HMS New Zealand - Definition and Overview

Two ships of the British Royal Navy have been named HMS New Zealand, after the territory and now country of New Zealand.

• The first New Zealand was a battleship launched in 1904, renamed Zealandia in 1911 to free the name for the new battlecruiser, and sold in 1921

• The second New Zealand was a battlecruiser launched in 1911, in action at Jutland, and sold in 1922.

In addition, a 45,000 ton aircraft carrier to be named New Zealand was cancelled in December 1946 while under construction at Cammell Laird.