Operation Calypso - Royal New Zealand Navy

v i s i t o U r w e b s i t e : w w w . n a v y . M i L . n Z 

navytoday 

issue 162 auGusT 11 ROYaL NeW ZeaLaND NaVY 

operation 

Calypso 

opv's come of age 

Kapa HaKa 

navy's secret weapon 

te mana 

well and truly worked up 

ctf 151 

anti piracy patrol 

three services as one force, being the best in everything we do

ISSN 1173-8332 

Published to entertain, inform and inspire 

serving members of the RNZN. 

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NT 163 October Issue 01 Sept 

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iNsiDe THis issue: 

04 Operation Calypso 

10 Kapa haka – Navy's 

secret weapon 

12 HMNZS TE MANA 

– well and truly 

worked up 

18 CT 151 Combating 

piracy 

20 Our People 

22 HMNZS KIWI's bell 

returned 

| issue 162 | auGusT 2011 

Midshipman Matt wilson takes a bearing onboard HMnZs otago during op Calypso 

10 kapa Haka 12 te Mana gets worked up 18 Ct 151 anti piraCy patrol 

22 NZDSM inaugural 

recipients 

23 Navy 70th 

Anniversary 

24 HMNZS 

MANAWANUI 

26 HMNZS HAWEA & 

PUKAKI 

28 HMNZS 

WELLINGTON 

28 Naval Reserve 

30 HMNZS 

CANTERBURY 

31 HMNZS 

ENDEAVOUR 

32 Defence Careers 

34 Naval heritage 

36 Sport 

38 Main Notice Board 

2 NT162AUGUST11 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

y CoMModore JoHn Martin [ MaritiMe COMpOnent COMMander ] 

we have a coUrse 

and a goaL, and oUr 

job is to provide 

the professionaL 

knowLedge that wiLL 

Make the MaritiMe 

piece of the probLeM 

sUccessfUL – Lets 

go to it! 

NAVY 70TH ANNIVERSARY 

CELEBRATIONS 

29 September – 3 October, Wellington 

On 1 October 1941 the ‘New 

Zealand Naval Forces’ became the 

‘Royal New Zealand Navy’ after King 

George VI granted our Naval Forces 

his royal recognition. 

From 29 September – 3 October 

the RNZN will celebrate its 70th 

Anniversary with a Fleet Review and 

related activities in Wellington. 

For more details of the Review see 

the story on Page 23. 

our nation is a narrow slip of land in a large 

ocean. the sea is our constant companion and 

for us as mariners it is at once our enemy and 

our friend. 

We meet the challenge of the sea through 

professionalism, the strength of our shared 

experience, discipline and supporting tradition. It 

is the sea that makes the Navy a fighting force that 

is different to others; we all go down to the sea 

together, we all sink or swim together. We are a 

team that puts service first, the ship second, our 

comrades third and ourselves last. 

But sometimes it is easy to forget these basic 

truths, particularly when we face rough waters. We 

have been here before: the adoption, in 1998, of 

the Navy’s vision to be the best small nation navy 

in the world is a case in point. After a decade of 

effort, courage, commitment and comradeship we 

were able to deliver tangible results and say that we 

had achieved success. Now we are undergoing 

change again and though many of us have been 

personally affected and the passage seems rough, 

the way ahead is definitely not uncharted. 

Our challenge is defined by The Defence White 

Paper and CDF’s intent to create an Amphibious 

Task Force (ATF) by 2015. It will require a Defence 

Force that is at once combat ready, expeditionary 

in focus and maritime in outlook. For the Navy 

it is an exciting opportunity, and a significant 

organisational, technical and training challenge. 

To deliver CDF’s vision that the NZDF can lead 

and command operations in our region the Navy 

is going to have to provide increased support, 

expertise and leadership. It is tempting to think 

that the work of an ATF starts once the troops are 

ashore, but the lessons of history (e.g. Gallipoli 

and Crete) are that in more challenging scenarios 

the precursor work needed to understand and 

influence the maritime approaches and then 

provide support from the sea is crucial to the 

success of any expeditionary operation. 

Intuitively, we have been going down this path 

for some time and in the last six months we have 

seen pleasing signs that Navy is on track and will 

achieve CDF’s intent. In that time we have seen 

the Navy’s core competencies demonstrated: 

combat power, command and control, intelligence 

gathering, boarding operations, naval aviation, 

professional mastery of the maritime environment, 

diving, underway replenishment and naval 

yours aye 

maintenance and repair. 

Our frigates, on their most recent deployment, 

have generated combat capability in complex 

coalition maritime environments, undertaken 

Defence Diplomacy tasks and used opportunities 

to share experiences and information with New 

Zealand’s partners in South East Asia. TE MANA 

and TE KAHA’s presence is a tangible indication 

of our commitment to the South East Asian region 

and demonstrates to our partners that we have 

credible forces that would be a reliable addition to 

any coalition. Moreover their deployment signifies 

and communicates New Zealand’s willingness to 

operate our navy at “arms length” in support of 

the government’s aim. 

In the South Pacific the conduct of Exercise Croix 

Du Sud and Pacific Partnership with US, Australian 

and French Military units again demonstrated our 

ability to work with other nations for a common 

goal. It underlined the value and inherent flexibility 

of our ships. It also demonstrated that we can host 

and support land forces and embark other nation’s 

helicopters; and then, project our forces ashore 

using our landing craft and coalition helicopters. 

We now need to do that with our own NH90 

helicopters and in more complex situations. 

Another milestone has been the deployment 

of the OTAGO Class Patrol Vessels to the 

Southern Ocean and the South Pacific thereby 

demonstrating our nation’s commitment to the 

region and the flexibility of our fleet. Crucially, these 

ships and the land forces they carry are building 

long lasting professional and cultural ties with the 

security forces of our neighbours. 

Our leadership of CTF 151, counter-piracy 

operations in the Red Sea and Somali Basin 

is also a good case in point. The deployment 

reflects our ability to develop professional and 

experienced personnel from our training for naval 

combat and our experience in participating and 

leading coalitions. 

So, here we sit at the eve of a big hairy audacious 

goal, one that will add another competency and 

change the way we will do our business at sea. 

There is no doubt the our passage will require 

significant effort but we have a course and a 

goal, and our job is to provide the professional 

knowledge that will make the maritime piece of 

the problem successful – lets go to it! 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ NT162AUGUST11 3

international 

OPERATION 

CALYPSO 


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international 

opvs 

CoMe of age 

In February this year HMNZS WELLINGTON 

successfully completed the first deployment by 

an Offshore Patrol Vessel to the Southern Ocean, 

including Antarctic waters. Now her sister ship, 

HMNZS OTAGO, has completed the first longrange 

deployment to the Pacific. The success 

of these two deployments demonstrates the 

versatility and capability of the new ships. 

In early May 2011, HMNZS OTAGO, packed to the 

gunnels with sea riders, charitable freight (toys for Tonga) 

and supplies, departed for the South Pacific on the first 

long-range deployment to the Pacific for an OPV. 

“It was a complex deployment”, said OTAGO’s 

Commanding Officer, LTCDR Simon Rooke. “Over 

37 days we visited eight islands and five Pacific 

nations, transported VIPs, performed a re-supply 

operation, embarked a large number of civilian sea 

riders, conducted an emergency medical transfer and 

undertook a range of military, fisheries patrol, surveillance 

and defence diplomacy activities. The versatility of the 

ship is amazing, and the ability of the RNZN to deploy 

such a ship for a long period gives us a large presence 

for a relatively small footprint.” 

2011 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ 5 

hMnZs otago’s rhib off raoUL isLand. 

photograph, jason o’hara. 

NT162AUGUST11

international 

"The versaTiliTy of The ship is amazing, and The abiliTy of 

The rnzn To deploy such a ship for a long period gives 

us a large presence for a relaTively small fooTprinT.” 

HMnZs otago and tongan patrol Vessel Voea 

neiafu ConduCt oow and ras ManoeuVres. 


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Day tHree raOUL 

OTAGO’s deployment commenced with a 

re-supply of Raoul Island in the Kermadec 

Group in support of the Department of 

Conservation (DoC). 

A large group of sea riders ensured that 

every bunk on the ship was filled, with guests 

including the Minister of Conservation, the 

Honourable Kate Wilkinson, an 11 person DoC 

work team and 11 prominent artists sponsored 

by the PEW Environment Group. 

During the three day visit the ship conducted 

32 RHIB transfers, offloaded 25 cubic metres of 

cargo and transferred 24 seariders to the island. 

“At Raoul Island we encountered some pretty 

rough weather,” said ASCS Regan Jordan. “It 

made the transfer of the goods and personnel 

ashore a lot harder.” 

With everyone ashore safely – if a little wet – 

there was an opportunity for OTAGO’s crew to 

undertake some valuable training. Midshipman 

Matt Wilson, who is working towards his Alpha 

ticket which will allow him sole charge to drive 

the ship, experienced piloting OTAGO around 

the Island. 

“I got to drive the ship around Raoul Island 

for what we call 'close proximity pilotage'. 

That means I was able to take the ship in very 

close to the land and the rocks that surrounds 

the island. This takes a lot of concentration 

and skill!” 

MidsHipMan Matt wilson on tHe bridge of otago 

during offiCer of tHe watCH ManoeuVres. 

Day Seven tOnGa 

After leaving Raoul OTAGO headed for 

Tonga where she was welcomed by Tongan 

Patrol Vessel VOEA NEIAFU with whom she 

conducted a set of Officer of the Watch 

manoeuvres and Replenishment At Sea 

Approaches. 

The four day visit to Tonga saw OTAGO begin 

the defence diplomacy and civil engagement 

part of Operation CALYPSO. A number of 

high profile visitors were welcomed on board 

including the Prime minister of Tonga, Lord 

Tu’ivakano, His Excellency, Dr Jonathan Austin, 

New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, and 

a range of Tongan Cabinet Ministers. Another 

task was to land the “Toys for Tonga” charitable 

freight from Rotary New Zealand’s appeal. 

Ship tours for Tongan Navy personnel and 

OPV capability and familiarisation briefings for 

Tongan Naval Officers were also carried out. 

Day eLeven SamOa 

The next phase of OTAGO’s deployment 

involved a series of civil, diplomatic and patrol 

activities around Samoa and Tuvalu. 

OTAGO began her operations during her 

passage from Tonga to Apia by conducting 

surveillance and reporting for the Forum 

Fisheries Agency (FFA). The FFA is a regional 

organisation made up of 17 Pacific and 

Micronesian nations that work to sustainably 

manage the tuna fisheries within their 200 

international 

mile Exclusive Economic Zones. Increased 

engagement with the FFA is likely in coming 

years as the RNZN undertakes regular patrols 

in the region. 

After completing the patrol the ship’s crew 

enjoyed a relaxing weekend in Samoa, their first 

period of leave in a Pacific Port. “Samoa had 

some awesome sights and the snorkelling was 

very enjoyable,” said Able Marine Technician 

(AMT L) Gavin Neuenschwander. Monday 23rd 

saw the ship back at work, preparing for the 

passage to the Tokelau Islands. 

Day fOUrteen tUvaLU 

For this leg of the deployment the ship again 

filled every bunk with additional personnel 

including the reconnaissance team who were 

preparing for the Humanitarian Exercise, 

Tropic Twilight in Tuvalu in July/August. 

The ship also embarked the Right Honourable 

Dame Sian Elias GNZM, Chief Justice of New 

Zealand and Tokelau, accompanied by her 

husband, Hugh Fletcher, and the Ulu (Prime 

Minister) o tokelau, The Right Honourable 

Foua Toloa. With two of the Nations’ most 

important dignitaries on board OTAGO visited 

Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo in three days. 

Each day the official party and reconnaissance 

team transferred to the islands for the day and 

the ship then commenced Hot Weather Sea 

trials to progress the Introduction into Service 

of the OPV. 

Before departing the final island Fakaofo for 


international 

otago enters port aVatiu, rarotonga. 

lsCs konrad Cook and exCHange offiCer 

slt kane stuart (ran) on tHe bridge during 

offiCer of tHe watCH ManoeuVres. 


lt Cdr rooke and Cook islands CoMMissioner 

of poliCe Maara tetaVa on tHe bridge of 

HMnZs otago. 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

lsa noel HiroVaana 

returns to rarotonga on 

HMnZs otago. 

Apia, OTAGO was requested to provide medical 

evacuation for a patient with extreme respiratory 

issues. With OTAGO being able to provide 

a greater degree of medical support, patient 

comfort and, if required, a speedier passage 

back to Samoa, the request was accepted 

and the patient, atoll's doctor and patient's 

chaperones embarked OTAGO. 

On Friday 27th OTAGO berthed in Apia for the 

second time in seven days. The difference this 

weekend was that ANZAC class frigate, HMAS 

PERTH, was also alongside. Over the weekend 

sailors from both Navies’ visited each other’s 

ships, and on Monday OTAGO sailed along 

with PERTH and Samoan Police Patrol Vessel 

NAFANUA to undertake manoeuvres. For Sub 

Lieutenant Jeff Lura of the Canadian Forces this 

was the highlight of the deployment. “Speaking 

as a Canadian serving in an RNZN ship, getting 

the chance to drive an Australian frigate in a 

Replenishment Approach was an unexpected 

and very memorable experience.” 

Day eiGHteen tHe tUna BeLt & 

rarOtOnGa 

The next phase of the deployment involved 

a patrol through the Pacific Tuna Belt to 

Rarotonga with three Samoan Maritime Police 

personnel and two Cook Islands Fisheries 

Officers onboard. This part of the patrol 

was designed to develop relationships with 

Fisheries Officers from the Pacific Islands for 

future combined EEZ patrols. After a successful 

three day patrol OTAGO positioned itself north 

of Avatiu Harbour, Rarotonga, for rendezvous 

with the Cook Islands Patrol Vessel TE KUKUPA. 

OTAGO and TE KUKUPA carried out a boat 

transfer of the Cook Islands Commissionaire 

of Police, Commissioner M Tetava, then 90 

minutes of Officer of the Watch manoeuvres and 

replenishment approaches. 

Over the following days OTAGO hosted several 

official functions for dignitaries, including the 

Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, the Right 

Honourable Mr Henry Puna. An Official Reception 

with the New Zealand High Commissioner, Her 

Excellency Ms Linda Te Puni was also held, 

with a wide range of political, government and 

expatriate guests enjoying a few hours onboard 

the first OPV visit to Rarotonga. 

A highlight of the reception was the passionate 

and impressive performance of OTAGO’s 

kapa haka group which was so well received 

that Cook Island Maori guests performed an 

impromptu Waiata in recognition of the quality 

of the OTAGO groups performance. 

Saturday was the first opportunity for the Ship’s 

Company to visit the Island’s market and see the 

sights. Several crew members also had family 

links to the Islands. 

“To be honest, it was a bit weird returning to 

Rarotonga with the Navy, because I was mixing 

work with a place that is very special to me”, said 

Leading Stores Assistant (LSA) Noel Hirovaana 

who was born in Rarotonga. “Who else rides 

their work into port?” 

On Sunday the ship held an open day and 

hosted 571 visitors, mostly expatriate New 

Zealanders and local school children. The 

children were completing research questionnaires 

for their school projects on marine resource and 

environmental protection, which had been 

initiated to coincide with OTAGO’s visit. 

Day twenty nine niUe 

Leaving Rarotonga, OTAGO then conducted 

an EEZ patrol between the Cook Islands and 

Niue. On arrival at Niue OTAGO anchored off 

Afoli Harbour for 24 hours. Although the visit 

was short New Zealand’s High Commissioner, 

His Excellency Mark Blumsky, said that OTAGO 

and her crew did the Navy proud. 

“The ship and her crew did a splendid job, 

even losing to the local side at Touch rugby,” 

said Mark Blumsky. “Visits like this are critical to 

patrolling the surrounding waters and protecting 

the marine assets of Niue. It also does wonder 

in cementing the relationship between the two 

nations.” 

Mark Blumsky said that the reception held at 

the High Commission was a highlight on many 

of the locals’ calendars. “Having LT CDR Rooke 

and crew join the locals for a relaxed, fun BBQ 

was a great way to end a very worthwhile visit 

ashore". 

Day tHirty five raOUL 

OTAGO departed Niue for Raoul Island where 

she uplifted DoC personnel who had been 

dropped on the Island during the first leg of 

the deployment five weeks previous. Once 

the seven DoC personnel and stores were 

embarked, OTAGO began the final leg home of 

an eventful and successful deployment. 

LT CDR Simon Rooke said the deployment saw 

the coming of age of the OPV’s. “WELLINGTON 

has successfully proven the ability to operate at 

the Southern end of the OPV’s operational area 

(Ross Sea), and now OTAGO has successfully 

proven the ability to perform in the Pacific.” 

In coming years OTAGO and WELLINGTON 

will undertake regular patrols into the Pacific to 

support New Zealand’s interests in the region, 

and to support the interests of our Pacific Island 

Neighbours. The success of this first patrol, and 

the goodwill it created, has set the standard for 

coming years. 


Cultural group 

kapa Haka 

naVy’s seCret weapon 

WHEN AN RNZN SHIP DEPLOYS 

OVERSEAS IT IS WELL ARMED AND ITS 

CREW WELL TRAINED. ONE OF THE 

MOST POWERFUL WEAPONS IT CARRIES, 

AND ONE NO OTHER NAVY POSSESSES, 

IS THE SHIP’S KAPA HAKA GROUP. 


te Mana’s kapa Haka group perforM for tHe 

sultan of brunei. 

Kapa haka groups are formed by a ship’s company at the beginning of a deployment. “What 

started as a get together soon turned into a group that was being asked to perform at official 

functions,” said PORS Paula Hill, a co-ordinator of TE MANA’s kapa haka group. “As a group we 

consider ourselves to be ambassadors of the Maori culture, just as all of Ship’s Company are 

ambassadors for the RNZN and NZ as a whole.” 

Co-ordinator of OTAGO’s group, PORS David Tapene, said that 10 personnel volunteered their 

own time to form their kapa haka group. 

“For a few of these members, it was there first time performing Maori culture in front of a foreign 

crowd. This to me was awesome to see, the Ihi, Wehi and Mana from the group portraying our 

culture - priceless.” 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

te Mana’s kapa Haka group perforM 

a waiata on arriVal at Ho CHi MinH 

City, VietnaM. 

Like OTAGO, TE MANA’s kapa haka group 

welcomes new members regardless of whether 

or not they speak Te Reo, or whether or not 

they have Maori heritage or were even born 

in NZ. 

“When the group learns new material it 

is translated so that everyone in the group 

understands the meaning and the words of the 

waiata/haka,” says LCH Tim Te Hau - Group 

Tutor. “This way everyone is able to draw their 

own meaning and wairua (spirit) in how they 

want to express themselves. The items we 

learned and prepared during the deployment 

have been commonly known waiata, or have 

had a Navy influence (e.g. the Navy Haka, ‘ Te 

Tumu Herenga Waka’). 

On long deployments the kapa haka groups 

also play an important role building team spirit 

and morale. 

“Being away from home and our whanau, the 

Ship’s Company come to rely on those around 

them for support,” said PORS Paula Hill from 

TE MANA. “For many of us, kapa haka is a 

way for us to express ourselves and how we 

are feeling about being away from home. It 

gives us a chance to reminisce about those 

who are waiting for us back in NZ. It is also a 

way for us to keep our culture alive regardless 

OTAGO’s KApA HAKA perfOrmed AT NuKuNONu ATOll 

iN respONse TO A cHAlleNGe frOm THe islANd’s 

culTurAl GrOup. THe vAlue Of THis perfOrmANce 

iN Terms Of relATiONsHip buildiNG sHOuld NOT be 

uNderesTimATed, As iT creATes bONds wiTHiN Our 

reGiON THAT cAN NOT be GeNerATed by OTHer meANs. 

of where we are in the world.” 

Beyond the value to personal and unit morale, 

the kapa haka groups play a highly important 

role when an RNZN ship visits another country. 

“The ability to display Maori culture overseas 

is a great privilege and adds an incredible 

dimension to the defence diplomacy port 

visits”, says Commanding Officer of OTAGO LT 

CDR Simon Rooke. 

“During our deployment to the Pacific 

OTAGO’s kapa haka performed at Nukunonu 

atoll in response to a challenge from the Island’s 

cultural group. The value of this performance 

in terms of relationship building should not be 

underestimated, as it creates bonds within 

our region that can not be generated by other 

means. Later in the deployment the group 

performed at the official reception in Rarotonga, 

where their performance was so well received 

that the Cook Islands Maori guests performed 

a Waiata in response to OTAGO’s performance, 

as a mark of appreciation towards the kapa 

Cultural group 

haka from OTAGO". 

During TE MANA’s deployment to Asia the 

kapa haka group performed in several countries 

on arrival in port, and during the Fleet Review 

in Brunei. In Brunei the group performed to the 

Sultan of Brunei during a multi-national parade 

through the city. The Haka was extremely well 

received by the international crowd, media 

and the Royalty in attendance, with rousing 

applause from the audience. 

The value of kapa haka groups is summed 

up by LT CDR Simon Rooke. 

“When the group performs I feel a great sense 

of pride, both for my ship, but also as a New 

Zealander. Seeing the pleasure in the faces 

of the group to so passionately deliver their 

performances is matched by the enjoyment you 

get to see on the faces of the crowds watching, 

be they expat’s being reminded of home, or 

locals seeing a spectacular performance of 

New Zealand’s culture.” 


international 

hmNzs TE mANA 


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HMnZs te Mana during Her workup 

pHase, exerCise triton storM. 

Photo: Royal austRalian navy 

international 

HMnZs te Mana witH uss preble 

rafted alongside, brunei. 

royal naVy Merlin HeliCopter undertakes a 

HeliCopter in fligHt refuelling (Hifr) eVolution froM 

te Mana’s fligHt deCk during ex bersaMa sHield. 

wHen te Mana left deVonport naVal base on 

21 february for a 21 week deployMent to 

australia and asia sHe was still regenerating 

Capability after nine MontHs of deep 

MaintenanCe. 

Five months later she has returned a fully operational 

surface combatant warship having undertaken major 

exercises and a series of defence diplomacy activities in 

australia, Singapore, india, indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei 

and Vanuatu. 


international 

forMation ManoeuVre during exerCise 

bersaMa sHield, soutH CHina sea. 

royal australian air forCe f18-d 

oVerfly’s te Mana during workup 

exerCises as part of ex triton storM. 

te Mana’s deployMent 

pHase one: operation CradoCk 

Leaving home port for a long deployment 

is a difficult time for any or all of a Ship’s 

Company. Sadness at leaving family for a 

long period is mixed with excitement and 

apprehension about the professional and 

personal challenges ahead. 

The challenge for the crew of TE MANA was 

particularly great. Nine months of 2010 had 

been spent in an extended maintenance period 

during which the ship’s main diesel engines had 

been replaced, and extensive engineering work 

done on control and stability systems. By the 

time of departure all on board recognised that 

they’d made great progress regenerating the 

fundamental capabilities of the ship, but there 

was much more to do. 

The first challenge for the ship was successfully 


completing an operational Work Up in Australian 

waters in company with TE KAHA, and HMA 

Ships PARRAMATTA and BALLARAT. This 

ANZAC Force (ANZFOR) undertook an intensive 

series of exercises which for TE MANA 

culminated in a Unit Readiness Evaluation (URE) 

at the end of March. 

“We drilled everything,” said TE MANA 

Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander 

Mike Peebles. “Gunnery, ship handling, antiair 

and anti-submarine, damage control, 

flight operations, Replenishment At Sea, 

seamanship, towing, counter FIAC operations, 

Force Protection, Anti Surface Warfare, 

Maritime Interdiction Operations: you name it, 

we drilled it.” 

The goal of the URE was to determine if 

the ship had achieved a Directed Level of 

Operational Capability (DLOC) – the standard 

required for a combat vessel on a routine basis. 

To achieve DLOC the ship was assessed by 

a team of RNZN Subject Matter Experts. The 

assessment team threw multiple scenarios at 

the ship to test the Ship’s Company’s ability to 

fight and defend the ship. 

At the end of an intensive 24 hour test 

the evaluation team assessed TE MANA as 

achieving DLOC. This demonstrated that TE 

MANA was again a capable and effective 

fighting ship for the NZDF. 

After completing the Work Up the ANZFOR 

then proceeded to Singapore for the annual 

Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA) 

exercise, Bersama Shield. Bersama Shield 

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te Mana’s Crew at proCedure 

alpHa during arriVal at Ho CHi 

MinH City, VietnaM. 

is a large exercise used to test and develop 

interoperability between the forces of Singapore, 

Malaysia, UK, Australia and New Zealand. This 

year the exercise involved eight frigates and 

more than 40 aircraft, including Malaysian Mig- 

29s and F-18D’s, and F-16 and F-5 aircraft 

from Singapore. 

During the exercise TEM, TEK, PAR and 

BAL operated closely as the ANZFOR, often in 

company with other RAN units or embedded 

within Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA) 

forces. The ‘tight four’, as they were known, 

were well balanced in capability and in the final 

exercise were ‘split’ evenly between the two 

Task Units within the FPDA Task Group, and 

ended up having a good stand-off (TEM and 

PAR versus TEK and BAL). 

te Mana’s deployMent 

pHase two: operation Cutlass 

Following the completion of Bersama Shield 

the ANZFOR Task Group split up, with 

TE KAHA returning to New Zealand and 

TE MANA relocating to Singapore’s Changi 

Naval Base to take part in the International 

Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) and 

Western Pacific Naval Symposium Maritime 

Security Exercise (WMSX). 

Participation in IMDEX and WMSX was the 

first of a series of port visits and defence 

diplomacy activities in South East Asia. From 

23 May to 28 July TE MANA visited Penang in 

Malaysia, Djakarta in Indonesia, Port Blair in the 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India), Ho Chi 

Minh City in Vietnam, Brunei and Vanuatu. 

Defence diplomacy is a key enabler in raising 

the profile of NZ and NZ Government diplomatic 

presence in the country being visited. A visit 

by an RNZN ship, and in particular a FFH (Fast 

Frigate Helicopter) demonstrates that the NZ 

Government is serious about developing and 

continuing a relationship with the country being 

visited. It’s also about relationships among 

military personnel, which are initially formed 

at a tactical level and eventually contribute to 

operational or strategic level decision making. 

In Indonesia TE MANA hosted guests 

including the New Zealand Ambassador, His 

Excellency David Taylor, senior military officers 

and local city and government officials. In 

Vietnam the New Zealand Ambassador, Her 

Excellency Heather Riddell was on board ship 

for the 40+ nautical mile passage up the Saigon 

river to Ho Chi Minh city where she and the ship 

were welcomed by officials such as leaders of 

the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, the 

High Command of Military Zone Seven, High 

Command of the Navy and other Vietnamese 

officers. 

“From the very beginning the visit to Vietnam 

was different from what we’d experienced so 

far,” said AWEO LT Sarah Smith. “The pilotage 

up the river was long, but the ever-changing 

scenery made it enjoyable as the shore 

changed from the lush Vietnamese jungle, 

into countryside and then to a sprawling city 

of surprisingly modern skyscrapers.” 

The visit to Port Blair in the Andaman and 

Nicobar Islands (part of India) in early June 

included exercises with an Indian Navy 

Landing Ship KESARI, and sports and social 

engagements with Indian Navy personnel from 

the Naval Base. Three weeks after the visit 

the value of the ongoing contact between the 

RNZN and the Indian Navy was referred to by 

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Prime 

Minister John Key in a joint statement during 

Prime Minister Key’s visit to India (see following 

story on Defence Diplomacy). 

The highlight of the final leg of Operation 

Cutlass was participation in an International 

Fleet Review in Brunei. 21 warships from 12 

nations participated in the review, in honour of 

the Sultan of Brunei. Following the Fleet Review 

TE MANA’s kapa haka group performed for 

the Sultan during a parade through the city 

of Brunei. 

international 

tHe HigHligHt of tHe final leg of operation Cutlass 

was partiCipation in an international fleet reView 

in brunei. 21 warsHips froM 12 nations partiCipated 

in tHe reView, in Honour of tHe sultan of brunei. 

11 Chiefs of Navy were present at the review 

and our Chief of Navy, RA Tony Parr used the 

opportunity to host senior Navy officers from 

other nations onboard TE MANA. Among 

the guests hosted were Rear Admiral Jiang 

Wellie (Commander People’s Liberation Army 

(Navy) South Sea Fleet), Rear Admiral A R 

Karve, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, India, 

Rear Admiral Thomas F. Carney, USN and, 

Commodore Vince Di Pietro, RAN. 

TE MANA left Devonport in February with the 

challenge of becoming a capable fighting unit 

for the RNZN and NZ Defence Force. Twenty 

one weeks later the ship returned having met 

their challenge and in doing so have delivered 

significant benefits to the Defence Force and 

New Zealand Inc through the Asia Pacific 

region. 


international 


MeMbers of te Mana’s Crew enJoy a 

Joke before tHe sail past during tHe 

fleet reView in brunei. 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

His MaJesty sultan HaJi Hassanal 

bolkiaH Mu’iZZaddin waddaulaH ibni 

al-MarHuM (seen at rigHt) reViews 

tHe sailpast witH ra parr and (at 

left) first adMiral HaJi abdul HaliM 

bin HaJi MoHd HanifaH, CoMMander of 

tHe royal brunei naVy. 

Mid wesley Moir on tHe bridge of ins 

kesari during a passex witH te Mana 

rss stalwart and reMainder of sail 

past astern of te Mana during fleet 

reView, brunei. 

defenCe diploMaCy 

exerCising soft power 

Defence diplomacy is an important part of an RNZN deployment. The visit of a New Zealand 

frigate to a foreign port is an important sign to other nations of our country’s engagement in 

regional security, business, political and civil issues. 

Major General Ng Chee Khern, Former Air Force Chief of the Republic of Singapore, summed up 

the role of defence diplomacy as the development of “mutually beneficial relationships with friendly 

countries and armed forces to contribute to a stable international and regional environment.” 

An example of the value of military diplomacy is the announcement on 29 June by the Prime 

Minister of closer links between the New Zealand and Indian Navies on issues such as the 

prevention of piracy. The Prime Minister’s announcement builds on the already strong links 

between the New Zealand and Indian Navies. Chief of the Indian Navy, Admiral Nirmal Verma 

visited New Zealand last year and spent several days with the RNZN. 

In recent years our frigates have visited Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Canada and 

the United States. Wherever the ships go they host politicians, business people, diplomats, 

civic leaders and members of other nation’s militaries. A highlight of an RNZN visit is often 

the performance of the ship’s kapa haka group, adding a distinctive New Zealand flavour to 

receptions and events. 

extraCt froM Joint stateMent by 

priMe Ministers ManMoHan 

singH and JoHn key 

The Prime Minister of New Zealand H.E. Mr John Key paid a state visit to India from 26-30 

June at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The New Zealand 

Prime Minister was accompanied by the Trade Minister Hon Tim Groser, M.P. Mr. Kanwaljit 

Singh Bakshi and a high level business delegation. 

The two Prime Ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. Prime Minister Key 

announced that New Zealand will appoint a Defence Adviser to India to better facilitate defence 

links. Both sides noted the need for ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes and agreed that 

regional and global cooperation should continue to ensure maritime security. The two Leaders 

agreed that ship visits and staff college exchanges had deepened bilateral defence cooperation 

to the benefit of both sides. 

te Mana – tiMeline of a deployMent 

op CraddoCk 

FEB 11 – Week one and two, shakedown, 

Devonport & Hauraki Gulf. Passage to Fleet 

Base East, Sydney with TE KAHA. Join 

HMA PARRAMATTA and BALLARAT forming 

ANZFOR. Week four, begin workup. 

MARCH 11 – Four weeks of workup 

exercises. Passage to Fleet Base West – 

Fremantle. Exercise Triton Storm with RAN 

fleet units. Unit Readiness Evaluation week 

four. 

APRIL 11 - Week one completes Exercise 

Triton Storm. 10 day passage to Singapore 

with ANZFOR, exercises during passage. 

Week four, ANZAC day. Leave period 

Singapore. 

MAY 11 - Week one and two Exercise 

Bersama Shield with X ships / Y aircraft. 

op Cutlass: 

MAY 11 - Week three, participation in 

International Maritime Defence Exhibition, 

Singapore, VIP hosting. Week four, passage 

to Penang, Malaysia for port visit and military 

diplomacy, then passage to Port Blair. 

JUNE 11 - Week one, Port Blair, Andaman 

& Nicobar Islands, port visit, military diplomacy 

and exercise with Indian Navy. Week two, 

passage to Jakarta, Indonesia for port visit 

and military diplomacy. Week three docking 

for maintenance, Singapore. Week four, 

passage to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for 

port visit and military diplomacy. 

JULY 11 – Week one, passage to Brunei. 

Participation in fleet review, port visit, hosting 

military VIPs. Ten day passage to Port Vila, 

Vanuatu. Week four passage to Devonport. 


international 

in a ceremony onboard uss Mason 

(ddg 87), new Zealander Captain Jim 

gilmour, rnZn, assumed command 

of Combined task force (Ctf) 151, 

the Combined Maritime forces (CMf) 

counter-piracy task force. 

This is the first time in recent decades 

that a Royal New Zealand Navy officer has 

commanded a major multi-national taskforce 

and it reflects the high-regard in which New 

Zealand and the New Zealand Defence Force 

is held by our international partners. 

CMF is a US-led, 25-nation coalition based 

in Bahrain. CTF 151 is one of three task forces 

operated by CMF, with its primary mission to 

disrupt piracy and armed robbery at sea. 

CAPT Gilmour, supported by an eclectic 

international staff from NZ, Australia, the 

Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, the 

United Kingdom, Canada, and the United 

States, is embarked in USS ANZIO (CG68), a 

Ticonderoga Class Cruiser. CAPT Gilmour is 

the tenth Commander of CTF 151. 

CTF 151 was established in January 2009 

with a specific counter-piracy mission-based 

mandate under the authority of five separate 

United Nations Security Council Resolutions. 

Our mission is to disrupt piracy at sea, protect 

ships of any nationality, and secure freedom of 

navigation for the benefit of all nations. 

Piracy is a very real threat to commerce. New 

Zealand relies on sea-lanes of communication, 

with over 99% of New Zealand’s trade by 

volume carried by sea. The Gulf of Aden and 

surrounding areas is considered the world’s 

piracy ‘hotspot’. Somalia is the source of this 

modern day piracy, which has grown from the 

economic, social, and political strife that has 

gripped the country since the mid-1990s. 

23,000 vessels transit the Gulf of Aden every 

Combined task force (Ctf 151) 

coMbating 

By COMMander Mat WilliaMS, MnZM, rnZn 

DePuty CommanDeR anD Chief of staff, Ctf 151 embaRkeD in uss anZio 


year, and there are currently 17 ships under 

ransom, with over 400 innocent sailors being 

held hostage. Although exact calculations are 

difficult, some experts estimate the cost of 

piracy in 2010 at almost $20 billion. Although 

piracy attacks and kidnapping have more than 

quadrupled in the area since 2007, there has 

been an overall reduction in successful attacks 

since the establishment of CTF 151 in 2009. 

The size and shape of CTF 151 is determined 

by force flow. Force flow is the movement of 

warships in and out of operations in the CMF 

Area of Responsibility; an area that covers over 

1.1 million square miles and includes the North 

Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali 

Basin, Arabian Sea, and a large tract of the 

Indian Ocean. Some ships are assigned for 

months at a time; others for specific tasking; 

still others for a few days or hours. At the time 

of writing, CAPT Gilmour has two cruisers, 

two destroyers, and one frigate under his 

command, along with their eight helicopters! 

Indeed, ANZIO herself has seven helicopter 

pilots onboard. 

The command and partner environment is 

rich and complex. Combined Maritime Forces 

is headed by a US Navy three star, Vice Admiral 

Fox, who also holds the national positions of 

Commander US 5th Fleet and Commander US 

Naval Forces, Central Command. The Deputy 

Commander CMF, who Captain Gilmour reports 

to, is held by a Royal Navy one star officer, 

Commodore Fraser, who also holds the national 

position of regional United Kingdom Maritime 

Component Commander. We work alongside 

four other key military and state actors: 

• t h e E u ro p e a n U n i o n N a v a l F o rc e 

(EUNAVFOR)—TF 465 (Operation 

ATALANTA), whose primary role is shipping 

escort for the United Nations World Food 

Programme with a secondary role of counter 

piracy; 

• the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 

(NATO)—Task Force 508 (Operation OCEAN 

SHIELD)—who has a similar mission to 

CTF 151; 

• a large number of independent deployers— 

nations who have chosen to deploy 

their own task groups, such as: Japan, 

Malaysia, India, China, Russia, and the 

Republic of Korea, that primarily operate 

independently conducting convoy escort, 

but also collaborate on information sharing 

and, where possible, support counter-piracy 

efforts more directly, and; 

• Coastal states, including Yemen, Djibouti, 

Oman, and Somalia (through the Transitional 

Federal Government (TFG). 

CoMMander Mat williaMs (left) 

and Captain JiM gilMour 

ctf 151 was estabLished in janUary 2009 

with a specific coUnter-piracy Mission-based 

Mandate Under the aUthority of five separate 

United nations secUrity coUnciL resoLUtions. 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

piracy 

The Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 flagship 

USS ANZIO, with Task Force Commander 

Captain Jim Gilmour RNZN on board, 

intercepted a skiff, successfully disrupting the 

activities of a group of suspected pirates in the 

Gulf of Aden. 

ANZIO received a report from a merchant 

vessel that it had been attacked, and fired 

upon, by suspected pirates in a skiff who 

were reportedly armed with a rocket propelled 

grenade launcher and AK-47 assault rifles. 

“The attack was unsuccessful and the large 

merchant vessel adhered to ‘Best Management 

Practices’ such as maintaining a 24 hour 

lookout, removing access ladders, reporting 

suspicious activity and engaging in evasive 

manoeuvres. This incident is another reminder 

of how effective these practical precautions 

are,” said Captain Gilmour. 

ANZIO was ordered to pursue the suspected 

pirate vessel and intercept it. Collaborative 

efforts between CTF 151, NATO (TF 508), a 

international 

a Visit, board, searCH and seiZure 

teaM froM guided-Missile Cruiser 

uss anZio, inVestigate a suspeCted 

pirate skiff. (us naVy pHoto by Mass 

CoMMuniCation speCialist 2nd Class 

bryan weyers). 

task force fLagship disrUpts 

sUspected pirates in gULf of aden 

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel 

and a Japanese Maritime Patrol Aircraft, 

resulted in the apprehension of the suspected 

vessel. 

“This co-operation culminated in the 

suspected pirates disposing of weapons and 

equipment that could be used for further piracy 

attempts. The remaining suspected pirate 

paraphernalia was also disposed of when 

the vessel was intercepted by the CTF 151 

warship,” said CAPT Gilmour. 


our people 

[a]Commander sean stewart took Command of the navy’s sealift and 

amphibious support Vessel, HMnZs Canterbury on wednesday, 8 

June 2011. Commander stewart was born in gore and joined the royal 

new Zealand navy on 21st January 1988. He has served in HMnZs 

tui, Monowai, endeaVour, soutHland, waikato, Manawanui, and 

was a member of the commissioning crew of te kaHa. Commander 

stewart attended bougainville peace talks while onboard waikato and 

saw operational service in east timor, the arabian gulf and, solomon 

islands. He is pictured on the bridge of Canterbury with his wife Cathy 

and son austin. 

[b] lpti Marc thomas (left) and leroy de beer were among the first 

graduates from the 15-week advanced training course at the defence 

pe&rt school at woodbourne. the school is part of the new defence 

training institute set up within ted (training and education directorate). 

[C] lt Cdr louisa gritt, rnZn, Co Mst, is presented with the 

Hydrographic Charge certificate by Cdre John Martin, rnZn, MCC. the 

Certificate recognises her qualifications, experience and knowledge 

required to conduct all forms of hydrographic surveys as a charge 

Hydrographic surveyor. 

[d] woews damian Morrison was awarded a Maritime Component 

Commander’s Commendation to recognise his pivotal role in the 

development of the naval operations support unit (nosu). nosu 

provides operational support in electronic warfare and Maritime 

intelligence. Cdre John Martin, rnZn (then MCC desig, now MCC), 

woews damian Morrison and Cdre ross smith, rnZn (then MCC). 

[e] on the day of his departure from bamyan ltCdr andrew law, 

temporary Crib 18 s9 (finance officer) was pleasantly surprised when 

he was given five minute to present himself at the flagpole to receive 

the nato (isaf) medal. task force patriot deputy Commanding officer 

ltCol Mark nadig, us army, presented the award which recognises 

members of isaf contributing nations following 30 days service under 

an isaf command in afghanistan. 

[f] lt Jacinda Johnston scooped the prizes at the ran aviation warfare 

officer course (observers) at raaf east sale. she was awarded the 

bae systems Highest academic assessment award, the lt Michael 

elsey ran Memorial trophy for achieving the highest overall mark in the 

flying phase of the course and, the Hawker pacific observer trophy for 

dux of the observer course. Cdre (ran) Vince di pietro, the reviewing 

officer commented that "kiwis must be able to fly, and you come over 

here and pinch our trophies". 

[g] lt anna biss, rnZn received a Maritime Component Commander’s 

Commendation in recognition of her work during the earthquake relief 

effort in Christchurch. lt biss worked tirelessly whilst Can remained 

stationed in lyttleton to ensure a professional standard of logistical and 

administration support was maintained. lt anna biss, rnZn and Cdre 

ross smith, rnZn (then MCC). 

[H] lieutenant layamon bakewell took command of HMnZs rotoiti on 

thursday 23 June 2011. 

[i] ltCdr steel, posa Moses, lCH kaa and awtr Cook enjoying the 

Mekong delta river tour during te Mana’s visit to Ho Chi Minh city. 

[J] aMt1 (p) te kanawa kingi was awarded the top trade student 

award by the trade training school (tts) at devonport on 3 Jun 2011. 

the tts introduced the top trade student award in Jan 2009 as a 

means to recognise outstanding achievement by students. pictured, 

shaun dickey (Hos), aMt1 kingi and sponsor Harry philpott from 

blackwoodspaykels 

[k] who needs a crane? lMt(p) b. bush (left) lMt(p) M. Hawaikirangi 

(right) lift Canterbury's anchor during drydocking in brisbane. see 

the full story on page 30 

[l] to promote Men’s Health week the three services fielded teams 

in a physical challenge, held at devonport naval base. the series of 

challenges involved teams carrying each other in a fireman’s hold, 

running and carrying 10k strength bags, a rowing machine relay, and 

running through thick mud. navy won the challenge, followed by air 

force, army and nZ police. 

[M] CposCs kevin stinson fits ross robertson, Mp, with a lifejacket in 

the Hangar of HMnZs wellington. in June Mr robertson spent three 

days in the navy as part of the nZdf parliamentarian programme. He 

described his attachment to the navy as immensely enjoyable and his 

overnight stay on wellington as the highlight of his experience. 

[n] during March, ten members of 3.l messdeck, first commission, of 

the frigate Canterbury gathered in blenheim for a reunion. pictured 

at ‘tot time’ are: (l to r) Mort anderson, gary Huffadine, bob Mckenzie, 

dale Hobbs, brett iggulden, rod shoemark, terry brennan and tom 

baker. also in the photograph but obscured are peter atkinson and 

doug Carson. 

[o] Mary dean, a former wren who served during wwii, was recently 

awarded an rsa Merit badge by the president of the rsa, ltgen don 

Mciver, for her work among ex-servicemen and women in the dunedin 

area. Mary served at waiouru wt station (later called HMnZs irirangi) 

handling radio circuits between the station and the headquarters in 

wellington. while there she met her future husband, an air force officer 

who had been wounded in action and was sent to waiouru as part of 

his recovery. 


A B 

E 

I J 

L M 

F 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

C 

G 

K 

N O 

D 

H 

our people 


our people 

beLL froM 

hMnZs kiwi 

retUrns hoMe 

By Cdr daVid Hedgley 

After 22 years in Australia the commissioning 

bell from the Inshore Patrol Craft HMNZS KIWI 

is finally returning home. 

One night in 1989 a group of visiting sailors 

from HMAS DARWIN decided they wanted a 

trophy to bring home to Australian and believed 

that HMNZS KIWI sitting alongside in Lyttleton 

harbour would provide just the item. Under 

the cover of darkness they boarded the patrol 

boat, removed the bell and returned on board 

the guided missile Frigate HMAS DARWIN. In 

the intervening years that bell has seen plenty 

of the world on board the DARWIN and it 

recently ended up in the Childers RSL club in 

Queensland. 

In March this year New Zealand Defence 

Staff in Canberra were contacted by Mr Max 

Francis, an ex RAN POMTP, who believed that 

the rightful home for the bell should be back 

in NZ and he wanted to arrange its return. 

Clearly the Canterbury earthquakes played an 

important role in bringing the history of the bell 

to the fore and Mr Francis felt strongly that the 

bell should once again be part of the RNZN 

heritage and no longer a “run ashore trophy” 

for the ADF. 

On Monday 18 Jul, Cdr David Hedgley RNZN, 

the NZ Naval Adviser in Canberra travelled 

to Childers, a small town four hours north of 

Brisbane, to meet with Mr Francis and receive 

the bell on behalf of the RNZN. Mr Francis 

remarked of his fond memories of port visits to 

NZ and although he was not the perpetrator of 

the original removal of the bell he felt as a past 

president of the Childers RSL club that he had 

a duty to return the bell to its rightful home. 

The bell (pictured) will now return home to NZ 

from Brisbane on board HMZS CANTERBURY, 

a fitting platform to transport a long lost icon. 


Current and forMer rnZn 

personnel inaugural 

reCipients of nZdsM 

Four former and current RNZN personnel 

were recipients of the NZ Defence Service 

Medal at the inaugural presentation at 

Parliament. 

The new medal is awarded for nonoperational 

military service in the Defence 

Force by New Zealanders. Those who have 

served in the military for more than three 

years since World War Two, and those who 

did compulsory military training or national 

military service, qualify. 

The medal recognises the many thousands 

of New Zealanders that have met the 

demanding requirements of military service, 

including responding to disasters such as 

the Christchurch earthquakes, but have 

not served on operations. Up to now there 

has been no recognition of this service. The 

medal also honours those Reserve personnel 

whose service comes on top of full-time 

commitments in civilian life. 

Mrs Margaret BELL (was Miss KING): 

Regular Navy - WRNZNS service. Enlisted 21 

Sept 1953. Discharged 31 Oct 1964. Retired 

Mrs Margaret bell (left) 

andy Courtenay-JoHn (Centre) 

as Chief WREN: Qualified for ‘REGULAR’ 

clasp. (21 Sept 1956). Margaret is also a 

driving force in the Ex-WRENS Assoc. 

Mrs Carol GREEN (as Miss LOADER): RNZN 

Regular Service. Enlisted on 9 Apr 1973 as 

WRNZS writer. Discharged 5 Feb 1981. 

Retd as Acting Petty Offr Writer. Qualified for 

‘REGULAR’ clasp. (9 Apr 1976). Carol is the 

wife of former CPOSTD Tony Green, who was 

a recruiter for a long time, and their daughter 

Amanda is a LT in the navy now. 

Andy COURTENAY-JOHN: RNZN Regular 

service. Enlisted 31 Oct 1978 and discharged 

3 Apr 1989. Re-enlisted in RNZN 9 Jun 1997 

and discharged 10 May 2002. Prior service in 

Royal Navy. Qualified for ‘REGULAR’ clasp. (7 

Jan 1979). Andy was at OLPHERT for some 

years in the course of his RNZN career. 

LWTR Keri BROOKING: Currently serving. 

Enlisted15 Jan 2003. Qualified for the 

“REGULAR” clasp for this medal on 15 Jan 

2006. Currently serving in Trentham at the 

HR Service centre. 

Mrs Carol green (rigHt) 

lwt brooking (left) 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

Navy 70 th Anniversary Celebrations 

29 September – 3 October, Wellington 

9 October in Auckland 

From 29 September – 3 October 2011 eleven ships of the RNZN will assemble at Wellington to celebrate 

the 70th Anniversary of King George VI granting our Naval Forces his royal recognition. 

Events over the weekend will include the changing of the RNZN Queen’s Colours at Parliament, a street 

parade of more than 300 sailors down Lambton Quay, an Anniversary Church Service at the Cathedral of 

St Paul and, open days onboard ships berthed at Lambton Harbour. 

The celebrations will culminate with a Fleet Review on Monday 3 October when the fleet will anchor in 

Wellington Harbour and His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand will review the ships from 

onboard HMNZS Resolution. 

Veterans who wish to attend the following events are invited to contact Navy Events to register your 

interest. Email: navyeventsteam@nzdf.mil.nz or phone (09) 4455795 

• Changing of the Queens Colour Ceremony 

• Anniversary Church Service in Wellington 

• Private tour of HMNZ Ships berthed in Wellington 

• Anniversary Church Service and laying up of the old Queens Colour in Auckland 

Navy 70 th aNNiversary Programme 

SEVENTY YEARS 

1941 ~ 2011 

wednesday 28th september Fleet concentration begins off Wellington. Fleet exercises and manoeuvres. 

thursday 29th september Frigates, naval Support Force and Off Shore patrol Vessels arrive in Wellington. 

friday 30th september inshore patrol Vessels arrive in Wellington. 

saturday 1st october 1000 – 1200, Changing of the Queen’s Colour, parliament grounds. 

1200 – 1230, Street parade on lambton Quay, parliament to Civic Square. 

1000 – 1600, Ships open to visitors, Queen’s Wharf and taranaki Street terminal 

sunday 2nd october 1000 – Wreath laying, national War Memorial. 

1100 – 1500, Ships Open to Visitors, Queen’s Wharf and taranaki Street terminal. 

1400 – 1600, rnZn anniversary Church Service, Cathedral of St pauls. afternoon tea 

and ceremonial cake cutting on completion. 

Monday 3rd october Fleet proceeds to anchor in Harbour, off the interislander Berth. 

1300 – 1700 Fleet review, His excellency the governor general and Vip’s 

embarked in HMnZS reSOlUtiOn. 

1700 - Ships begin to depart Wellington. 

sunday 9th october 1000 - anniversary Church Service incorporating laying up of the old Queens Colour in the naval 

Chapel of St Christopher’s, devonport naval Base. 


FLEET PROGRESS 

HMNZSmanawanUi 

By ltCdr WireMU leeF, rnZn 

At times it’s very interesting being in command 

of the Navy’s oldest ship. 

Sitting back watching the rest of the fleet 

with their shiny hulls, bristling array of sensors 

and big guns could drive a man to envy of 

his fellow Captains; however there is lot 

about MANAWANUI that makes her just as 

interesting. 

To begin with, MANAWANUI is the current 

holder of the Chatham Rose Bowl and happily 

flies the RNZN Efficiency Pennant as well. Not 

bad I thought for a ship that, let’s be honest, not 

many of you have really wanted to post to. It is 

certainly a good feeling being able to say ‘we 

are the best ship in the fleet’ (well at least for 

another few months anyway). In saying this, my 

hat must come off in acknowledging the efforts 

of the current and previous ship’s company in 

achieving this, and in continuing to maintain 

these very professional standards. 

Being CO of MANAWANUI I’ve come to 

appreciate that speed isn’t everything. Now 

while I could brag about achieving 12.4 knots 

recently (we have an ECPINS screen capture to 

prove it), it was with the wind and tide assisting 

so I’m not sure if I could really claim that we 


are faster than RESOLUTION, and we certainly 

can’t achieve 17 knots on a single engine like 

an OPV. 

Although we don’t have speed, we do have an 

engineering plant built like a brick sh… house, 

and because of this we are able to keep things 

ticking along with a bit of elbow grease and 

an oily rag. It also makes an ideal platform for 

engineering training, which we have been able 

to offer up to numerous OMT’s stuck at NPRC 

over the last 12 months. It is a good feeling 

seeing many of the sailors who are stuck ashore 

enjoying time at sea. 

For MANAWANUI, there are only three key 

systems that really count, the decompression 

chamber, the dive bell and the mooring 

system. For those of you who weren’t aware, 

MANAWANUI has four anchors (two forward 

and two aft), which are an integral part of our 

arsenal. They are certainly handy when you are 

asked to anchor directly over a wreck for the 

ODT. There is also the added value of actually 

being able to remain at anchor when things get 

a little rough. Not even 80 knots of wind (that’s 

what the anemometer said) is enough to make 

this old girl budge when she doesn’t want to 

go anywhere. 

Having the people to use the systems is 

sunset in tHe Hauraki gulf 

one of my key concerns. We have spent a 

significant amount of time working with the ODT 

and Dive School which has been great. From 

an operational perspective this relationship has 

grown considerably and we have continued 

to look at ways of improving how the divers 

integrate into the ship. One of the challenges 

we face is bunk space, which we don’t have. 

It isn’t uncommon to have people on stretchers 

so that we can maximise training and tasking 

while we are at sea. But in the end, that’s our 

job and I reckon we support the divers pretty 

well, as long as those crayfish continue to find 

their way to my fridge. 

Finally one thing I noticed about this ship is 

that once you get here, it doesn’t take long 

until you love it. Yes she is slow, old, cramped 

and doesn’t have those sleek sports car lines 

like the newer ships, but she’s got it where it 

counts and she certainly has far more character 

than many of her newer sister ships. The fact 

that the crew see the ‘E Pennant’ flying from 

their mast every day reinforces this and instils 

that sense of pride in ‘their’ ship. We do the 

yards when we need to but we also enjoy it and 

have fun which is really important. It has been 

an interesting 18 months, and I would not have 

wished it any other way. 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

seasprite 04 seen durinHg 

a winCHex witH a Volunteer 

froM Manawanui 



HMNZSHawea 

By lt Matt kalO 

In early May HAWEA set sail for her home port, 

Westport, on the first leg of a circumnavigation 

of New Zealand while undertaking a multiagency 

patrol of our coastline. During 

our four week patrol we visited Tauranga, 

Westport, Milford Sound, Stewart Island, 

Dunedin, the Marlborough Sounds and Napier 

before returning to Devonport Naval Base via 

the West Coast of the North Island. 

First port of call was Westport. After watching 

documentaries of how to enter over the bar into 

Westport in rough weather it was a pleasant 

surprise to find that it was a calm day as we 

were guided in by dolphins. From there it was 

on to Milford Sound. The wind was blowing 

more than 60 knots and the sea was very rough. 

Inside the Sounds it was clear as glass. The 

RHIB Cox’n’s took advantage of the weather 

to practise their approaches and teach the 

OOW’s the ways of the Force. From waterfalls 

to dolphins, it was so serene; shoaling of more 

than 20 metres was visible from the surface. 

From Milford we battled six metre waves 

before entering Precipice Cove, a challenging 

anchorage that was not well charted. Later, 

in the open sea the ship was rolling heavily 

and surfing the waves, making good 32 knots 


before taking shelter in Patterson Inlet, Stewart 

Island. The wind whipped over the terrain and 

within half an hour of anchoring we experienced 

a fast drag, followed by a one nautical mile 

racetrack. 

Once the weather had calmed slightly, we 

forged on up the coast to Dunedin. It was 

not so rough on the East Coast, giving the 

crew a chance to practice breakdowns and 

drills. With the weather improving HAWEA set 

sail for Napier, stopping in the Marlborough 

Sounds for pilotage training and aiding MFish 

in distribution of information on the new blue 

cod fishing regulations. 

HAWEA rendezvoused with HMNZS 

WELLINGTON off the coast of Napier to 

conduct screenplay and a formation entry. 

After embarking sea-riders, customs and 

fisheries officers over the weekend; HAWEA 

headed back down through the Cook Straight 

and up the West Coast on a fisheries tasking, 

boarding several fishing vessels as we transited 

to Devonport. 

June began with OOWMANs with HMNZS 

OTAGO in the Hauraki Gulf, where SLT Smith 

executed a tiddly manoeuvre from ahead 

to astern. By mid week we were calculating 

barely a ripple on tHe water, 

Hawea, Milford sound. 

helicopter approach courses and providing 

distraction training for three Iroquois and a 

Seasprite, practicing VERTREP and winching. 

Thursday night we embarked JOCT who had 

been completing their final assessments, and 

put them in a life raft for the evening. 

The end of June saw HAWEA off Great 

Barrier Island assisting with Exercise Trident 

Warrior, a test of civilian communications. 

While anchored off GBI we had the pleasure 

of hosting the Chief of Navy before returning 

to Devonport to conduct harbour training and 

maintenance. 

HaWea preparing tO laUnCH a rHiB tO 

BOard a COMMerCial VeSSel. 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

nor’west wind Hits Hawea, 

patterson inlet, stewart island. 

lCH andrew denCH (left) and lMt(p) daniel tHoMpson lay a 

wreatH at tHe entranCe road to pike riVer Coal Mine. 

Pickersgill Harbour re-located! 

by Richard Jackson (ex-Editor) 

Several alert readers noticed that TAUPO's report in NT 161 June referred 

to Pickersgill Harbour in 'Doubtful Sound.' Of course TAUPO knew they 

were at the time, in Dusky Sound; it was the Editor who introduced the 

error. the staff at GIO produced the attached map; the national Maritime 

Museum provided this image of William Hodges' painting, and I now know 

the difference between Dusky and Doubtful sounds. 

australian 

Junior 

offiCers in 

HMnZs pukaki 

By Midn C.S. lOngMOre, rOyal aUStralian naVy 

SLT Bowman Trezise, RAN and I flew to New Zealand on 30 

May 2011 to join LT Alex Hansen’s warship HMNZS PUKAKI 

to experience life in the RNZN and further our Phase III warfare 

training. 

From the outset we were made to feel really welcome by 

the Officers and Crew, and we eagerly anticipated our first 

voyage. 

Our first deployment was two weeks on the North Island’s 

East Coast in support of the NZ Customs Service. It was a 

great opportunity to see how IPVs operate with other agencies, 

given the similarities with our vessels in the Border Protection 

Command in Northern Australia. 

Regular liaising with the CO, XO and Navigator made us 

aware of what we needed to improve and what progress we’d 

made, while life onboard an IPV allowed for getting to know 

your oppos quickly. The ship has a good culture with everyone 

having a positive attitude. 

That trip was followed by a PAL week alongside at Devonport 

Naval Base where we used the time to familiarise ourselves 

with the base and Auckland and prepare passage plans and 

pilotages for the next deployment and port visits. 

Our second voyage was south to Wellington focusing on 

Fisheries patrols and associated boardings. Our expected 

performance level was raised, challenging us to find our feet. 

Now part of the team, we immersed ourselves in launching 

and recovering sea boats, pilotages, anchorages, passage 

planning, ECCD’s, ship handling and routines. Throughout the 

period we put into practice the skills taught in theory and the 

bridge simulator at home. 

The IPV is a perfect deployment and training environment for 

junior officers and junior sailors. 

There are minor differences between operations in the RAN 

and RNZN and both Officers and crew were incredibly helpful 

in guiding us. Pronouncing geographic and Maori names has 

provided a regular source of amusement for our shipmates 

and with the upcoming Rugby World Cup there is plenty of 

friendly banter. 

The first four weeks have been enjoyable and bode well for 

the weeks to come as we adapt to life in the RNZN with our 

trans-tasman neighbours. 



HMNZSweLLinGtOn 

lt wHite flying tHe Canadian flag witH sHaCkleton’s 

Hut and HMnZs wellington in tHe baCkground. 

sub-Zero 100 days at sea, 

Life with the rnZn 

lt(n) patriCk WHite (Canadian naVy) 

Island and Fjordland, we became involved in Operation Deep Sea, 

As my time in New Zealand comes to an end, I thought it would be escorting survey ships and enabling boardings by the Armed Offenders 

prudent to reflect on a few highlights of my exchange. It’s been an honour Squad from HMNZS TAUPO, which showed off the capability of the 

to serve under some truly exceptional Commanding Officers and along IPV. 

side the outstanding sailors of the RNZN. 

I was in HMNZS OTAGO for its deployment to the Pacific Islands; 

The Southern Ocean and Cold Weather trials onboard HMNZS visiting the Kermadec Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Tokelau, the Cook 

WELLINGTON will remain a momentous occasion for me both Islands and Niue. Along with initiating me to the world of ‘Uckers’ that 

professionally and personally. Coupled with the historic landings made proved a remarkable trip, with great weather, and more than one or two 

at Cape Royds and the fact that in six months I’d been furthest North a outstanding runs ashore! 

Canadian Navy ship had travelled in modern history to the furthest south My time in New Zealand is coming to a close and as I write, onboard 

a RNZN ship had ever sailed, made up for the loss of two consecutive “The best little warship in the navy”, I’m reflecting not only on the places 

summers to sub zero temperatures! 

I have been, but on the people of the RNZN. It’s been an honour to have 

I also joined HMNZS TAUPO for a South Island fisheries patrol. After been a part of the Royal New Zealand Navy and I thank everyone who 

three weeks of boardings and truly exceptional scenery around Stewart made this a truly remarkable experience. 


WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

CHief of naVy 

CoMMendation 

HMNZS WELLINGTON arrived in Devonport Antarctic waters. This included actively sea trials and the exploration of the lower 

after her delivery voyage in June 2010 and pursuing the acquisition of essential cold Ross Sea in a safe and measured manner in 

deployed to Antarctica for Southern Ocean weather safety and survival equipment and order to release the RNZN’s Antarctic Patrol 

trials eight months later. As this was the first the completion of key survival training. It also capability. This success was due to the precise 

deployment of an RNZN vessel into Antarctic required careful liaison with other government and detailed planning and execution of well- 

waters in 40 years, almost all procedures agencies, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs developed procedures. The ship was well led 

and processes had to be developed from and Trade, Antarctic New Zealand, and the and managed, and all onboard exemplified 

scratch. The detailed planning and preparation Antarctic Heritage Trust, to determine and the RNZN’s core values. For this courage, 

executed by WELLINGTON’s management complete all pre-deployment requirements. enthusiasm, resilience and professionalism 

team ensured the ship was ready for the cold In a short period of time the ship and its during the Southern Ocean deployment, 

and extreme weather conditions expected in company experienced the best and the worst in an extreme and testing environment, 

the lower Southern Ocean and the Ross Sea. of conditions in this beautiful, yet remote and WELLINGTON’s ship’s company is to be 

Each department effectively and efficiently wild, part of the world. This also included a commended. 

researched and implemented cold and extreme testing period during which the ship responded 

weather requirements. 

to a distress call to search for the Norwegian 

Attention to detail during the planning phase 

ensured that the RNZN and the ship met 

yacht, Berserk, in McMurdo Sound, requiring 

significant courage, patience and effort in 

aboVe: CHieF OF naVy, ra tOny parr 

MVO, preSentS ltCdr SiMOn griFFitHS 

WitH a CHieF OF naVy COMMendatiOn 

International Maritime Organisation guidelines extreme weather conditions. 

FOr tHe SHip’S inaUgUral deplOyMent 

and national requirements for operating in WELLINGTON completed the Antarctic tO antarCtiC WaterS. 



HMNZScanterBUry 

brisbane 

dry doCking 

B y l M t ( l ) r O B e r t S O n a n d a M t ( l ) ship for the arrival to the dry dock in Brisbane. 

graHaM 

This required a whole ship wash down and a 

Over the last month HMNZS CANTERBURY lot of cleaning to be done to pass Australian 

has been undertaking our first docking period in customs inspections. The next day was an early 

the FORGACS dry dock in Brisbane. It has been start with SSD closing up in the early hours of 

a hectic time for the ship with the workload the morning for a gruelling six hour trip up the 

increasing and crew numbers dropping. Brisbane River. 

To begin with it appeared that CANTERBURY Once we had berthed alongside at FORGACS 

didn’t want to go into dock with a turbo failure it was time for us to ditch gash and have the 

on our STBD main engine forcing us back Australian customs carry out their inspections. 

to Auckland for repairs and then an injector When we finally secured for the day we uplifted 

blockage when we got back to sea. But after the keys for our accommodation and got 

some serious man hours on the turbo, and settled in as another long day lay ahead for us 

then some awesome work on the injectors by the next day. Another early start and we were 

the Marine Engineers, in fairly tough working into it, from tagging out the majority of ships 

conditions, the issues were sorted. 

systems to assisting with getting a generator 

Our focus then changed to prepping the onboard to run the ships electricity while in 


dock, and just in general getting CANTERBURY 

ready to lower down onto the blocks of the 

dock bottom. 

Now with the ship in place, it gave us all a 

chance to inspect and have a good look at and 

around the ships hull. It was a good learning 

experience and a chance to grasp the true 

size of HMNZS CANTERURY when standing 

underneath the ships bottom. 

Over the dry docking period a number of 

major key jobs were carried out, not just by 

the Ships Company but the dockyard workers. 

Everything from a smooth hull and new paint 

job, to pulling the shafts, rudders and props, 

to changing the underwater valves and a lot of 

other valve maintenance. Also tanks and voids 

had to be opened and inspected and cleaned. 

A lot of hours were put in by the engineering 

department working six days a week and some 

late nights to make up on any lost time. 

The Ships Company were also very lucky 

because it was a big sporting month in 

Brisbane. A lot of Ships Company attended 

the semi final of the Blues vs Reds and were 

there for the rugby final with Crusaders taking 

on the Reds, which was a good night despite 

the Crusaders going down. Also some of the 

senior rates and officers were lucky enough to 

get tickets for the 3rd and final State of Origin 

game. The rest of Ships Company had a 

great time outside the stadium soaking up the 

atmosphere with some very excited locals. 

While alongside in Brisbane the ships 

company that remained with the ship were 

accommodated at the Econolodge in Kangaroo 

point approximately 7km from the dockyard. 

The standard of the accommodation was top 

notch and with our scran being prepared at 

the Pineapple Hotel and bar across the road 

from the accommodation its fair to say that 

some good times were had by all and that we 

were all thankful to be able to get away from 

the dock and the insane heat onboard from 

no ventilation. 

As a whole the trip has been hard work but we 

all managed to make the most of our down time 

and after a successful maintenance period we 

are sure most of us were ready to come home 

and get the next maintenance period out of the 

way and get back to sea. 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

HMNZSenDeavOUr 

the last month has been a busy period 

for endeaVOUr. Between rebuilding 

the main engine, completing SatS, 

crossing a very angry tasman Sea and 

fuelling in Sydney, end and her crew 

have performed exceptionally well after 

such a lengthy period alongside. 

END was to have accompanied TE MANA 

and TE KAHA on their deployment to Singapore 

and Asia. The deployment was cancelled 

when a problem with excessive oil burn in 

the main engine was linked to the lacquering 

of the cylinders. In early June, BFL and END 

engineers began the arduous process of 

piecing back the main engine from the various 

components both onboard and ashore. After 

a lot of dedicated work the big day came and 

with a cough and a splutter the old girl burst 

into life. In the final weeks of June END sailed 

for SATS and after two days at sea conducting 

trial after trial and a long engine run-in, both the 

ship’s engineering department and elements 

ashore were happy that END would be up to 

the work ahead of her. 

END slipped silently from Calliope South at 

2000 on 26 June and began the passage to 

Sydney. The meteorological reports warned of 

large seas and strong winds mid-Tasman and 

little did we know that two days later the ship 

and its Company would be battling stormy 

seas and 35 knot winds. The wind was not 

the issue but the high swell that had built 

from the Southern Ocean caused the most 

significant upheaval. Sometime during the 

endeaVour’s Crew perforM a 

Haka for te Mana on rendeZVous 

in tHe bisMarCk sea. 

night of 28 June the ship was hit with a large 

swell resulting in a roll of 40º. Items strapped 

down broke free and while some cabins looked 

a little worse for wear the following morning, 

it was the hangar which took the biggest hit 

– rowing machines, weights, bikes, benches 

which were all previously secured had been 

flung around like rag dolls. It was so pleasing 

to push through the storm to calmer water and 

the bright lights of Sydney. 

A period of fine sunny weather bathed 

the city during the visit which provided the 

Ship’s Company a good break to rest and 

re-energise after the Tasman crossing. But, 

before we departed Sydney, there was some 

fuel to uplift first – the reason END had to be in 

Australia. END transited the short distance to 

Chowder Bay Naval Fuel Installation to embark 

low sulphur diesel for the main engine. With 

te Mana breaks away froM endeaVour 

following rendeZVous in tHe bisMarCk sea. 

fuelling complete and after one more day to 

enjoy the northern suburbs of Sydney, it was 

time to sail again and begin the passage to 

Madang, a coastal city of North-West Papua 

New Guinea. 

At the time of writing, we have four and a half 

days to travel and the seas are calm with fair 

skies. Ship’s Company have been conducting 

RASEX’s to ensure that the ship is ready in all 

respects to conduct RAS serials with HMNZS 

TE MANA, upon sailing from Madang. The 

exercises have been ongoing during the 

transit north, and have been an excellent 

demonstration of a whole ship evolution – every 

member of the crew taking an important role 

during the serial. With a little more practice 

and the old END spirit, the ship will meet 

TE MANA ready in all respects to conduct the 

first RAS of the year. 


new defenCe reCruiting 

organisation 

a neW deFenCe reCrUiting OrganiSatiOn WaS laUnCHed On 1 JUly, and WitH it 

a neW reCrUiting WeBSite: WWW.deFenCeCareerS.Mil.nZ. 

“We now have a single organisation 

using a modern approach to attracting 

and engaging with potential recruits,” 

says Director of Strategic Recruiting, 

Commander Nigel Philpott. 

“We’ve taken the best from five separate 

organisations (three Services, Civilian and 

Reserve recruiting) and built a cutting-edge 

online system that improves the way candidates 

are managed. The new online system also 

automates the previous manual process and 

thereby delivers better service while costing $3 

million less to run. 

“A key benefit of the new online recruiting 

system is that it frees the military recruiting 

field force from administrative work so they 

can better engage with schools, the community 

and target audiences. Candidates will be more 

objectively assessed and better managed by a 

single contact person from application through 

to attestation. This personalised approach will 

provide a better and more informed experience 

for candidates and reduce the current high rate 

of attrition from the recruiting process.” 

In addition to the new online system a sevenstrong 

Specialist Recruit Cell has been created 

with the task of finding innovative ways to 

attract hard-to-get professions and trades such 

as engineers, pilots, technicians and medics. 

The strategy will also mean a new focus on 

reaching a younger audience through TV and 

online media. 

“By engaging with people at a younger age 

we can build a known talent pool, ensure they 

take the right subjects at school and drive up 

candidate quality,” says CDR Philpott. 

A new youth TV series, Operation Hero, is 

scheduled to air on TV2 in August and will 

provide “a window into our world”. A youth 

focused website operationHQ.co.nz has also 

been established. 


if yoU know soMeone interested in joining any of the 

services, teLL theM to visit www.defencecareers.MiL.nZ 

or phone 08001force to start their joUrney towards a 

career Less ordinary. 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

“when i grow 

i want to be 

a navy saiLor” 

Tena koutou katoa 

He honore he kororia 

Ki te atua he maungarongo 

Ki te whenua. 

He whakaaro pai ki nga tangata katoa 

E nga mana e nga reo 

Raurangatira ma 

No reira tena koutou 

Tena koutou tena koutou katoa. 

Ko Xavier Jordan toku ingoa 

No Matihetihe ahau. 

Hi my name is Xavier and welcome to my 

interesting world. Have you ever thought about 

what you would like to be when you grow 

up? Well when I grow up I want to be a NAVY 

SAILOR just like my Aunty Jojo. 

I want to be able to wear the uniform with 

mana (pride) and protect the seas of Aotearoa. 

Aunty Jojo says I need to be physically fit. That 

means I have to be able to run and exercise 

without getting tired. I think I could practice 

now by running like the wind along my beach 

in Mitimiti. Judging by my big muscles I think 

I can do that. 

I also have to be mentally fit. This means I 

have to be able to remember things I am told 

to do. When I feel like my body is getting tired, 

I need to be able to motivate myself to work 

even harder. 

Even though I’m only eight years old I can 

still set goals to help me get prepared for the 

Navy now. 

Inspired by his Aunt Jojo (Able Stores 

Accountant Jourdan Tatana-Campbell), 

eight year old Xavier Jordan presented 

the following speech to other students at 

a Career Goals seminar for young people 

in North Hokianga in June. Representing 

Matihetihe School at the competition, 

Xavier’s speech came 3rd in Year 1-5 

English section. He dedicated his speech 

to his god father Sonny Swaanenbeck, 

who recently passed away. 

I LOVE TO READ AND WRITE! I know that 

reading lots of books now will help me to read 

instructions and manuals to see how different 

things work. 

Knowing how to count and work with 

numbers will also help me to be able to navigate 

along the ocean and solve lots of different 

problems. 

Courage, commitment, comradeship are the 

values that the Royal New Zealand Navy live by. 

I know I am brave, I know I can work hard and I 

definitely know how to work with others. 

A NAVY Sailor - that’s what I want to be when 

I grow up. 

i know i am bRave, i know i Can woRk haRD anD 

i Definitely know how to woRk with otheRs. 

Careers 


naVal Heritage 

BOOk reVieW 

nortH sea warrior and, 

a war by stealtH 

by gerry wright 

The stories of two naval heroes - Lieutenant 

Commander Jim Macdonald DSO DSC**Mid(2) 

RNZNVR and Lieutenant Walter Drake DSC RNZNVR 

reVieWed By riCHard JaCkSOn 

The wartime stories of New Zealand’s naval 

heroes are not often told, and yet they are 

central to our history. Two books have recently 

been published by Gerry Wright that will go a 

long way towards correcting this imbalance. 

These stories profile the heroic roles of two New 

Zealanders who played key roles in the Royal 

Navy during a time of real need. 

North Sea Warrior tells the story of Lieutenant 

Commander Jim Macdonald who was New 

Zealand’s most highly decorated naval officer 

of World War II. A War by Stealth profiles 

Lieutenant Wally Drake who may have sunk 

more enemy ships than any other New 

Zealander in World War II, and did so without 

firing a shot in anger. 

In Coastal Forces Jim Macdonald commanded 

Motor Torpedo Boats, and soon earned a 

reputation as a daring and innovative officer. As 

a Sub-Lieutenant and Second-in-Command of 

MTB31 he was awarded his first Distinguished 

Service Cross (DSC) in March 1942. When the 

ship was attacked by three German E-boats 

and set on fire, he not only fought the fires, but 

dived overboard to save the life of the Chief 

Motor Mechanic, and also helped in the salvage 

of the ship. He was also the youngest man to 

command one of the King’s fighting ships. 

Later, in Command of MTB241 he fought 

nine actions in four months and was awarded 

a Bar to his DSC. In September 1943 he was 

promoted to Lieutenant, and at the age of 22 

became the youngest officer to command a 

flotilla of MTBs. Jim Macdonald was awarded 

a second Bar to his DSC in July 1944 for his 

performance in two actions, and in seven 

successful mine-laying operations. As Flotilla 

Leader, when his own ship was sunk he 

transferred to another and continued the 

action. 

In July 1944 he attempted to sink a heavily 


armed German transport with three MTBs until 

it made safety of the harbour. While returning to 

his base, he discovered a second convoy and 

pressed home a successful attack, despite the 

risk of enemy air attack during broad daylight. 

He was awarded the Distinguished Service 

Order (DSO) for this action. He was twice 

mentioned in despatches and as one of the 

most highly decorated New Zealanders of the 

war Jim Macdonald was regarded as an “Ace” 

of Coastal Forces. 

Another notable New Zealander operating in 

coastal waters during the War was Walter Drake. 

As First Lieutenant, and later Commanding 

Officer of Motor Launch 106 and finally senior 

officer of the 51st ML Flotilla, Lieutenant Walter 

Charles Drake, DSC, RNZNVR took part in 

thirty four successful mine-laying operations in 

enemy waters off the Dutch coast in the North 

Sea. He was awarded a Distinguished Service 

Cross (DSC) in July 1944. 

Not many went to war with instructions from 

‘On High’ requiring that on meeting the enemy 

to ‘retire behind smoke and try again on the 

following nights until you are successful’. As 

well as minelaying, Wally’s contribution included 

the development of navigation aids to assist 

navigation in the difficult coastal waters off 

Europe. His last significant operation was to 

navigate the invasion force into Walcheren to 

open the entrance to Antwerp. In this operation 

involving Canadians and Royal Marines the 

British suffered over 12,000 casualties. 

About 7000 New Zealand officers and ratings 

served with the Royal Navy during World War II. 

New Zealand had the manpower but few ships, 

while Britain had ships with limited manpower. 

New Zealanders saw active service in ships of 

every type of ship from battleships and aircraftcarriers 

to submarines, motor-launches, and 

landing craft, and in every sea from Spitzbergen 

in the Arctic to the shores of Japan. 

New Zealand is a small and young nation 

with a well researched and documented naval 

history. These two new books – A War by 

Stealth and North Sea Warrior will go a long way 

towards providing long overdue recognition for 

the stories of two of our naval heroes. 

Copies of Gerry Wright’s books are available direct from the author (gerrywright@xtra.co.nz), the Navy 

Museum or bookshops. 

North Sea Warrior - $30.00 plus $5.00 P&P within NZ ISBN 978-0-473-16744-8 

A War by Stealth - $25.00 plus $5.00 within NZ ISBN 978-0-473-14851-5 

Salty Dits - $30.00 plus $5.00 P&P within NZ ISBN 978-0-473-17905-2 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

distant 

reLatives 

of Q-ship 

heroes Meet 

at navy 

MUseUM 

Lieutenant Commander William Sanders is 

one of New Zealand’s naval heroes. His actions 

as commander of a ‘Q-Ship’ (a naval vessel 

disguised as a harmless merchant ship) during 

World War One earned him a Victoria Cross 

and Distinguished Service Order before he was 

killed along with his crew while attempting to 

ambush U-48. 

Recently the grand-nephews of Sanders 

and the radio operator onboard HMS PRIZE, 

Ordinary Telegrapher Thomas Cauldwell, met at 

the Navy Museum in Auckland. Over two days 

Professor John Cauldwell from the University 

of Liverpool and Eric Welsh, a great nephew 

of Saunders visited the North Head forts, War 

Memorial Museum and the many memorials to 

Sanders including Sanders Cresent, O’Neil’s 

Point cemetery, Pewera cemetery, Takapuna 

Primary School gates and Auckland Town 

Hall. 

Sanders’ Victoria Cross is the only VC 

awarded to a New Zealand naval person. It is 

also the only 'Blue' VC awarded to a Southern 

Hemisphere person. 

naVal Heritage 

SANDERS VC 

Lieutenant Commander William Sanders RNR, from Takapuna, was commissioned in the 

Royal Naval Reserve and given command of Q 21, HMS PRIZE. In April 1917 HMS PRIZE 

encountered the German Submarine U 93 and fought what is described as the classic Q 

Ship action. For sinking the U-boat Sanders was awarded the Victoria Cross and promoted 

to Lieutenant Commander. 

Six weeks later, having made good the damage sustained during the action, Sanders and 

his men fought an action very similar to their first, in which HMS PRIZE was badly damaged 

and Sanders wounded. Although the action was unsuccessful, Sanders was awarded the 

Distinguished Service Order. 

Two months later HMS PRIZE had again been repaired and was at sea in search of 

submarines. On 13 August 1917, a submarine was sighted but it submerged without attacking. 

That night HMS PRIZE was hit by a torpedo and lost with all hands. 

iMage: natiOnal War art COlleCtiOn, arCHiVeS nZ 


sport 

lt Cdr Mike Hester refereeing during 

2010 world Cup in soutH afriCa. 

pHoto Courtesy fifa / getty iMages. 

navy referee – 

nZdf outstanding 

sportsperson of 

tHe year 

Lieutenant Commander Mike Hester won the NZDF Outstanding Sportsperson of the Year 

award at the NZDF Sports Awards in June. The award was presented to LTCDR Hester by the 

Chief of Defence Force LTGEN Rhys Jones. 

LTCDR Hester has been a nationally ranked football referee since 2004. He has controlled a 

number of important matches over the past eight years domestically, including two National 

League Finals, a Chatham Cup Final, and the LA Galaxy exhibition matches in 2007 and 2008 

starring former England Captain, David Beckham. 

In June 2010, LTCDR Hester was one of 24 referees from across the world who officiated at 

the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. His appointment to the Greece v South Korea match in Port 

Elizabeth on the second day of the World Cup broke new ground when he became the first ever 

New Zealand referee to control a match at the World Cup. 

LTCDR Hester said he was proud to receive the award from the NZDF. “The Navy not only 

played a significant part in developing skills I have been able to transfer onto the field of play, 

it also provided me with the opportunity to balance rewarding Navy roles while participating in 

elite sport.” 

Presenting the awards Chief of Defence Force LTGEN Rhys Jones said of all recipients, “For 

our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women, representing their Service is a highlight of their 

sporting career. When an NZDF team is chosen, it is a tribute to our personnel how quickly the 

inter-Service rivalry is forgotten and we truly become one Force. “ 

INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE RUGBY 

COMPETITION COMING SOON 


Defence Force Rugby Teams from around 

the world will converge on Australia and 

New Zealand in October for the International 

Defence Rugby Competition. The 12- team 

competition will run from 1 – 22 October, with 

pool games being played in Australia, and finals 

rounds in New Zealand. 

Teams representing the Royal Navy, British 

Army, Royal Air Force, United States, France, 

South Africa, Papua New Guinea, Australia 

and New Zealand are confirmed to participate, 

with entries from China, Ireland and Samoa 

also possible. 

During the finals round teams will be hosted 

at Devonport Naval Base, and matches will 

be played to coincide with the Rugby World 

Cup finals. The competition aims to develop 

relationships between the Defence Forces and 

foster the values of teamwork and co-operation 

that are essential on the sports field and in 

delivering on operations. 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

te Mana wins aQUa-footbaLL in port bLair 

During her visit to Port Blair in the Andaman 

and Nicobar Islands HMNZS TE MANA’s 

football team roused themselves bright and 

early (0630 kick-off to be exact) to play against 

INS GULDAR, an amphibious support vessel 

at the Indian Naval Base. 

The game was played following an early 

morning downpour and can only be compared 

to playing in an Olympic-sized paddling pool, 

with water levels varying from an inch to a 

foot deep in places. The game was hard 

fought and both sides struggled with the wet 

conditions where any form of skill was removed 

and replaced with the luck of the skid, bounce 

or stop of the ball, depending how it hit the 

puddle. 

The hosts were 1-0 up early. TEM then 

conceded another goal, but scored two of 

her own to go into half time at 2-2. The game 

looked to continue this way until a goal box 

scramble resulted in a late goal to take TEM 3-2 

up. Some impressive saves by goal keeper LMT 

Mathew Sara kept TEM ahead for the win. 

naVy interserViCes rugby 

league CHaMpions for 2011 

The RNZN INTERSERVICES RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM have won the 2011 Interservices 

Rugby League Tournament for an unprecedented third year in a row. Thanks must 

go to the Coaching and Management staff as well as those that participated in the 

training camps in the lead up to this year’s campaign. Navy Rugby league has never 

been stronger and we look forward to hosting at Ngataringa in 2012. 

sport 


Main notiCe board 

royal new Zealand naVal assoCiation 

north Shore Branch commemorative dinner to celebrate the 

70th anniversary of the rnZn, and annual general Meeting, 

October 1st 2011 

The dinner and AGM will be held at Mozaik Cafe, 61 Constellation Drive, Albany 

at 1900. Early bird special price, book and pay by 01 August $60 per person, 

after 01 August $75 per person. Contact the Secretary, Jill Thompson sec@ 

northshorebranch-rnzna.org.nz, or phone 09 402 6621. Cheques for the dinner 

go to the Acting Treasurer, 78 Lake Road Devonport 0624 or direct debit to 

01 0113 0227527 00 with your name in the particulars field and Dinner in the 

Reference field. 


2012 RNZN cOMMuNicaTOR’s ReuNiON. 

To be held 23 – 25 Mar 2012 in Auckland 

and organised by the RNZN Communication’s Association. 

Further information and registration details are available at 

www.rnzncomms.org or email: treasurer@rnzncomms.org 

reunions 

NO. 3 (auckLaND ciTY) 

squaDRON aiR TRaiNiNG 

cORps 

No 3 Sqn ATC will celebrate its 70th 

Anniversary in September 2011. 

Expressions of interest from excadets 

and officers are sought—we 

are planning an Anniversary Parade 

up Queen Street by the Auckland 

Air Training Corps Wing. Our 70th 

Anniversary Dinner on 10th September 

will be in the new MOTAT Hanger. 

Website, www.3squadron.org.nz, for 

details and a registration form. 

Contact: 

FGOFF Kirsten McKenzie, NZCF 

Executive Officer No. 3 (Auckland City) 

Squadron ATC 

Phone: (09) 6300 280 

Mobile: 021 988 864 

Address: PO Box 44 064, Pt Chevalier, 

Auckland 

HMNZs TaRaNaki ReuNiON 

2011 

50th Anniversary of “The Homecoming” 

New Plymouth, 28 – 30 October 2011 

Contact: 

Reunion 2011 PO Box 3250 

New Plymouth 4341. 

Email: reunion2011@hmnzstaranaki.org 

Rp/sN (aka css) ReuNiON 

2012 

Crowns and above 

Devonport Naval Base 

Queens Birthday Weekend 2012 

Contact: 

CPOCSS (A) Anaru Moa 

Email: opsreunion2012@nzdf.mil.nz 

RNZN eNGiNe ROOM BRaNcH 

ReuNiON 

30 March–2 April 2012, Masterton, 

Contacts: 

Malcolm Harris 

90 Cameron St 

Masterton 

Ph: 06-377-1606 

Dennis R Bell 

Ph 06-370-1901 

Fax: 06-370-1902 

Email: drbell@xtra.co.nz 

RNZN 1/70 iNTake (7TH JaN 

1970) 3RD ReuNiON 

To be held in Hamilton 10 – 12 May 

2013. 

All BCTs from the this intake are 

welcome 

Contacts: 

Wayne Tapsell 

Ph 07 957 5624 or 029 2809 734 

email: wayne.tapsell@customs.govt.nz 

Neil Brimblecombe 

Ph 021 831 872 

Email: neil@kiwibrims.com 

Dave Franks 

Ph 07 8288 612 or 0274 978 925 

Email: davecarol@xtra.co.nz 

WWW.NAVY.MIL.NZ

HMnZs endeaVour from te Mana’s sH2g 

seasprite following rendezvous, bismarck sea.

Operation Calypso - Royal New Zealand Navy

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