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The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) is the navy of New Zealand.
As of 2004, the RNZN consists of three frigates and eight smaller craft. The Chief of Navy is Rear Admiral David Ledson. Ships of the RNZN are referred to as "HMNZS..." ("Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship...").
History
Originally the Royal Navy provided security for the colony, but in 1846 the settlers bought a gunboat. The Waikato Flotilla operated from 1860 to 1865, and at the same time a Naval Artillery Volunteer corps was established to provide harbour defence. In 1884 the government purchased four spar torpedo boats, and starting in 1887 it funded ships of the Australasian Auxiliary Squadron.
Before establishment of the navy, the people of New Zealand paid for the building of HMS New Zealand which was at the Battle of Jutland, and which served the Royal Navy with distinction.
The Naval Defence Act of 1913 formally established the New Zealand Naval Forces, and the RN ship HMS Philomel was the first to be commissioned into it. From 1921 the forces were known as the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, operating two cruisers and a minesweeper.
The light cruiser HMS Achilles saw action at the Battle of the River Plate in 1939, but most New Zealand actions in the Second World War faced the Japanese
The New Zealand Division became the Royal New Zealand Navy when the name was granted by King George VI on 1 October 1941, and by the end of World War II the RNZN had over sixty ships in commission. However, the end of the war saw massive cutbacks.
Current Fleet
- Patrol vessels:
- HMNZS Hinau, inshore patrol craft
- HMNZS Wakakura, inshore patrol craft
- HMNZS Kiwi, inshore patrol craft
- HMNZS Moa, inshore patrol craft
- Mine countermeasures and diving:
- HMNZS Manawanui diving support vessel
- Training:
- HMNZS Kahu, inshore patrol craft
Political Fallout with the USA
Throughout the 1960's through to 1984, the Royal New Zealand Navy operated with SEATO, then ANZUS treaty nations. But since New Zealand forbade Nuclear powered and armed ships from it's territory, the United States has sought to limit military contacts between New Zealand and U.S. Allied nations.
In 1991, The RNZN was celebrating it's fiftieth anniversary. The Royal Navy was intending to send over an aircraft carrier as part of the celebrations, but the United States tried to stop British Participation, citing the anti-nuclear stance of the NZ Government. The British replied that New Zealand had never hesitated to help Britain in time of war and turning down the invitation would be an unforgivable slight to the New Zealand people. However, the Britsh representation was downgraded to a cruiser as a result of the diplomatic spat.
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