morris (2003 Head Boy at Mercury Bay 

Area School). 

When in Timor, my job is helping out 

the suppliers in Dili. I help complete local 

purchases, manage ammunition supply 

and various other jobs. There is a rifle 

range 10 minutes down the road from 

the base. I spent a full day there basically 

making sure there was nothing left of the 

targets. I had a great time, learnt a lot of 

good soldiering skills and gained a lot 

of confidence in live firing and weapon 

handling. 

Local purchase runs are rewarding 

because you get to see what Dili is like, 

and that’s another experience …. Driving 

around in Dili is a nerve-wracking experience 

and you spend most of the time 

clutching the seat. Road rules are often 

not followed and you see people driving 

the wrong way around roundabouts, 

scooters with sometimes five people 

on them - and you don’t want to drive 

through the puddles because you might 

end up in a huge pothole and find yourself 

at the point of no return 

The locals in Dili are very friendly towards 

Kiwis, and we never manage to 

make it down the street without getting 

a wave. Their favourite sayings are, ‘Kia 

ora bro!’ or ‘sup Kiwi!’ They are very 

funny people to have a conversation with. 

Overall this deployment has been a great 

experience, and I would highly recommend 

it to anyone. 

LTCDR Pip Gibbons receiving the UNMIT medal from COL Logan of ISF. A medal parade was 

conducted at the (new) NZ Embassy Chancery in Dili on 6 April. Hosted by our Ambassador, 

Dr Tim McIvor, His Excellency the President of Timor Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta, presented the 

Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal to members of the current NZ contingent including UN Police. 

Two NZDF personnel working for UNMIT were COL Graeme Williams (ret) and LTCDR Pip Gibbons 

RNZN. COL Williams, a previous Chief Military Liaison Officer, now works as the Chief, 

Joint Mission Analysis Centre, UNMIT. LTCDR Gibbons is the current NZ UN Military Liaison 

Officer in Timor Leste. At the conclusion of the presentations by President Ramos-Horta, COL 

Logan was given the opportunity to also present LTCDR Gibbons with her UNMIT medal. The 

NZDF SNO and Acting Commander ISF, CAPT Kevin Keat RNZN was also present. After the 

medal parade, the President and guests were invited by the Ambassador to share in morning 

tea and to view the new Embassy Chancery (which only opened for business on 31 March). 



TE TAUA MOANA MARAE 



disembarked to Te Taua Moana Marae for the 

memorial service. The marae was set up as for 

a tangi, and the memorial service commenced 

with our Navy taua (warriors) carrying the late 

Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikahu’s spirit on to the 

marae to the karanga (spirital calling) of four 

of our ladies. This was a solem and emotional 

time for all in attendence. Te Arikinui Tuheitia 

and the whanau pani (the grieving family members) 

were seated with the Kawe Mate on the 

mahau (verandah). 

There were hymns and prayers and many 

wonderful speeches paying homage to the 

A vigil was kept with the Kawe Mate, the photo of the late 

Arikinui. LWTR Sheryl Jones (left) as a young girl had assisted 

the late Dame Te Atairangikahu at the opening of our marae, so 

she and Whenua Mcgarvey (no Tainui) joined the whanau pani 

life and work of the late Arikinui by kaumatua 

and leaders of Te Taua Moana, Tainui, and the 

Member of Parliament for the North Shore, 

Dr Wayne Mapp. The waiata tautoko (songs 

to support) were performed by a combined 

Our Naval taua (warriors) 

carry the late Arikinui 

Dame Te Atairangikahu’s 

spirit on to the marae 

opened Te Taua Moana Marae. In December 

2005 she sailed in ‘her’ ship Te Mana for what 

was the final time, as her health was failing. 

Dame Te Atairangikahu passed away on 15 

August 2006. The tangihana (funeral) included 

a week of mourning leading to her being carried 

on a waka down her beloved Waikato 

River and laid to rest on Taupiri Mountain on 

21 August 2006. Although many Navy personnel 

attended the tangihana over the week, not 

all could, especially the ship’s company of Te 

Mana (deployed from NZ, then). 

It was decided that to give Naval personnel, 

Te Mana’s company and our ex-sailors an opportunity 

to mourn her passing, would bring her 

spirit, her Kawe Mate, (in the form of a picture) 

back to Devonport on 30 March. So that day 

her son, Te Arikinui (Maori King) Tuheitia Paki 

accompanied by his wife and family, and his 

VIP party of Tainui kaumatua and kuia, embarked 

in Te Mana at the port of Tauranga for 

passage to Auckland. They were met on board 

by CN, MCC, MCA and our Navy kaumatua 

and kuia. [See Te Mana’s report, page 26.] Te 

Arikinui and his entourage were able to remind 

the crew of the privilege they have of carrying 

such a meaningful and strong name for the 

ship, Te Mana. 

On berthing at Devonport, the Kawe Mate, 

Te Arikinui Tuheitia Paki and the VIP party 

cultural group comprised of members from 

Philomel, Te Mana, our other ships and our 

ex-sailors. 

A long hongi line then formed and warm and 

heartfelt greetings were exchanged. While the 

manuhiri (visitors) commenced their meal the 

combined cultural group performed on the 

deck between the wharenui and wharekai. We 

had so many guests that some of them dined 

over at the Ngataringa Sport Complex and the 

cultural group joined them over there to eat and 

entertain them. 

The ceremony was a very special experience 

and an occasion of great privilege for our sailors 

past and present. 

for Dame Te Atairangikahu ONZ, DBE 

By CPOWTR Deborah Barton, Marae Coordinator 



Dame Te Atairangikahu ONZ, DBE was the Maori Queen for the 

longest reign of any Maori monarch. Her title Te Arikinui (Great Chief) 

and name Te Atairangikahu (the hawk of the morning sun), which 

was also her mother’s name, were bestowed upon her when she 

became the Maori monarch. She was an avid supporter of cultural 

and sporting events and often appeared in a figurehead role at NZhosted 

international political events. Dame Te Atairangikahu was the 

Lady Sponsor of HMNZS Te Mana and she opened Te Taua Moana 

Marae on 15 April 2000. Dame Te Atairangikahu passed away on 

Waiho, kia tangi matou ki taku tupapaku – let 

us pause and mourn our dearly departed 

Ever since the formation of the Kingitanga 

movement over 152 years ago, there has always 

been a close association with the Navy 

and the tribes supporting the movement (although 

some the interaction was not as friends 

in the early years!) The fifth Arikinui, Dame Te 

Atairangikahu ONZ, DBE ruled for 40 years 

and was the first female in this important role. 

During her reign the late Arikinui (Maori Queen) 

15 August 2006 which was followed by a week of mourning leading 

to her Tangihana on 21 August 2006 [see NT 114 Sept 06]. Her 

Kawe Mate (taking of the spirit of the deceased) was held Monday 

30 March at Te Taua Moana Marae, providing an opportunity for the 

whanau (family) and naval personnel to mourn her passing. 

played an important part of our naval history by 

being our Lady Sponsor of HMNZS Te Mana, 

attending the ceremony in Melbourne where 

she named and launched the frigate in 1997, 

and the commissioning, in Tauranga, in 1999. 

These links were further strengthened when she 

Tainui kaumatua reply to 

the whaikorero (ORATORY) 

Kaumatua Bruce Pukepuke Dr Wayne Mapp, RA 

Ledson and WO Pirikahu during the whaikorero 





Canterbury’s Ships Amphibious Load Team 

(SALT) worked hard to embark all the Bash 

vehicles over the side door. There was a very 

different feel in the Cargo Deck, with 40 bright 

Photo: Variety Club 

vehicles as opposed to the usual camouflaged 

trucks or armoured vehicles. The mix included 

eight fire trucks, a McDonald’s van, a Cadbury’s 

car, a Pop’n’good car, and The Mystery Machine 

complete with Scooby inside. 

After the vehicles and all the Bashers were 

loaded, Canterbury let go all lines and motored 

across the harbour to berth at Princes Wharf 30 

minutes later. All the Bashers were thrilled with 

the harbour crossing with Barbara Bentham 

(Cadbury’s Bash team) remarking: “In the 15 

years I’ve been taking part in the Variety Bash- 

With Elmo and the Chiefs 

mascot are (l to r) AET Parry, 

OCSS Vos, LTCDR Fitzell, AMT 

Hema & LMT Needham 

this is one of the best Bash experiences I’ve 

had.” There was also fantastic feedback for 

the hospitality we extended to the Bashers - in 

particular they said the meals onboard were 



“outstanding.” 

The Variety Bash vehicles in the vehicle deck of CANTERBURY 

The Minister for Defence Dr. Wayne Mapp 

officially launched the Variety Bash the next 



morning, Sunday 29 March, in front of the 

Bashers and Canterbury ship’s company. With 

much noise and fanfare the 2009 Variety Club 

Bash was off! 

But first, on the Saturday afternoon, Canterbury 

held an Open Day onboard for the 

Auckland public. The day turned out to be 

quite a success with 1200 people visiting our 

‘Elmo’ rides ashore 

Ronald McDonald meets 

some of the crowd 

And some of the Bashers 

start collecting 

ship. Guests onboard enjoyed a performance 

by the Navy Band as well as being able to view 

all the Bash vehicles. The Variety Bashers were 

WOWT Wayne Morris talks with a 

visitor during the Open Day 

Mr Steve Taylor one of the 

“LAPD SWAT Team” with his 

CANTERBURY cap from his time 

onboard the frigate in 1977-78 

on hand, including Elmo, which made for a 

Variety Club 

BASH 

and Family Day 

By LT Jacqui Kenyon RAN 

At 0800 on Saturday 27 March a convoy of 

brightly coloured vehicles drove onto Calliope 

Wharf towards Canterbury. We were to be 

the launching pad for the annual Variety Club 

Bash. Each year the Variety Club of New Zealand 

conducts a road trip or ‘Bash’ and visits 

various towns throughout the country. This 

year the Bash commenced in Auckland and 

finished in New Plymouth [see next article]. 

The Variety Club is a charity to assist local 

children via grants, which are delivered during 

the Bash. The Bash provides a good opportunity 

for Bashers to visit the children that 

Variety supports. 

memorable time for all our visitors. 

After the Bash was launched on Sunday, the 

day was not over for us. Canterbury sailed back 

to Devonport to pick up 280 family members 

for an afternoon at sea in the Hauraki Gulf. 

Family and friends were presented with a great 

buffet lunch on the flight deck, which was the 

perfect viewing spot for the helicopter display 

that No.6 Sqn put on. On the return trip into 

Auckland family members were able to watch a 

Man Overboard Exercise. Canterbury returned 

back to Calliope South at 1700 after a very busy 

and exciting weekend. 

We have been alongside through all of April 

undergoing an IMAV, and as you read this issue 

we will have completed our HATS and SATS and 

will be preparing for Ex TROPIC TWILIGHT. 

SLT Anthony Norris explains the 

bridge controls to visitors 




NT143MAY09 21


PERSONNEL 



PROJECT 

By Captain Steve Streefkerk RNZN, Assistant Chief of Navy (Personnel) 

THE 2009 

VARIETY BASH 

By Kelli Sullivan, Variety 

The 2009 Variety Bash was a huge success 

with over $30,000 raised in bucket-shaking 

alone during the week-long Bash. Total funds 

raised have exceeded the target of $250,000 

thanks to the hard work of the Bashers, Bash 

sponsors, supporters and the Variety team. 

Twenty two Variety grants were distributed enroute 

from Auckland to New Plymouth - grants 

included a mobility scooter, two insulin pumps, 

one trike, an oxygen carrybag and thousands 

of dollars of learning resources for children, 

schools, and other organisations. 

The Variety Bash is an annual event that 

travels through different parts of NZ every year. 

The Bash was first launched in NZ in 1991; 

committed Bashers come together each year 

to raise funds, distribute grants and bring a 

unique brand of sunshine to children across 

the nation. All funds raised here stay in NZ. The 

Bash vehicles are ‘concept’ vehicles, mostly 

at least 30 years old at the start of the Bash. 

However there may be some younger ones, 

but they have been approved as meeting the 

parameters of a Bash ‘concept’ vehicle. 

The 2009 Variety Bash was launched from 

Canterbury as the vehicles were off-loaded to 

Princes Wharf on 29 March. Officially opening 

the Bash and waving the checkered flag that 

Sunday morning was Minister of Defence Dr 

First line across at CANTERBURY approaches 

Princes Wharf; OSCS Reilly (throwing line) 

with ASA Colquhoun (l) & ASCS Loukine 

Wayne Mapp. Variety Club special guests onboard 

Canterbury for Sunday launch included: 

Ewen Gilmour, Vodafone Warrior Micheal 

Luck, Minister of Internal Affairs Dr Richard 

Worth, Liane Clark, TV3’s Bryan and Bobby, 

Ronald McDonald, Elmo, Little Chief, & Peter 

Sharplin. 

In total 165 ‘Bashers’ in 32 Bash vehicles, 

plus support crews from the AA and the RN- 

ZAF, launched from Canterbury and headed 

for the Coromandel Peninsula. 

• 28 March - Auckland 

• 29 March - Devonport - Coromandel 

• 30 March - Coromandel - Pauanui 

• 31 March - Pauanui - Mt Manganui 

• 1 April - Mt Manganui - Opotiki 

• 2 April - Opotiki - National Park 

• 3 April - National Park - Tamarunui 

• 4 April - Tamarunui - New Plymouth 

Highlights of the Bash included lawnmower 

racing, a Hubbard’s cereal-eating competition 

and longboarding at Lake Taupo. Over 1700 

Taranaki residents turned out for the third attempt 

to break the Guinness World Record for 

the World’s Largest Water Fight on the final 

day of the Bash. Not quite enough participants 

to break the record, but a fun and wet 

afternoon for all! 

Variety would like to thank Trillian Trust, Ford 

Motor Company, McDonalds, NZ Post, the AA, 

the RNZAF, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and 

ToyoFuji Shipping for their continued support 

of the Variety Bash. The RNZAF provides Mobile 

Workshops whose job is it to repair Bash 

vehicles whilst en route. 

Comedian Ewen Gilmore with the 

XO, LTCDR Graham Emmerson 

LCSS Albie Roebeck meets Bob the 

Dog and handler Jimi Liversidge 

Next Year! 

In 2010 the Variety Bash will 

celebrate 20 years of travelling 

around New Zealand bringing funds 

and fun to children nationwide. The 

20th anniversary Bash will travel 

through both the North and South 

Islands from 6-14 March 2010. 

LTCDR Julie Fitzell guides a fire 

engine during embarkation 


Strategic Goal 1 of the RNZN Strategic Plan 

aims "to have every position manned with 

the right person by 2014". Recruitment and 

retention rates in recent years suggest that 

we will find it very challenging to achieve 

that goal. Whilst efforts to improve retention 

and attract more recruits are ongoing, as a 

parallel activity CN has directed that a team 

is now tasked with reviewing rank, branch 

and trade structures. 

This review is for both officer and rating 

structures, to ensure that we are utilising 

our personnel in the most effective and 

economical way. Our current arrangements 

mean we have three (main) branches and 

twenty three trades. 

This new project, named Cassandra, will 

be conducted by a team of Officers & WOs 

drawn from our Navy’s three core branches 

(Operations, Technical and Support). They 

are led by the Director Navy Strategic Personnel 

Planning, CDR Lester Piggott. They 

will consult widely both in the RNZN and 

overseas, and have been encouraged to 

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PROMOTION 

RA A Parr MVO 

CDRE R Smith RNZN 

A/LT CDR J P Steel RNZN 

LT D J Richards RNZN 

LT M P Wilson RNZNVR 

CPOSEA(VR) H H Thompson 

POPTI C F Attrill 

POSA V L Davies 

POYS C L Heremaia 

POWT B R Peipi 

LCH B P Davidson 

LEWS E Songivalu 

LSCS R T Tawhara 

ASCS J A Cookson 

be innovative and think laterally when making 

their recommendations. 

The project team has been assembled and 

are based in Naval Staff. They are due to 

present proposals for alternative rank/branch/ 

trade structures to the Naval Leadership 

Board (NLB) in December 2010. It is anticipated 

that up to four or five alternatives may 

be put forward, ranging from minor change to 

the status quo, to structures that could mean 

a radical change. Those proposals will be in 

outline concept only when presented and it 

will then be for the NLB to decide which, if 

any, of the proposed new structures should 

be studied further, with a view to possible 

implementation down track. 

In the meantime I will update you on their 

progress from time to time. Additionally, the 

team would welcome any constructive input 

to their work – particularly any thoughts about 

the current rank/branch/trade structure and 

how it could be improved. Those ideas should 

be forwarded by e-mail to CDR Piggott (martin.piggott@nzdf.mil.nz) 

in the first instance. 

RNZN PROMOTIONS & FAREWELLS - MAY 09 

ASCS W P Delamere 

ACH B M R Delamere 

AMT2(P) J D Dutton 

AET H A Flay 

ASCS C N Hemara 

AET2 I D M Martin 

ACH A Z Robust 

ASA D J Sanderson 

ACH Z T Smith 

FAREWELL & THANK YOU 

FOR YOUR SERVICE 

RA DI Ledson ONZM 

LT J N Stirling RNZN 

SLT P H S Routledge RNZN 

CPOSCS G Belben 

CPOMEDIC S J Lockyer 

LWT J B T Smith 

ASTD C L Thomson 

AET1 V A Wong 

OCH M J Birrell 

CAPT Steve Streefkerk was 

appointed as Assistant Chief of 

Navy (Personnel) and Provost 

Marshal of the RNZN in February. 

Previously he was the NZ Defence 

Adviser in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 

he has also commanded TE KAHA 

and WAIKATO during his career. 

TRANSFERRED FROM RNZNVR 

ASCS D H Jane 

Transferred from 

RNZN to RNZNVR 

POCH B A Robertson 

ACSS T S Samuels 

Welcome back to RNZNVR 

LCSS T G Kingi 

ASEA(VR) L D Scott-Donelan 

Welcome back to RNZN 

ASCS M.C Cameron 



OUR PEOPLE 

[A] Holly Masters (3) daughter of LTCDR Tony 

Masters RNZN, at the Grangegorman Military 

Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland, after the Anzac Day 

service there. 

[B] POET Nathan Harris (of MANAWANUI) 

married Kerryn Wilson on 28 March. Here the 

wedding party stand by the CO’s car (l to r): 

Aimee Panton, Jonathan Palmer, Groom Nathan 

Photo: Mark Condren, Sunday Tribune, Dublin 

Harris, Christopher Harris, Rebecca Dickens, 

Best Man Michael Cook, Chief Bridesmaid 

Kathryn Bernsee, and Bride Kerryn Harris. 

[C] Stephanie McGregor (nee Beck) gets a lift 

from her wedding party on 8 January (l to r): LT 

Brendon Wallis, LT Tim Erickson, LTCDR Cam 

Brown, Groom LT Scott McGregor, LT Chris 

Mills, LT Matt Penny & LT Niels Grootscholten. 

A B C 

[D] Stella Mckenzie, daughter of LTCDR Paula 

Mckenzie and in appropriate rig, is held by her 

father Alisdair at the Anzac Day parade in Tinui, 

Wairarapa (site of the first ever Anzac Day 

service in 1916.) 

Photo: Wairarapa Times Age 


OH 09-0181-02 

[E] An emotion-filled moment as the Navy says 

farewell to RA Ledson with a mass haka. RA 

Ledson stands with his wife Barbara and with 

WO Mark Pirikahu and Kaumatua Bert McLean 

in the foreground. 

[F] Command and Staff College: (l to r) LTCDR 

Don Wills, LT (now LT CDR) Roger Saynor, 

LTCDR Andrew Lawes (Directing Staff) LT 

Brendon Wallis and LT Iain Bradley. The four 

graduates completed the junior staff course in 

F 

mid-March. 

[G] Three of the RNZN Band meet their Korean 

counterparts at Jinhae; (back l) LMUS Andrew 

Lile, (back r) POMUS Riwai Hina & (front) AMUS 

Phillip Spriggs. See story page 12. 

[H] The Ministry of Defence project manager 

for Project Protector, Gary Collier (former 

Commodore RNZN) hands a commemorative 

plaque to the BAE representative at the 

celebration dinner after the Ministry accepted 

ROTOITI in Whangarei on 16 April. 

D 

E 

[I] On the Great wall of China (l to r) AMT(P) 

R.G. Gillbanks (ENDEAVOUR) CPOMT Hamill, 

and LCSS Greaves (kneeling) both of TE MANA, 

SMNBM Leach (HMAS Success - standing in 

grey woollen hat) and ABBM Williams (HMAS 

Pirie) standing at right. 


G 

[J] Former Chief of Naval Staff, RA Peter 

McHaffie and his wife Pat alongside the 

ROTOITI as their son Alistair took command of 

our new patrol vessel. 

[K] Where’s Tenisha? SLT Tenisha Cawte of 

ENDEAVOUR with a group of Chinese naval 

officers at Qingdao. 

H 

I J K 



N A V A L C O M B A T F O R C E 

FLEET PROGRESS 

DIVING & MCM FORCE 

H M N Z S T E M A N A 

By SLT Jacinda Johnston RNZN 

Te Mana & Endeavour are 

currently in East Asian waters 

preparing for FPDA exercises, 

after our visit to China [see article 

page 10]. But for all on board Te 

Mana, a whirlwind of activities 

during March & April included 

pre-deployment preps, our Shakedown 

and weapon firings, a home 

port visit and a very eventful PR 

schedule! As we headed toward 

Qingdao, we finally had a chance 

to catch our breath, play some 

bucket-ball and share some of our 

experiences with you. 

TE MANA approaches ENDEAVOUR for a RAS 

SHAKEDOWN 

& TAURANGA VISIT 

Shakedown. Te Mana’s Shake-down period 

enabled the new members of our company to 

settle into routines on board, and for the whole 

crew to undertake DC training, exercise emergencies, 

ME and WE trials, seamanship evolutions, 

and a much anticipated AGM-65 Maverick 

night firing. [See page YY] 

As part of the Shakedown, Te Mana provided 

assistance to Endeavour during her Unit Readiness 

Evaluation (URE) with Replenishment serials 

by day and night, a TOWEX, boat transfers 

and flying operations. This provided ample opportunities 

for seamanship training, as well as 

some invaluable in-company time. 

Tauranga. On completion of Shakedown we 

paid our first visit to our home port since 2006. 

This was a prime occasion to promote the 

RNZN, provide recruiting support and achieve 

a number of PR objectives. 

Prior to entering Harbour, Te Mana embarked 

several local reporters and the Head Boy and 

Girl of Bethlehem College. They all thoroughly 

enjoyed the chance to experience a warship 

first-hand at sea – and ensured that we were 

front page news on the Bay of Plenty Times. 

TE MANA prepares to tow ENDEAVOUR 

In addition, we hosted a Reception for local 

dignitaries, an ‘Open Ship’ day and hosted numerous 

organised tours. The beautiful weather 

in Tauranga also made sure the crew had 

three days of soaking up the sun and surf at 

Mt Maunganui’s beaches. We also supported 

“our” school, Te Puke Intermediate – see SLT 

Davies’ story. 

On departure from Tauranga, several potential 

GLX recruits were embarked for our return passage 

to Devonport. Comprising of mostly Year 

13 students from secondary schools as far away 

as Wellington, the boys enjoyed a “day in the life” 

on board Te Mana. This included a guided tour of 

the ship, a small arms demonstration, interviews 

with our officers and sailors, and an opportunity 

to take the RHIB for a spin. All were thrilled with 

the opportunity, and are now in various stages 

of applying for entry into the Navy. 

The Maori King Embarks. Te Mana voyage 

from Tauranga to Devonport had a very special 

purpose – to return the Spirit of the Maori 

Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu to Te Taua 

Moana Marae. 

Dame Te Atairangikaahu was the Launching 

Lady for Te Mana in 1997 and she was the Guest 

of Honour as the Lady Patron for our frigate’s 

commissioning at Tauranga in 1999. The role 

of ship’s patron is now undertaken by her son, 

recognising his mother’s unique and important 

bond with our ship. 

After traditional welcoming speeches and 

waiata, the Maori King and his party stayed on 

the upper deck to observe our harbour exit as 

the sun rose over Mt Maunganui. They were all 

happy to move freely through the ship, and to 

talk with many members of our ship’s company. 

In doing so, they were able to remind all of us 

of the privilege Te Mana has of carrying such a 

meaningful and strong name. This exceptional 

occasion was covered by reporters from Maori 

TV, who also took the opportunity to interview 

the Chief of Navy and several members of our 

company. 

In Auckland, the King and his party disembarked 

for the Kawe Mate ceremony at the 

Navy Marae. [See page 18, Ed] 

Where to now? Te Mana departed NZ with 

Endeavour, bound for China, to participate in 

the PLA(N) Fleet Review marking the Chinese 

Navy’s 60th anniversary. From there we were 

programmed to visit Hong Kong and then onto 

Singapore for the annual FPDA exercises. 

TE PUKE 

INTERMEDIATE 

By SLT Andre Davies RNZN 

While in Tauranga, we took the opportunity 

to reacquaint ourselves with our affiliated 

school, Te Puke Intermediate. On 

27 March we organised an expedition to 

mix and mingle with the pupils. The basic 

plan was to set off for the Redwood forest 

outside of Rotorua for a day hike and 

conduct a few team-building evolutions 

and our first stop was to pick up some of 

the boys from school. 

After a few looks of awe from those who 

had missed out, we buddied up with the 

15 lucky 11-12 year-olds and jumped in 

the bus. On arrival at the forest we set off 

at a cracking pace on what looked like the 

track. Let it be said that sailors are great 

navigators on water, but surround us with 

trees and we might just go round in circles! 

However we soon got our bearings and 

made up for lost time. After jumping in all 

of the tourists’ photos (who doesn’t like a 

man in uniform?) we came to a clearing 

where we had planned a few activities. 

Getting the guys to work together and as 

a team were our goals, and seeing them 

The Navigator and the CO 

concentrate during a RAS 

Range taking during 

OOW manouvers 

jump ‘electric’ fences and overcome Burma 

trails accomplished just that. 

From there we started to tackle the hills, 

which were quite steep in places. All the guys 

took the chance to get to know each other 

as the walk progressed. A good viewing spot 

was found for lunch just as everyone was 

getting a bit tired. From the peak we made 

Welcoming speeches 

for the Maori King 

LT Kane Sutherland demonstrates ECPINS 

to the group of potential recruits 

Trust fall – one of the Te Puke Intermediate boys is caught by TE MANA’s team 

our way down, all up about four hours on 

the march. At the end it was finished off 

with a trust fall for our new-found friends, 

before heading back to Te Puke. 

Our thanks to the Deputy Principal, Mr 

Rick McIntyre, who gave us the chance to 

meet some great blokes. We are confident 

the boys had as much fun as we did! 



H Y D R O G R A P H I C S U R V E Y F O R C E 


H M N Z S R E S O L U T I O N 

Resolution sailed for its EEZ patrol on 16 

March. The ship had had a short period in 

Calliope Dock, to undergo a hull survey and 

a paint job on the propellers, before we sailed 

for Multi-Agency patrol operations in support of 

the Ministry of Fisheries and the NZ Customs 

Service. Our taskings were: 

• to conduct a patrol anti-clockwise around the 

North Island, 

• a patrol of the East Coast of the South Island, 

• clearing all commercial fishing vessels encountered 

and 

sunfish, sharks and dolphins were commonly 

reported by our lookouts. In addition the size 

of the crayfish being caught by the commercial 

fishing vessels, as well as the size of some fish 

caught by our own recreational fisherman on 

board, proved that controlled management of 

fishing within our EEZ has helped to maintain 

our fish stocks. 

Resolution’s presence around the coast was 

commented on positively by the vast majority 

of fishermen we encountered, both commercial 

and recreational. Most were pleased that we 

were out there policing our precious fisheries 

and protecting the sovereignty of the inshore 

fishing zones. With the pending introduction 

into service of the IPVs and OPVs this will, 

once again, become common practice as the 

RNZN works with other government agencies 

to meet a whole-of-government approach 

to the protection of our EEZ. So don’t forget 

Resolution is up for it too. We are not only capable 

of keeping the sea lanes open through 

surveying operations, but we have proven 

Resolution as a highly versatile ship capable of 

meeting Multi-Agency Operations and Taskings 

when required. 

We were proud to undertake one special task, 

to take the outgoing Chief of Navy to sea for 

his last night at sea in over 40 years of naval 

service. We entered Auckland harbour in time 

to disembark CN for the change of command 

(and his retirement) ceremony, on 30 April. As 

you read this Resolution will be undertaking 

an EEZ patrol and resupply mission to Raoul 

Island, followed by a visit to Gisborne, our 

home port. 

• visiting all sailing vessels and recreational 

By LTCDR Shane Arndell RNZN 

OPERATIONS in our EEZ 

AHSO Sage and MFish Officer James 

Hill inspecting shellfish pots 

Boarding a local fishing boat 

Inspecting more shellfish pots 

fishing vessels in the Marlborough Sounds and 

down the coast. 

Weather conditions during the patrol were 

near perfect with little or no sea state and fine 

weather for the majority of the operations. 

Because of this, and the extra fractions of a 

knot we have gained with the removal of the 

main survey pod, Resolution voyaged approximately 

1800 nm and conducted fisheries and 

Customs compliance and inspection boardings 

daily, with the embarked Fisheries and 

Customs Officers. 

With the continuing good weather forecast 

we had stocked up both RHIBS with food and 

beverages to allow detached boarding operations. 

This enabled large areas and distances 

to be covered inshore and in and around the 

Marlborough Sounds, where Resolution could 

not physically go due to her draft. 

Conducting Multi-Agency operations is also 

a rewarding change in employment for the 

majority of our ship’s company. In contrast to 

Hydrographic Survey operations, the change 

in tasking provides all onboard with an opportunity 

to get a taste of what the Naval Patrol 

Force's new vessels will be doing when they 

enter service. 

Our patrol also provided for the majority of 

our company the opportunity to get, an up 

close and personal view (many for the first 

time) of the country’s most stunning scenery, 

down both coasts and in and around the Marlborough 

Sounds. Not only was the scenery 

picturesque, but the sea life frequently spotted 

by the Bridge lookouts - and some of 

the seafood being caught by the fishing vessels 

visited - was a sight to behold. Whales, 



A platoon during RESOLUTION’s change of command ceremony 

Change of Command CEREMONY 

CDR Tuffin passes the Tewhatewha to the new Commanding Officer 

The Change of Command ceremony, 

where LTCDR Shane Arndell took over 

command of Resolution from CDR Murray 

Tuffin, featured the handover of a Tewhatewha 

(Ceremonial Signalling Stick) – which 

is Resolution’s symbol of command. The 

Tewhatewha is similar to a (European) 

axe, but are relatively rare and were possibly 

designed for ceremonial uses rather 

than actual hand-to-hand combat. For 

Resolution the Tewhatewha symbolises 

directions for safe passage. The ceremony 

was conducted in fine and calm conditions 

with Resolution as the back drop 

(and looking ship-shape) and the ship’s 

company all looking tiddly in their summer 

ceremonial rig. 

The ceremony, on 27 February, marked 

the end of a rewarding period for CDR 

Tuffin, after two years and two months in 

command. Readers will have noticed that 

the rank of the Commanding Officer has 

been stepped down from CDR to LTCDR. 

The reason for this is due the size of 

Resolution, which is somewhat smaller in 

comparison to the soon-to-be-delivered 

Offshore Patrol Vessels, which will also 

be commanded by a LTCDR. 

Resolution is in fact 19 metres shorter 

than the imminent OPVs, and has less 

combat capability because she has no 

flight deck nor fixed armament. Resolution 

is however no less capable of meeting 

Multi-Agency taskings or of contributing 

to the protection of our EEZ; Resolution 

might take a little bit longer getting there 

but she can stay there for a lot longer than 

her forthcoming “oppos”! 



D I V I N G & M C M F O R C E 


H M N Z S M A N A W A N U I 

Monday morning saw the harbour phase of 

the SARC begin. The harbour phase involves 

H M N Z S K A H U 

experts in every department going through the 

ship with the proverbial fine-toothed comb, 

assessing our ship’s material and administrative 

state. 

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent with 

MOET again assessing the ship at sea. On 

completion of the SARC Manawanui was 

deemed to be safe to proceed to sea and 

we sailed in search of depths greater than 

1000m. 

The deep water was needed to conduct anchor 

streaming trials, which involved lowering 

each of the ship’s four anchors in turn to the 

full extent of their 1000m wires. The trial was 

conducted in the middle of the night more 

MANAWANUI undocks on 12 March 

than 70 nautical miles off the coast. On the 

way back to Auckland, we anchored at Great 

Barrier Island to allow all to rest up after a long 

By LTCDR P J Rowe RNZN, 

Commanding Officer 

From late March and into April Manawanui 

had a busy programme, with the Mine Counter- 

Measures (MCM) team embarked to conduct 

trials and training. We spent a day conducting 

confidence checks on the towed sonar array, 

which involved the ship passing the piers of 

the Harbour Bridge within 50 metres. 

With full confidence in the sonar equipment 

we then sailed in to Gulf to lay dummy minelike 

objects in the vicinity of Waiheke Island. 

Once the ‘mines’ were laid, we then set out to 

investigate them using our towed sonar, and 

the REMUS (Remote Environmental Measuring 

Unit) which is an unmanned underwater 

Maritime Operational Evaluation Team (MOET) 

embarked and assessing the ship’s ability to 

operate safely at sea. The SARC included fire 

fighting, flood stopping, casualty, and toxic gas 

exercises; as well as navigation, seamanship, 

flying and engineering serials. Unfortunately 

an engineering problem part way through 

the second day forced the ship to return 

alongside and re-schedule the SARC for the 

following week. 

night’s work. 

Once we were all rested, Manawanui made 

passage back to Auckland, but not before encountering 

70 knot winds from a fast-moving 

trough that had tracked up the North Island. 

Finally alongside at DNB our ship’s company 

proceeded on Easter leave. Manawanui sailed 

again on 22 April and made her way to Opua 

to take part in ANZAC Day services in the surrounding 

area. 

KAHU alongside at Whitianga 

OOW(B) 

Course 

remotely-operated vehicle. 

We spent several days conducting training 

By SLT Dave Luhrs RNZN 

and trials in the vicinity of the MLOs. All of the 

REMUS operations were conducted with the 

ship at anchor, which gave the opportunity for 

our company to swim from the ship’s side, a 

welcome relief from the heat due to the unserviceable 

air conditioning. Once the MCM operations 

were complete Manawanui returned 

to the naval base for the weekend. 

The next week was an extremely busy one 

with everyone working hard to prepare for the 

ship’s SARC (safety and readiness check). 

The SARC was to be two days with the 

Activity on the quarterdeck 

during MCM ops 

Hands to bathe! LMT 

Avery takes the plunge 

ASCS Greg Smith explains the 

weapons during the Open Day 

Over recent weeks Kahu has been the training 

ship for the Officer of the Watch Basic Course 

- OOW(B). The course spent three and a half 

weeks onboard during which time four students 

were qualified. 

Kahu sailed on 16 March for the first week of 

the course, commencing coastal navigational 

training as soon as the ship exited harbour. 

Sleeping arrangements onboard were a bit 

tight with all 19 pits onboard full. Special mention 

must be made of three of the students 



D I V I N G & M C M F O R C E 

N A V A L A V I A T I O N F O R C E 


S H - 2 G S E A S P R I T E 

AK09-022-002 

who every night managed to squeeze into the 

triple-stacked bunks (nicknamed the coffins 

and not designed for the not-so little!) Towards 

the end of the first week we also conducted 

a .50 cal shoot then commenced a passage 

towards Tauranga. Kahu finished Week One 

berthed at Mt Maunganui, with a weekend of 

R&R for all our company in the last of the summer 

weather. 

Week Two kicked off with our students conducting 

the pilotage as Kahu sailed from Tauranga. 

As the week progressed the number 

of simulated incidents increased, with Oscar 

making a habit of falling overboard in the middle 

of dinner. While the work load increased for the 

students, our ship’s company found time to run 

an uckers tournament. The tournament ran for 

a couple of weeks and although a couple of 

teams were rapidly kicked out (I won’t mention 

names) the final result was disputed - the 

OOW(B) course instructor, LT Ansilea Drummond, 

managed to escape the ship undefeated 

(much to the dismay of our resident uckers 

players – they feel she owes them another 

round!) Kahu wrapped up Week Two berthing 

at DNB for a quiet weekend alongside. 

Week Three commenced with our students 

were back into it at full speed. Their watches 

now consisted of Engineering Casualty Control 

Drills, steering gear breakdowns, anchoring, 

pilotage and gyro failures - all of this on top of 

maintaining basic navigation and safety. 

Scooter tourists (l to r): A/LET Nick Martin, OSCS 

Marc Clifford-Kaulima and ASCS Caleb Gomez 

Week Three finished with Kahu in Whitianga. 

We were all involved in the Whitianga Festival 

of Speed – which celebrates fast cars and 

fast boats in the Coromandel; “Everything that 

turns wheels or heads!” At 12 knots, Kahu 

barely qualified, except our mighty warship is 

a head turner! Our participation in the events 

kicked off with a Kangaroo Court for our ship’s 

company, which was kindly hosted at the CO’s 

batch. There was a large turn out of visitors to 

the festival and Kahu was opened to visitors 

on Saturday and Sunday – we counted over 

1000 people visiting our ship! 

Back at sea and on with the course: Week 

Four was fast-paced with a quick ‘sprint’ back 

MID Paul Toothill 

to DNB to uplift CDR Golding, the GLX Career 

Manager, who was assessing the four students. 

Assessment runs were conducted over Tuesday 

and Wednesday with all students achieving 

a pass; congratulations to SLT Blair Snedden, 

SLT Fiona Standen, MID Paul Toothill and MID 

Troy Gorden. 

“BZ” also, to all of our ship’s company who 

provided unwavering support to the four students, 

which ultimately contributed to them 

all graduating. 

Our company are currently on two weeks 

part annual leave before Kahu goes into a 

planned maintenance period for the first two 

weeks of May. 

MID Troy Gorden looks for a landmark 

By SLT Dave Roderick RNZN 

The First Night Firing of a 

Maverick Missile 

Whoosh…Bang! As a brand-new Seasprite 

pilot posted to our frigate Te Mana it was my 

privilege to witness the latest Maverick missile 

shoot from one of the best seats in the house. 

Tuesday 24 March marked the Navy’s (and 

Air Force’s) second firing in six months of the 

AGM-65D Maverick. This time the requirement 

was to prove the SH-2G Super Seasprite’s capability 

to utilise the Maverick at night against 

a small target. Secondary to this objective was 

proving the interoperability between the missile 

and Night Vision Goggles which, until this 

time, has been untested by the NZDF during 

a missile firing. 

Preparations for the firing began hours before 

the launch. A thorough briefing took place to 

ensure all parties involved, both aboard the 

ship and in the helicopter, were aware of their 

responsibilities. The weapon was carefully 

removed by the armourers from its ‘coffin’ in 

the ship’s air weapons magazine, and then secured 

to the weapons pylon on the helicopter. 

Although the weapon is, for all intents and purposes, 

safe until it leaves the rail, no chances 

were taken and the evolution was conducted in 

slow time, this being a trial serial after all. 

Meanwhile the target had been towed into 

position. As the Maverick requires a heat 

source in order to gain an accurate lock, the 

target needed to be able to provide enough 

IR (infra red) contrast between itself and the 

ocean. This was achieved by securing three 

ordinary patio heaters to the inside of a shipping 

container. 

Prior to firing Te Mana had prepositioned 

herself approximately 15nm east of Great 

Barrier Island, in the centre of a military firing 

range which meant the area would be clear of 

merchant shipping and civilian aircraft. Even 

so, a thorough air and surface search was conducted 

via the ship’s own sensors and also by 

an RNZAF P-3K Orion, which also was carrying 

the Minister of Defence. Once the area was 

confirmed clear, our Seasprite was launched 

with a crew of four: Pilot, Observer, Crewman, 

and myself as supernumerary. In the rear cabin 

I was recording data numbers and keeping an 

eye on the second Seasprite, which had joined 

us from RNZAF Base Auckland to record the 

whole event with a camera team on board. 

What followed were a series of dummy runs 

where the crew conducted practice runs on 

the target to record the necessary data such 

as cloud base, moisture content in the air, wind 

velocity and direction, IR picture and optimum 

missile approach heading to ensure they were 

all suitable for weapon launch. On this occasion 

all our stars were aligned - as the conditions 

could only be described as perfect, allowing 

the live missile to achieve lock on the target 

at distances far exceeding those of the TGM 

(Training Maverick) which our crews regularly 

practice with. 

The call to ‘Take’ the target was given by the 

ship and final preparations were made. During 

the last few seconds before the launch and as 

the button was pressed you could have heard 

a pin drop. All our crew were fully aware of 

what would happen to the helicopter should the 

missile fire, but fail to release from the rail. I remember 

checking my harness more than once, 

and sinking down into my seat. As is usual for 

weapon release the honour of firing the missile 

fell to the helicopter Observer. After a three 

second countdown the button was pressed 

followed by a second of nothing (probably the 

longest second of our lives) then WHOOSH! 

(and I can only describe the sound as exactly 

that but in much bigger font!) and an immensely 

bright light as 10000 lbs of thrust propelled the 

missile off the rail towards the target. 

It was so bright, in fact, and probably also 

due to my sitting right next to it when it fired, 

my NVGs shutdown for about a second, but 

the rest of the crew experienced no issues with 

their goggles. There was a unanimous sign of 

relief from within our helo as the missile left the 



N A V A L A V I A T I O N F O R C E 

A R O U N D T H E F L E E T 


aircraft. The other Seasprite closed the target 

for DAMASS (damage assessment). 

About 20 seconds later... Bang! The purposebuilt 

target was blown to pieces. The DAMASS 

aircraft confirmed all that remained of the 

target was a small molten pile of scrap metal 

that quickly sank beneath the waves, never to 

be seen again. Our crew then returned to TE 

MANA to be greeted with tea and medals (we 

wish!) All in all the mission was a huge success, 

with the NZDF now having a proven helicopterlaunched 

missile capability by night and day. 

MAVERICK FIRING – 

from the Ops Room 

By CPOET Saul Smith, HMNZS TE MANA 

When I first got word of a Maverick firing I thought “Cool, I’d like 

to watch that go fizz bang!” But I was then told by Trials Evaluation 

and Quality Management (TEQM) that I would be required to sit on 

MFC7 to monitor Te Mana’s Air Defence Coordination (ADC) function, 

one of the capabilities of our Saab 9LV453 Combat system. 

There was even a slim chance that we would engage the missile 

target with HE 5” gun ammunition, if the Maverick missed. 

ADC enables the combat system to analyse air or surface threats 

depending on their attack profile and how the Operations Officer 

wants the system to engage them. This is all done completely 

automatically with operators only relaying information to the Command 

about what the combat system is doing. 

We attended all the safety briefs, ensuring the CO and PWO 

were happy for us to carry out the simulated ADC engagement. 

We knew this had low priority over the Maverick firing so anything 

we were going to be able to achieve was better than a kick up the 

backside and we were appreciative of the opportunity. We were 

briefed on the the results for the helicopter if a hang fire occurred, 

and how it would make the helicopter do donuts with a small 

chance of recovery. Anyone still want to be a pilot? 

On the day the weather was spot on. So all systems were go. 

We simulated an ADC engagement utilising some fake air threats 

closing the ship on the C2 system. At the same time we took the 

opportunity to take some up-and-coming WE officers through 

ADC for that little bit of extra knowledge they can put in their 

back pocket for later on. 

The DTA and Trials team had set up their cameras early so they 

could capture both Main Tactical display and Fire Control Infra 

Loading the missile onto 

the helicopter, 24 March 

red camera along with the Fire Control tell backs screen on 

MFC7. If you looked at the console from across the Ops Room 

all the cameras made it look like an interview room after a big 

rugby match! 

Time: 2000, and the Ops Room had closed up. By radar we 

held the chase helicopter and the P-3K Orion with our helo on 

deck. Once the helo launched it was business time and you 

could feel the tension rise. 

The policy broadcast came over the circuit dictating the setup 

of ADC: ranges, what weapon systems, whether in auto decision, 

auto fire, whether all missiles assigned (in test mode of course). 

The key thing we were looking for was the authority to simulate 

an engagement and to manually lock on to the missile with our 

fire control director if the Combat system doesn’t recognise the 

missile as a threat. 

So with the system setup and me feeling like a movie star trying 

not to get my hands in the way of the cameras, our Seasprite 

carried out its dummy runs. 

We were ready and the helicopter was on its way in for its firing 

run. The next order I needed was “Acquire the helicopter” 

and we were half way there. With the Ops Room quiet, apart 

from some external comms radios, personnel were poised for 

the Maverick firing. I had the helicopter visual in IR camera only 

slaved as it drew ever closer. There it was, a flash of light in the 

IR camera. The helo launched the missile. 

The missile popped up on the display with one sweep of TIR; 

I didn’t even get a chance to manually initiate an engagement 

because by then the missile hit its target. We saw a dramatic 

flash on the FCS IR and TOPLITE screens. 

My stardom ended as the cameras were shutdown. The ADC 

team went away with some lessons learnt – a salutary reminder 

of how fast and accurate the Maverick missile is - a good experience 

for all. 

MAY | 

JUNE 

DEPLOYEDTASKGROUP 

H MNZS TE MANA [CDR B A GERRITSEN RNZN] & 

HMNZS ENDEAVOUR [CDR D J TOMS MNZM RNZN] 

15 – 17 

17 – 20 

20 - 29 

29 

29 - 31 

WMSX – Exercise 

Sembawang 

Bersama Shield 

Sembawang (Bersama 

shield Closing ceremony) 

Passage 

01 – 03 

03 – 05 

05 – 08 

08 – 16 

16 – 19 

19 – 25 

25 - 28 

28 – 30 

Lumut 

Ex Malzea 

Port Klang 

Passage 

Darwin 

Passage 

Brisbane (TE MANA) 

Townsville (ENDEAVOUR) 

Passage 

HMNZS TE KAHA [CDR M C WILLIAMS MNZM RNZN] 

15 – 31 ESRA Maintenance 01 – 30 ESRA Maintenance 

NAVALSUPPORTFORCE 

HMNZS CANTERBURY [CDR J L GILMOUR RNZN] 

15 – 18 

18 – 23 

23 – 30 

30 – 31 

DNB 

Deployment preps 

OP HAVRE / EEZ Patrol & 

Passage 

Apia 

01 – 17 

17 – 19 

19 – 25 

25 – 26 

26 – 30 

Ex TROPIC TWILIGHT 

Apia 

Passage & EEZ Patrol 

Princess Wharf, Auckland 

DNB 

HYDROGRAPHICSURVEYFORCE 

HMNZS RESOLUTION [LTCDR S D ARNDELL RNZN] 

15 – 18 

18 – 21 

21 – 25 

25 – 29 

29 – 31 

Gisborne 

EEZ patrol 

DNB 

OOW(A) Course 

DNB 

01 – 21 

22 – 25 

25 – 26 

27 – 28 

29 – 30 

DIVING&MCMFORCE 

Maintenance 

HATS 

SATS 

DNB 

PAL 

HMNZS MANAWANUI [A/LTCDR P J Rowe RNZN] 

11 – 20 

20 – 25 

25 – 31 

SSBA/Viper Training 

DNB 

Harbour Training 

01 – 02 

02 – 12 

12 – 15 

15 – 18 

18 – 22 

22 – 30 

DNB 

NAUTILUS Sea training 

DNB 

Dive training 

DNB 

TRIDENT WARRIOR 

MAY | 

DIVING&MCMFORCE 

JUNE 

OPERATIONAL DIVING TEAM [LTCDR A G MCMILLAN RNZN] 

08 – 25 

25 – 30 

30 – 31 

DNB – Harbour Training 

NAUTILUS preps 

DNB 

01 – 02 

02 – 12 

12 – 14 

15 – 19 

20 – 30 

HMNZS KAHU [LT M P KENNETT RNZN] 

04 – 18 

18 – 20 

21 – 22 

22 – 31 

Maintenance 

HATS 

SATS 

DNB – Harbour Training 

01 – 02 

02 – 06 

06 – 08 

08 – 10 

10 – 13 

13 – 15 

15 – 20 

20 – 22 

22 – 30 

HMNZS ROTOITI [LT A P MCHAFFIE RNZN] 

15 – 29 

29 – 31 

Compiled By AEWS Andre Bjorn J33M HQ JFNZ 

NOTE: THIS FORECAST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE 

Post Delivery 

Availability Period 

DNB 

01 – 05 

05 – 07 

07 – 12 

12 – 14 

14 – 19 

19 – 21 

21 – 30 

HMNZS HAWEA ACCEPTED 

DNB 

NAUTILUS 

DNB 

Equipment maintenance 

DNB - Harbour training 

DNB 

Harbour training 

DNB 

Sea training 


DNB 

Ex CYCLONE 

DNB 

TRIDENT WARRIOR 


DNB 


DNB 

HATS/SARC 

DNB 

SARC/CAT 6 Sea trials 

RA Tony Parr presents LT Grant Jusdon with the 

Commisioning warrant for HMNZS HAWEA on Friday 1 May 




DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY 

DEFENCE 

By ENS Nicky Turnbull RNZN 

The Defence Technology Agency (DTA) provides 

support in the field of science and technology 

to the NZDF and Ministry of Defence. 

all photos: DTA 

DTA is located in its own compound in the 

North Yard of the Naval Base and employs a 

range of scientists, engineers, technicians and 

DTA staffer Brent Martin 

using the gas chromatograph 

Operational Analysis: LT Sarah Smith 

and Mr Jim Kerry (former CDR) of DTA 

support staff, who work together to ensure that 

the NZDF has the technologies and skills to 

meet operational demands. At present there 

are about 80 people at DTA but that number 

may increase over the next few years. The 

Director DTA, Stephen Wilce, is also the Chief 

Defence Scientist (CDS) and he is responsible 

to CDF and the MoD as Chief Scientific Adviser 

and NZ Principal to ‘The Technical Cooperation 

Program’ (TTCP). He is equivalent in status to 

a Flag Officer. 

Through DTA, research and information is 

exchanged with other members of the military 

science community, and with the wider scientific 

community, which enables the NZDF to 

take advantage of the research done by others. 

DTA is designated a Shared Services organisation 

and the branch comes under HQNZDF 

Organisational Support for its daily activities. 

Often technology or operational systems that 

are available commercially are not best suited 

to our specific needs and so better options can 

be developed from the research conducted 

within the DTA. 

The TTCP 

DTA works closely with defence scientists from 

Canada, the US, the UK and Australia through 

The Technical Cooperation Program, to share 

data and research. The DTA represents the 

NZDF within the programme, working on common 

projects. Thus costs and resources for 

common research programmes can be shared 

amongst the participating countries, and the 

results used by all involved. 

For the Navy, our Naval Science Plan is set 

by ACN(Cap), DNCR and the Naval Science 

Quick release shackle strength testing 

Corrosion testing 

tE MANA’S corroded A bracket bearing 

“Through DTA, research and information is 

exchanged with other members of the military 

science community, and with the wider scientific 

community, which enables the NZDF to take 

advantage of the research done by others” 

Liaison Officer (NLSO). The details of the 

programme are worked through by the Naval 

Science Committee every 6 months, where updates 

of the projects are presented, new ideas 

are tabled and results can be discussed. The 

NLSO oversees the day-to-day management 

of the projects from within DTA and maintains 

the channels of communications to interested 

parties within the Navy. 

Naval Engineering Support 

and Materials Research 

The Naval Engineering Support project team 

work closely with FEC to investigate and 

upgrade engineering systems on board. The 

NES project team are also closely tied in with 

research being conducted into naval materials 

and their applications within the fleet. 

LCM Safety. An example of DTA’s work for 

our Navy, is the LCM project. Questions had 

arisen about the safety and performance of the 

LCMs aboard Canterbury. A project was set up 

to specify and resolve these problems: 

• was there excessive strain placed on the lifting 

lugs on the LCMs, and 

• why had cracks developed at the hinges on 

the bow ramps? 

The DTA was tasked to investigate any safety 

issues or operational capability issues before 

people or equipment were put at risk. 

By using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to 

make a 3D model of the parts, taking into account 

the material it was made from and the 

forces that it might be loaded with in a worst 

case scenario, DTA staff were able to establish 

where problems might occur. FEA modelling 

can also be used to check planned solutions 

for accuracy, it can quickly analyse a range of 

loading scenarios. 

In the case of the lifting lugs, the loading 

was not occurring in the exact manner expected. 

The forces were acting at slightly 

different angles, and this placed extra strain 

on the lugs other than what was originally 

anticipated. The proximity of the deck-house 

to the lifting lugs also posed a problem as the 

corner of the deck-housing carried additional 

load transferred from the lifting lugs. Some 

non-destructive testing and inspection of the 

parts revealed that some cracking was starting 

to appear in the areas predicted by the FEA. 

DTA was then able to use the FEA technology 

to come up with an alternative to the original 

design to alleviate these problems. 

By-products of halon gas. The hydrofluorocarbons 

used for fire fighting on board 

warships are known to leave hydrogen fluoride 

in the compartment once the fire is out. This 

gas poses a risk to sailors on re entry to the 

compartment, so it’s vital that the right safety 

clothing is provided and the safest and most efficient 

method of clearing the remaining gases 

from a compartment is utilised. 

Corrosion trials. A trial investigating the 

corrosion rates of the friction steel welds used 

to bond the superstructures to the main hull 

structure of the new IPVs. The trial involves 

welding small samples of the base metals together. 

These are then set up in a testing rig 

which will immerse them in salt water for ten 

minutes every hour. While out of the water they 

are held at a constant temperature and humidity 

level in a environmental testing chamber. 

This cycle will continue over several weeks. The 

testing process accelerates the corrosion of the 

metals, and so the results and effects can be 

examined in a much shorter time frame. 

Alternative options for launching RHIBs 

and the most appropriate quick-release 

shackle. Research was done into the forces 

loaded onto the system when a RHIB is towed 

alongside a ship. HMNZS Kahu towed a RHIB 

to enable DTA staff to measure the forces involved. 

Conversely the maximum force that a 

RHIB can exert was measured by tying a RHIB 

to the wharf and using it to pull on the line. Tests 

were also done on the lines and shackles, to 

find the maximum load they could support. 

This project includes failure analysis of 

parts - to determine why they failed and what 

can be done to stop future failures. One example 

of this analysis is the A-bracket bearings 

from Te Mana. When she was deployed to the 

Gulf, the material of the bearing was corroded 

due to hydrolysis. This could have been due 

to a number of different factors; DTA staff will 

consider all the factors and look at any past 

problems involving this part, and hopefully discover 

why the problem occurred and how it can 

be avoided or minimised in the future. 

Next month: Looking to the 

future: DTA’s Naval Projects 



JOINT FORCES 

OH 08-0144-15 

$12 million in live ammunition costs by replacing 

it with the virtual kind. But the benefits of 

the Army Simulation Centres are not just cost 

savings. 

‘You can play a whole scenario. In some 

countries it’s normal for everyone to carry a gun 

– this doesn’t mean they are a threat. Simulation 

can help soldiers make better decisions 

faster in this kind of environment,’ says MAJ 

Peter Curran, commanding the Army Simulation 

Centre. ‘You can use night time scenarios, 

or simulate bad weather; see vehicles of other 

armies or fire specific weapons. You can visit 

places on the other side of the world that are 

created so realistically, you would know your 

way around when you got there in person.’ 

‘Scenarios must underpin the respective 

unit’s mission essential tasks – otherwise 

the training is pointless,’ says MAJ Curran. 

“Training for operations is not a game and if 

you come to the Simulation Centre for training 

you’d better be prepared take it seriously.” 

Soldiers using weapons at the WTS range 

need to show the same consideration for 

safety that they would normally. If soldiers are 

allowed to adopt bad habits using simulated 

weapons there is a danger that this will translate 

into live firing and this is to be avoided at 

all costs. In real life ammunition and fuel is restricted 

and death and injuries are permanent. 

It’s about giving soldiers and commanders an 

understanding of their actions by putting them 

into a range of challenging life or death virtual 

situations that can not otherwise be replicated 

in the real world 

MAJ Curran explains, ‘the value of simulation 

is exponential and the benefits of using it are 

significant and cost effective. 

‘We have been preoccupied with the technical 

part – the software and hardware – but 

now need to focus on the tactical application 

of simulation and start including it in training, 

as well as in instructor training. Simulation is 

like a Porsche, which until now, has been kept 

in the garage; we’re going to dust it off, take 

it out on the road and see how fast we can 

make it go…’ 

ARMY RESERVES 

GAIN AN INSIGHT 

INTO NAVY LIFE 

THE ARMY 

simulation centre 

By LT Jeremy Seed, 

3 Auck North 

Many in the Navy are familiar with our Bridge Simulator – a life size computer ‘game’ that 

you step into and find yourself on the bridge of a ship. Now at the three main Army camps 

there is something similar - but for the soldiers. Suzy Kilpatrick of DCG reports. 

Simulation in the military has come a long 

way - now computer programmes allow a huge 

array of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) 

effects. It’s possible to watch your simulated 

fellow soldier blinking at you and hear the sound 

of yourself crawling along the ground to avoid 

hostile fire. You can fire a Steyr at a target on 

the screen, hear the blast, and feel the recoil, 

all without using any ammunition. What started 

as computer games for kids has now become a 

vital tool for developing and enhancing military 

skills around the world. 

The Army Simulation Centres are in Linton, 

Waiouru and Burnham. Many Army personnel 

are now familiar with the Virtual Battlefield, 

SteelBeasts, the Indirect Fire Trainer and, more 

recently, the Weapon Training System (WTS) 

which was installed in Waiouru last year. The 

systems utilise a range of hardware such as 

keypads, joysticks, binoculars, headphones, 

adapted artillery, speakers, small monitors and 

projected screens. 

Because the same small arms are used 

across the Navy, Army and Air Force, it is 

therefore possible that all three Services may 

use the WTS to practice and maintain their 

firing skills. 

The Army has invested heavily in this technology, 

and it seems to be paying off. For example, 

the WTS in Waiouru has saved about 

Members of the ship’s company of 

HMNZS Philomel could be forgiven 

for thinking their base had been 

taken over by the Army in February, 

when fifty-five soldiers descended 

on Devonport. The soldiers were 

from the 3rd Auckland Northland 

Battalion (3 Auck North), Royal New 

Zealand Infantry Regiment, a Territorial 

Force (TF) unit based in Grey 

Lynn, Auckland. The officers and senior 

NCOs of the Battalion marched 

aboard Philomel for eight days of 

instruction on the newly introduced 

Army Leadership Framework and, 

to complete physical competency 

tests. 

3 Auck North Commanding Officer, 

LTCOL Chris Powell said Philomel 

provided an ideal location for the 

battalion’s training activities. “Philomel’s 

messing, accommodation and 

classroom facilities gave us an ideal 

location close to our headquarters 

and easy to travel to for our person- 

After the battle efficiency test: LTCOL Powell, WOMM Mick OCarroll 

(who proved he can keep up with the Army!) & WO1 Grant Payton 

nel. The added advantage of a large 

military establishment like Philomel is 

that TF personnel snap straight into a 

regimental mind-set when they march in. 

That meant that with only eight days we 

could fit as much training as we wanted 

to into that time and we knew the team 

would be motivated and focused from 

day one”, said LTCOL Powell. 

While the classroom- based activities 

kept the Battalion’s command element 

busy, they also took time out of their 

training schedule to take a guided tour 

of HMNZS Canterbury. The training 

finished on 14 February with a Battle 

Efficiency Test which saw the soldiers 

march 12 km carrying full equipment 

then undertake a series of physical 

tests. 

They marked the end of their Annual 

Field Exercise with a BBQ. “AFE was 

a resounding success and the hospitality 

we received from Philomel’s 

company went a long way to making 

it the success it was. Living on board 

enabled Battalion members to get 

an insight into Navy life and culture 

and this was the first time many of 

our personnel had experience of the 

Navy. Exposure to the Navy in this 

way has had an extremely positive 

impact and increased the understanding 

and awareness amongst all 

our attendees,” said LTCOL Powell. 



GALLEY SLIDE 

LT Tim Gore (second from r) and CAPT John Campbell (second from l – then NZDA in 

Tokyo) accompanied RA Ledson on a visit to the Japanese destroyer TAKANAMI 

Seapower Symposium run by the USN at their 

Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island 

(the biggest gathering of Chief’s of Navy from 

around the world - held every two years) 

• an official call on the First Sea Lord in the UK 

and possibly on HRH Prince Phillip – who is 

our Navy’s Admiral of the Fleet (the paperwork 

is under action) and 

• LIMA 09 held in Langkawi, Malaysia at the 

end of the year. 

These are in addition to all the domestic engagements 

the CN is invited to, spreading our 

Vision and Mission and espousing our core 

values everyday. 

As I look to wind up my time as Flags, I put 

the challenge out to Lieutenants of any list or 

branch specialisation – if you are looking for 

an engaging, exciting and highly varied position, 

perhaps the title of “Flags” wearing those 

“gold ropey things” is something you ought 

consider! Kia Kaha! 

Those “gold ropey things” 

The sartorial adornment of the aiguillette originated from feudal times, when one 

of the staff of a chieftain would gather the picket ropes and pegs used to tether 

the horses. How the ropes and pegs evolved to the gold ropes and pendants 

of modern times is not clear, but how they were adopted by the Navy is. 

In 1874, after Queen Victoria’s second son, the Duke of Edinburgh (himself a 

naval officer) married the daughter of the Tsar of Russia, he saw that the Aide 

De Camps for the Tsar wore them. The Duke liked the idea, told his mother and 

subsequently gold aiguillettes worn on the right shoulder were introduced for 

the sovereign’s ADCs. On the front cover LT Felicity Anderson is seen wearing 

the gold aiguillettes on her right shoulder as ADC to our Governor General, the 

representative of our sovereign. 

Later in the 19th Century, blue and gold aiguillettes were introduced by the 

Royal Navy for the personal staff officers to Commanders-in-Chief; these aiguillettes 

are worn on the left shoulder. 

Source: Just an old Navy Custom, by A Cecil Hampshire. 

Life as “Flags” 

CN Commendation 

RA Ledson presented Trevor Wylde with a Commendation, 

By LT Timothy Gore RNZN 

I had often seen the guy with the “gold ropey 

thing” looking rather important, talking with 

ease to the Chief of Navy and seemingly in 

the thick of the action. I began to think what 

would be required to attain that position but 

put it to the back of my mind as I went about 

gaining my branch qualifications in the early 

days of being a Junior Officer. As it turned out, 

as it is with nearly everything, timing was the 

key ingredient and when the position looked 

to be opening up shortly after my stint in Afghanistan 

the other ingredients of opportunity, 

a supportive career manager and a successful 

short interview, saw me moving to Wellington 

to take up the title of “Flag Lieutenant to Chief 

of Navy” in April 2007. 

It was a baptism of fire as CN was bound for 

Gallipoli to commemorate ANZAC Day there 

a week after my handover. It was (and still is) 

one of the highlights of my career – however 

being my first overseas official call with CN it 

was not all smooth sailing and I quickly came 

to learn his likes and, more importantly, his 

dislikes - with me thinking a number of times 

that it would be my first and last trip as the 

Flag Lieutenant! 

Flags accompanies CN 

during his visit to Turkey 

Two years on, I still don’t take my position 

for granted but I am glad to say I do feel I have 

developed into the role I play supporting our 

Chief of Navy. In essence my role is to support 

CN in all his endeavours – and there are a lot 

of things CN is involved in! I do this (and could 

only do this) with the close co-operation, in 

particular, the WON, CN’s Executive Assistant 

and the Naval Staff. 

There are a number of tangible perks with the 

Flags position but it is the intangible benefits I 

would like to touch upon. The opportunity to 

work amongst the Senior Command in both 

Wellington and Auckland has exponentially improved 

my level of understanding and interpretation 

of the mechanisms within the Navy and 

the wider Defence force that make it all tick. 

I have worked with: 

• my Army and Air Force counterparts, 

• staffers in Government House and 

• staff in Parliament. 

I have developed a number of professional 

relationships with my Flag Lieutenant opposite 

numbers from navies around the globe. And I 

have worked with staff and senior members 

of Associations, local government and the 

corporate world, where they interact with our 

Navy. I am now more aware of the greater role I 

can play in our Navy and the contribution I can 

make down track as I look to my own future 

within the RNZN. 

There are long hours involved and weekends 

are not a right, but as I have found, the most 

challenging jobs provide, in the end, the most 

rewards and this is one - without exception. 

And let me highlight some of the coming 

engagements my successor will have to look 

forward to, such as: 

• the opportunity to attend the International 

for Trevor’s work in establishing The Royal New Zealand Naval 

Association. The new Association is set up not only for 

all former naval personnel, but those who are still serving as 

well. There are 23 branches (and more could be set up). 

Trevor’s involvement with the (then) Ex-Royal Navalmen’s 

Association started in 1986. At the time there was also the 

RNZN Association. Trevor was Secretary and subsequently 

President of his local Ex-Navalmen’s Assn then was also 

elected to the National Council of the Association becoming 

National President in 2005/07. 

He was keen on an amalgamation of the two ex-Navy organisations 

and with the support of the Chief of Navy began 

that process as National President. The process came to 

fruition at the 2007 annual conference. Both Associations 

were wound up on 12 May 2007 and the next day the new 

Royal New Zealand Naval Association was formed and a new 

national committee elected; Trevor was elected as the first 

National President. The first national Conference was held 

last Easter and 18 branches out of 23 sent delegates to the 

inaugural RNZNA Conference, where Keith Gordon (Rotorua) 

was elected as the current National President. 

Branches have “Make and Mend” Dinners, Lunches, sports 

days (Golf, Bowls etc) and also family days. All Naval Officers 

and Ratings are encouraged to join as a way of staying part 

of the Naval family. 

A naval career 

RA Ledson presents Trevor Wylde 

with the framed Commendation 

Trevor, from Reefton, joined the Navy in 1954 (after being a Sea Cadet at 

Christchurch Boys’ High School). After training at HMNZS Tamaki on “The 

Rock” he did his Electrical Branch training at HMAS Cerebus. He served 

at sea in the cruisers Black Prince, Bellona, Royalist, as well as Paea (on 

Fisheries Protection duties), Manawanui (the first diving tender and former 

tug) Kaniere (Loch-class frigate) and Lachlan. While on survey tasks with 

Lachlan he was based ashore with a “Slave Station” at Opunake (and that is 

why he ended up living in Taranaki!) His last sea draft was the West Coast 

of America/Canada trip in Royalist in 1962. 



SPORT 


National 

Champs 

By LT Scott McGregor RNZN 

The alarm's banshee cry sounded at 0500; at 

0715 on 14 March - a cold Wellington morning 

- months of training would be put to test with 

a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and a 10km 

run. It was the NZ Triathlon Champs and I was 

ready to do battle. 

When the start hooter rang out, hundreds of 

triathletes launched themselves from the front 

of Te Papa, heading towards a barely visible 

buoy near Queens Wharf. While swimming is 

comes third for me of the three disciplines, I was 

happy with my progress… but as we rounded 

the second buoy I became concerned - I was 

sure we were supposed to swim parallel to the 

wharf. Rational decisions become very difficult 

when it is still dark, your lungs are screaming 

for air, and you only get a split second every 

three strokes to look up and make a decision. 

I later found out that the lead kayaker had gone 

the wrong way and had been corrected halfway 

through the leg. 

I sprinted into transition, found my bike (despite 

a mix up) got out of my wetsuit and away. 

But what was the clanging noise on my bike? 

My puncture repair kit was swinging next to the 

rear wheel, held on by a single line of electrical 

tape. I tentatively reached down to recover it, 

terrified that it would find a way into the spokes 

and bring me down onto the asphalt. I was now 

resigned to the fact that I was having 'one of 

those days'. After an excellent season building 

up to the National Champs I was having a bad 

day at the office when it really counted. 

A flicker of anger lit inside me. I wound up a 

gear and got my legs pumping - I ignored the 

heart rate monitor that I usually use to pace 

myself. The Wellington coast road winds its 

way in and out of many different bays. Rough 

chip seal and the infamous Wellington wind lurk 

around many of the tight bends and make this 

flat course far more challenging. Sixty one competitors 

were ahead, and as I forced my bike 

along I started catching them one by one. 

By the time I hit the second transition my 

legs were screaming, but my practice paid off 

as I dismounted and began the run. Neck and 

neck with two others I heard my wife Stephanie 

screaming at me that I was in 8th place. I was 

hurting, but still had work to do…the three of 

us ran on solidly for 7.5km but as we rounded 

the turn I felt spent. The other two put some 

distance on me as I nursed my aching legs. 

I reduced my knee lift and the legs started 

feeling better, so I shuffled faster. Next thing I 

was basically sprinting and I had caught the 

two in front of me. I was fighting for 4th place 

overall, but more importantly I knew that one of 

the others in the bunch was in my age group. 

I kept going faster - the guy in my age group 

stayed with me and now it was a 1km sprint 

for the finish. 

As I crossed the finish line I heard the commentator 

announce "Scott McGregor, first in 

the 25-29 year-old age group", I was stoked 

to be 4th overall at the National Champs, but 

to win the gold medal for my age group made 

it that much better! 

Things had gone wrong early in the race, and 

there was a temptation to make excuses, but 

the sacrifices made when training 15 hours plus 

a week meant that when race day came, I was 

prepared to give it all. I had run the last 10km in 

35 minutes, but man, the pain felt good! 

INTER-SERVICES’ GOLF 

The Navy Golf team won the Carter Cup; the first time for Navy in 36 years! The Navy 

team consisted of: CDR Greg Reynolds (Captain) WO Gilvray Mohi (2009 stroke play 

Service Champion) WO Rob Gaastra, WO Skinny McKinney, CPO Quinn Harris, OMT 

Garry Smith, OCO Sam Archibald, Mr Vic Weeks & Mr Sammy Geange, with Team 

Manager: CPOCH Simon Coote (holding the Carter Cup). 

Navy staged an outstanding initial win over Army on the first day, however we lost to 

Air the next then had a nervous wait on the Air/Army match. A victory to Army over Air 

gave the win to Navy by countback (13 Games to Navy, 11 1/2 to Air and Army!). 

CDR Reynolds, WO Mohi and OMT Gary Smith were selected to represent the NZDF 

in the one-off game against the ADF Team in Rotorua. 

BUCKET BALL CLASH 

Scott McGregor in action TE MANA hosted the Central Pacific Bucketball 

championships, while on the way to China. We don’t know 

who won but they enjoyed calm seas and a cloudless day! 

Secondary Schools 

Rowing Championships 

Navy Recruiting (Northern) had a fantastic 

week down at the Maadi Cup Rowing 

Regatta for the NZ Secondary Schools 

Rowing Championships. Maadi was the 

camp used by the 2nd NZ Expeditionary 

Force, near Cairo during WWII. Many 

servicemen competed in rowing regattas 

on the Nile. Trophies were exchanged 

and the Maadi Cup was brought back 

to NZ to be raced for by secondary 

schools. Our recruiting team talked to 

lots of awesome kids, all with all the 

right stuff for the Navy! Here, LTCDR Karl 

Arndt holds the Maadi Cup with Roger 

Milne, who is one of the main organisers 

of the regatta. 



MAIN NOTICE BOARD 



NEW BOOK 

“Fire Sugar, Fire Pudding!” 

Pat Clark-Hall’s Letters from a 

Torpedo Boat 1943-1945 

Colin Amodeo (Ed) 

Published by the Clark-Hall Family; Nationwide Book 

16 - 17 May 2009 

Four Canoes Hotel 

Rotorua 

(All retired and serving 

members of the RNZN are 

welcome, whether or not you 

served in OTAGO) 

The high-tech raft 

from Kauri Point 

The winners – Kauri Point 

Distributors Ltd, PO Box 65, Oxford NZ. 2009 

Readers may recall ‘Mediterranean Gunboats,’ NT 129, January 08. That 

article led to the Clark-Hall family having Pat’s wartime letters collated and edited. 

The result is a beautifully illustrated and presented book that describes Pat’s wartime 

experiences as a Kiwi Scheme B officer. Recommended! 

Contacts: 

Noel Davies 

P: 09 377-0662 

E: Noel_davies@xtra.co.nz 

or: 

Jim Blackburn 

P: 09 444-4091 

E: jimblackburn@clear.net.nz 

NAVY RAFT RACE 09 


2009 is the 60th Anniversary of HMNZS 

LACHLAN commencing NZ Surveys. A " 

Last Time " Get-together of Ship’s Company, 

Wives and Widows has been proposed. 

Suggestions and ideas of where 

and when are sought. 

Please contact: 

Keith Goddard 

4 Kimberley Rd, WAIHI 3610 

P: 07 8633318 or 0212516220 

E: goddz@xtra.co.nz 

Frank Robb 

14/57 Enfield St, Hamilton 3200 

P: 07 846 4246 

Rangiora 9-12 November 2009 

Rangiora RSA, 82 Victoria St, 

Rangiora 7400 

Contacts: 

Malcolm Harris (President) 

P: 06 377 1606 

Registration details from: 

Graeme Matheson (Secretary) 

RNZN Engineroon Branch Assn Inc 

61b Golding Ave 

Rangiora 7400 

New Zealand 

P/F: 03 313-6645 

On exchange in the UK? 

E: gmatho@xtra.co.nz 

Living in London? 

A Kiwi serving with the British Forces? 

Just passing through? 

JOIST 09 

Navy came second in this 

years’ Junior Officer Inter- 

Service Tournament. It was 

a top weekend with wellcontested 

sporting events, but 

unfortunately the Army took 

home all three trophies (Rugby 

– the WEKA trophy, Netball, and 

the overall JOIST Cup. 

KAHU’s raft in action 

REFEREE SUCCESS 


Commitment by the 

bowmen of the FPTO raft 

New Zealand football Referee LTCDR Mike Hester has been selected to officiate at 

the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in June. He will referee at least one 

of the 16 matches at FIFA’s tournament for continental champions. 

LTCDR Hester refereed two group matches at the Olympics with his Tongan and 

Vanuatuan assistants and was fourth official for two matches in the knockout phase. 

Along with fellow Kiwi Peter O’Leary, he is part of FIFA development group of officials 

for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010. 

LTCDR Hester was recently officiating at the Dallas Cup, an invitational tournament 

in Texas, before working in the UK as part of NZ Football’s relationship with England’s 

Professional Game Match Officials Ltd. 

The New Zealand Services Club London is a network in the UK for serving and former 

NZ personnel from all three services with a stated aim as a "Venue for meeting 

of like-minded serving and non-serving personnel of the three services of New Zealand 

with a view to sharing each others company, experience, interests and forming 

a network to support personnel who are either living in London or may be visiting or 

moving to London or the UK". 

If you are keen to come along and would like to know where and when we will be 

meeting next, or to get some info on what to do in London send us an email - 

nzscl@googlegroups.com. 

MAY - SEPTEMBER 

24 May BCT Family Church Service 

26 July WRNZNS Service 

16 August BCT Family Church Service 

20 September RNZN Anniversary Service (Auckland) 

Proposed Reunion on 

Easter Weekend 2010 at 

the Devonport Ngataringa 

Sports Complex 

Enquiries to: 

J Senton 

P: 09 624 4650 

E: jim.senton@orcon.net.nz 

Palmerston North, Labour 

Weekend 2010 

At the Palmerston North RSA 

and Navy Clubrooms 

Contact: 

Dave Leese 

P: 06 354 0479 or 027 243 0427 

E: exnavy@inspire.net.nz 



LATEST 

DELIVERING ROTOITI 

By LT Alistair McHaffie RNZN 

I was told that standing by a new-build warship 

should be a once-in-a-career opportunity 

that would be frustrating, rewarding and 

ultimately unforgettable. In all those aspects 

the experience I and my ship’s company have 

had did not disappoint! There had been a long 

wait since we first went aboard and traind in 

Rotoiti last year. Then last month the few days 

of preparation between the Naval Acceptance 

Ceremony and our departure were hectic - a 

combination of storing ship, training and refresher 

training, inspections and evaluation; 

all providing some long hours and a few frayed 

nerves. I'm really proud of how our Delivery 

Ship's Company performed over the entire 

period and I am anticipating that our ability to 

spread this expertise around the other three 

IPVs will get the new Lake class and the Naval 

Patrol Force off to a really good start. 

The Navy’s MOET (Maritime Operations 

Evaluation Team) were very supportive during 

both our Sea and Harbour Safety and Readiness 

Checks (WoF day on a massive scale!). 

None-the-less it was with a real feeling of relief 

that we received the words “safe to deliver,” 

from CDR MOET on Wednesday afternoon 

(22 April). This assessment was not only of 

the material preparedness of the ship but an 

evaluation of our knowledge of systems and 

procedures, and our ability to deal with any 

emergencies in our individual roles and as a 

team. Whilst there are only 13 of us to train up 

(as opposed to the 20 for normal ops), this also 

meant finding some creative ways to fill key positions 

and I think previous experience gained 

in the former IPCs by a significant number of 

our team helped a lot. 

Those who read the practice programme will 

have noticed we managed to sneak out for a 

few hours on Thursday. Nominally this was 

to complete the underway navigation components 

of our SARC(Sea) however I had the 

obvious intent of doing a bit of ship handling 

familiarisation without the extra pressure of the 

sea-riders the next day. Alas it was not to be! 

Thanks to the adverse easterly weather we did 

little other than running up our stabilizers, which 

it turned out was a pretty essential activity in 

itself, but I did get a feel for our brand-new 

“Ocean Ferrari.” 

When we arrived at the wharf early Friday 

morning I had a real confidence in my ship 

and her ship's company, and we were looking 

forward to giving the Minister of Defence, Chief 

of Navy and the newsmedia a good experience 

at sea in the Navy's newest warship. I will admit 

I was quite distracted that morning by a 25 knot 

Easterly, exactly what I didn’t want. I remain 

appreciative of those involved in managing our 

VIP sea riders to ensure the Bridge team could 

focus on the task at hand. We departed the 

wharf smartly and once I had turned the ship 

at rest into the wind with a camera in my face 

I had a real sense of relief, with the biggest unknown 

of the day overcome! In comparison our 

18 knot pilotage out of Whangarei (in winds by 


then gusting up to 40knots) was quite relaxing! 

The general consensus was that you couldn't 

tell the ship was going so quickly due to the 

comfort and lack of noise. 

I think everyone enjoyed our passage down 

the coast, at least that’s what the newsmedia 

promised us once they had been scraped off 

the deck behind the chart table. It was pretty 

rough and very windy at times and it was very 

pleasing to see how Rotoiti handled the conditions. 

Yes, those stabilisers we got running the 

previous day contributed a fair amount! Those 

in a uniform recognised that to race down 

the coast at 23.5 knots with ease, despite 

the adverse conditions, really highlighted the 

potential of our new ships that is going to be 

released over the next few months. There is no 

doubt that the RNZN's “small ship” horizons, 

“I'm really proud of how our Delivery Ship's Company 

performed over the entire period and I am anticipating 

that our ability to spread this expertise around the 

other three IPVs will get the new Lake class and the 

Naval Patrol Force off to a really good start” 

both the figurative and I hope the literal, have 

been expanded immensely with the introduction 

of our new patrol vessels. 

Since Rotoiti's arrival at DNB, a number of 

people have asked me what it was like having 

such a high profile for our entry, including the 

added pressure of VIPs and the newsmedia. 

It was quite intense; however, the Navy and 

New Zealand have waited patiently for the 

Lake-class patrol ships and I think we will all 

be rewarded for that patience. It is only proper 

to acknowledge and celebrate the arrival of a 

new member of the Navy family, and I would 

like to thank again everyone who turned up to 

wave us alongside and those who have sent 

kind words of welcome. 

It was a very special moment to berth the 

ship in Devonport and to join our fleet. We 

expect now to work hard, establishing our 

roles and capabilities for the future. 

HMNZS ROTOITI sails up the 

Rangitoto Channel on 24 

April, past the volcano 

that guards the entrance 

to Auckland. The NZ White 

Ensign is flying from the 

main mast, along with 

the ship’s international 

call sign ZMZM. Two HF 

whip aerials rise from the 

forward superstructure, 

satellite domes are high on 

the bridge and main mast. 

Photo: LAC Grant Armishaw NPU. 




48 NT143MAY09 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

Navy Today May 09 | Issue 143 - Royal New Zealand Navy

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