Royal New Zealand Navy: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

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 Peter McHaffie. 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.

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 present 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.

NOTE. Before establishment of the navy, the people of New Zealand paid for the building of HMS New Zealand which was Admiral Jellicoe's flagship at the Battle of Jutland and which served the Royal Navy with distinction.

Three frigates:

• HMNZS Te Mana, Anzac class, commissioned 1999
• HMNZS Te Kaha, Anzac class, commissioned 1997
• HMNZS Canterbury, Leander class, commissioned 1971

The remainder comprises four inshore patrol craft, a tanker, a diving support ship, a hydrographic survey ship and a training vessel.