Know your Navy
The Royal New Zealand Navy is responsible for the maritime defence of New Zealand and its interests.
Our Vision is “to be the best small-nation Navy in the world,” reflecting the unique nature of our business upon the oceans. Our Mission states the purpose of our navy: “To contribute to the security and prosperity of all New Zealanders through the delivery of versatile, responsive, and effective Maritime Military Capability across the spectrum of operations.”
The current fleet comprises two Anzac-class frigates, HMNZS TE KAHA and HMNZS TE MANA; a fleet replenishment ship (tanker) HMNZS ENDEAVOR; the Multi-Role Ship (amphibious and military sealift) HMNZS CANTERBURY; two Offshore Patrol Vessels, HMNZ Ships OTAGO and WELLINGTON; four Inshore Patrol Vessels HMNZ Ships ROTOITI, HAWEA, PUKAKI and TAUPO and the diving support ship HMNZS MANAWANUI.
The Navy is based at Devonport, Auckland, where the shore establishment HMNZS PHILOMEL is responsible for administration, supply and training support to the sea-going ships. In addition the Naval Dockyard, managed commercially by Babcock (NZ) Ltd, undertakes the necessary maintenance and refitting work for the ships.
The Navy's routine operations stretch across the South Pacific and South East Asian regions, but our roles in international peacekeeping and regional security also mean our ships and naval personnel have served further afield. In 2002, 2003 and 2004 New Zealand has deployed frigates to the Gulf of Oman as part of a multi national task group conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations in the region. Naval personnel have recently served ashore on peacekeeping duties in Afghanistan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Israel and Korea, while naval ships and personnel have also deployed to East Timor in recent years.