WORK UP EXERCISE TRI CRAB BATTLE OF JUTLAND REMEMBERED

issue 200 June 2016
TE KAHA
WORK UP
EXERCISE
TRI CRAB
BATTLE OF JUTLAND
REMEMBERED
1
Celebrating the 75 th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy

contents NAVY TODAY ISSUE 200 2016
DIRECTORY
Published to inform, inspire and entertain
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Royal New Zealand Navy. Published by
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04
15 31
04 TE KAHA WORK UP
06 TRI CRAB
09 200th issue
12 Battle of Jutland
15 Invictus Games
24 SERVICEMAN REMEMBERED
29 Unconscious Bias
31 Mainland Island Sanctuary
34 Book reviews
cover image:
TE KAHA CREW TRAINING
DURING WORK UP
2

CHIEF OF NAVY
Rear Admiral John Martin
yours aye
As this Navy Today goes to print, I am heading to the United
Kingdom to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle
of Jutland. Our Navy’s links with the battle are largely
symbolic, but our nation’s relationship with the battle is strong.
In 1909, there was growing concern about regional security. In an
empire-wide effort to support the fleet of the Royal Navy, New
Zealand provided funds to build a battlecruiser, or cruisers. The
result was HMS NEW ZEALAND.
HMS NEW ZEALAND toured New Zealand in 1913, and just under
half the population of New Zealand came out to inspect her. In true
Kiwi hospitality, gifts were given to the ship; some can be seen in
the Navy Museum today. One, in particular, a piupiu worn by the
Commanding Officer of NEW ZEALAND, has been loaned to the
National Museum of the Royal Navy, for their exhibition on the
Battle of Jutland.
Within a year of the 1913 visit, NEW ZEALAND would form part of
the Grand Fleet Battle Cruiser squadron. The squadron saw service
throughout the war, participating in the three major sea ‘battles’ –
or, more properly, skirmishes between the British Grand Fleet and
the German High Seas Fleet.
While NEW ZEALAND was a Royal Navy ship with a predominantly
Royal Navy ship’s company, New Zealanders served in her. One was
the commander of X Turret, Lieutenant A D Boyle, RN, from Otaio,
South Canterbury. X Turret suffered a direct hit during the Battle of
Jutland. No-one was killed – testimony, many say, to the spiritual
power of the piupiu, which had been gifted to the ship with the
prophesy that no harm would come to her crew if the captain wore
it in battle. No harm ever did. After the war, NEW ZEALAND visited
New Zealand, with the wartime fleet commander and previous First
Sea Lord, Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Jellicoe. Jellicoe became the
Governor General of New Zealand in 1920, until 1924.
Hundreds of our seafaring men served in the Naval Forces of Great
Britain during World War One and many did not come home.
Instead, many of them served at sea, and they died and were buried
at sea. For their relatives, there are no graveyards to be visited;
seldom are there opportunities to parade with dignitaries and mark
their graves. Instead, they rely on us, just as we rely on those who
follow, to understand the very nature of warfare at sea, and mark
their sacrifice in the waters where they died, a long way from home.
At the Battle of Jutland commemorations, the Warrant Officer
of the Navy and I will have the honour of representing you, and
remembering those New Zealand naval personnel who served in
WWI, in general, and at Jutland, in particular.
For me, serving New Zealand in our Navy is an honour. To serve
with honour is a destination as much as a description of how I will
serve. Serving with honour and living this life as an honourable
person is a key tenet of who I am as a man, a husband and father.
And so, when I meet people who have been treated without honour,
who have been left scarred by those who do not serve honourably
— I ask myself, do I want those who do not act with honour in our
Navy? You see, it’s not about doing things right, it’s about doing
the right things. Recent events suggest that I am right, but it’s not
just founded on a legal basis; it’s all about who we are as people
and as naval personnel. Serving with honour is a hallmark of our
contribution to our nation’s security.
yours aye
3

TE KAHA
achieves
DLOC
4

‘Smashing it’
After an intense seven-week readiness training period (also
known as a ‘work up’), HMNZS TE KAHA successfully
achieved her ‘directed level of capability’ (‘DLOC’) at the
end of May.
“This is a significant achievement for TE KAHA and I congratulate
her crew − not only for the result, but also the attitude with which
they tackled and overcame the challenge. Achieving DLOC means
she is ready and able to deploy for warfare-based operations if
required,” said the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Maritime Component
Commander, Commodore Jim Gilmour.
“One of the requirements of the NZDF is to maintain our combat
capabilities across a range of force elements,” he explained. “In this
case, the workup was for an element of the Naval Combat Force,
and specifically, HMNZS TE KAHA. The crew, under the guidance
and mentoring of the Maritime Operational Evaluation Team
(MOET), demonstrated a thirst for knowledge, a drive for constant
improvement and a warfighting attitude. They are well led at all
levels and are operating as a great team.”
The seven-week workup comprised a series of intense training
periods. These prepared the ship to be able to conduct its core
mission: generic warfare-based operations, and sea-control work.
The ship is tested in areas such as warfare, core maritime skills,
aviation, survivability, defence diplomacy, and C4ISR (command,
control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance).
The work up culminated in a ‘directed readiness evaluation’. This
was conducted by the MOET, who act as mentors early on and then
‘withdraw’ to become assessors. They put the ship through a ‘mini
war’ on 23 and 24 May, to evaluate its capability.
Now that the ship is ready to operate at her directed level of
capability, her next challenge is to achieve ‘task group certification’.
The certification will allow her to participate in the Anzac task
group deploying to Exercise RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) around
Hawaii in July.
By AWT Jesse Maiha
Reflecting on the first three weeks of workup − the
firings, damage control exercises, replenishment at
sea, and everything else that the Maritime Operational
Evaluation Team has thrown our way − we’ve shown that
we’re ready to smash the remaining weeks ahead.
The first week seemed about a month long, with long days
getting the weapons prepped and cleaned to fulfil the
goal of “1,000 rounds out of the barrel of the five”. The
“roar of the war-drum”, so to speak, the thunder of the
biggest gun in New Zealand, has been echoing a lot during
the past couple of weeks. Hearing the empty cartridges
smash against the fo’c’s’le as it was fired has made the early
morning wakeups all that more worth it − no straight guard
rails are left behind!
The damage control teams have been getting a proper
workout, putting every situation to the test. The Standing
Sea Emergency Party definitely get a special mention here,
as, quite simply, they have become better and better as the
days have gone by.
Heading into Defence watches meant a lot more
seamanship evolutions, with the evo team going through
their paces with RAS(L)s, light jackstays, boat transfers,
and the boarding team learning the ropes. These all went
as well as expected; the right people led the way and made
sure everything went the way it should.
The workup period evaluation (WUPE) was a good test.
Overall, it was a pretty successful day, and I’m stoked
we got the tick in the box. The Maritime Operational
Evaluation Team fired everything they had at us and we
took it in our stride, ensuring the enthusiasm was at a high,
and leaving everything on the table. I, for one, am looking
forward to learning more during the next few weeks and
smashing everything that comes our way, while still getting
more and more rounds out of the barrels.
TE KAHA WORK UP
5

Multinational
EOD exercise: ‘gold’
Sailors from the RNZN Littoral Warfare
Unit recently trained alongside troops
from the US, Australian, Canadian
and Singaporean defence forces in the
biennial Exercise TRI CRAB.
Above: ADRs Carlos Mita and Kyran Bennett swimming clear after
placing a disposal charge
The three-week exercise focuses on all aspects of Maritime
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (MEOD) training. It was hosted
by the US Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5,
on the US Naval Base in Guam, during May.
It was a great opportunity to improve ‘interoperability’ amongst a
diverse group of EOD technicians, says Lieutenant Simon Marston.
He led the Clearance Diving Group, of the RNZN’s Littoral Warfare
Unit (LWU). They joined units from the US Navy, US Marine Corps,
US Air Force, US Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air
Force, Royal Canadian Navy, and the Singaporean Navy.
“From an operational and capability perspective, the exercise
was gold,” says LT Marston. “The ability to utilise live, underwater
demolition ranges for both drills and tasks cannot be overstated, and
the chance to work with partner nations who have had considerable
exposure to EOD in a tactical environment allowed us to improve
our techniques and procedures, and take a look at new and
emerging technologies and equipment.”
6 Ex Tri Crab

The aim of TRI CRAB is to strengthen relationships and
interoperability between the participating nations, and to enhance
the participants’ EOD capability.
To achieve this, it focuses on all aspects of EOD tactics, techniques
and procedures, including: Counter Improvised Explosive Device
Disposal (CIEDD); waterborne IEDs; mine countermeasures;
unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war response;
weapons handling; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear
response; clearance diving; and helicopter and small boat insertion
and extraction.
“The greatest benefit of the exercise to the RNZN was the ability to
access maritime ranges and other diverse training facilities, in which
live maritime EOD and demolitions serials could be executed,” says
LT Marston.
The first week consisted of briefs on intelligence, bomb scene
exploitation and case studies, as well as access training on fast rope,
helicopter casting, small boat insertion, rappelling and parachuting.
The second week was a series of US-run training days, concentrating
on every facet of EOD work, including mounted and dismounted,
Maritime Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (MIEDD), helicopterborne
Mine Counter Measures (Pouncer Operations), underwater
demolition serials, underwater improvised explosive device disposal,
suicide boat attack, suicide diver attack, air insertion port clearance
ops, limpet mine disposal, and high-risk port/jetty/hull clearance.
Week three was ‘free play’, with scenarios developed and overseen
by each nation’s ‘White Cell representatives’.
LT Marston says that the exercise was “hugely successful”.
“The team left New Zealand with a determination to contribute and
interact at all levels and were committed to furthering the good
name and reputation of the NZDF. They accomplished this and
more; they constantly impressed with their ‘give it a go’ attitude, and
won over many new friends.
“From a leadership perspective, I am immensely proud to have
been able to lead such a capable team who embraced every facet of
the exercise and will have left a very favourable impression for the
future.”
The exercise first took place in 1996; the participants then were the
US, Australia and Singapore – hence the name ‘Tri’. Crab is the name
of the US EOD insignia.
The exercise runs every two years. On the ‘off’ years, the RNZN
trains with the exercise’s organising unit, US Navy EOD
Mobile Unit 5.
Top Left & Right: PODR Heaslip liaising with US EOD team on task;
conducting a Render Safe Procedure
TRI CRAB
This scenario was based on Maritime Infrastructure
Protection (MIP) overseas during a period of civil unrest.
A diver was challenged by maritime security forces for
accessing a restricted area area. He failed to surrender and was
subsequently shot on the surface before his body sank to the
sea bed. The team were tasked to investigate and recover the
body. The diver was carrying an improvised limpet device which
needed to be rendered safe prior to being remotely lifted and
moved to a safe disposal area, the body being recovered and
processed through the forensic chain.
The team was working hard as the scenarios ran for around five
hours at time in temperatures ranging between 36–40 degrees C.
They are being constantly monitored for fatigue, and fluid levels
were maintained.
Ex Tri Crab
7

RNZN ready for first
command role in RIMPAC
By SLT Kimberley Williams, Flag Aide to CCTF 176
The Rim of the Pacific Exercise, known as RIMPAC, is the world’s
largest international maritime warfare exercise. This year, the
25th RIMPAC, 26 nations will attend the biennial event.
2016 also marks the first year that the RNZN will take a key leadership
position in the exercise, which is hosted by the United States Navy
(USN) Third Fleet.
The Royal New Zealand Navy’s Maritime Component Commander
(MCC), CDRE Jim Gilmour, supported by predominantly New Zealand
staff, will be the ‘Commander Coalition Taskforce 176’ (CTF 176).
CTF 176 is the largest coalition taskforce. The amphibious assault
taskforce comprises 11 ships from six nations, including HMNZS TE
KAHA. Multiple air and land assets, including the US Marine Corps’
3rd Marine Brigade and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well as
a company from the New Zealand Army, who will deploy in HMAS
CANBERRA, will also be under command. This taskforce will be capable
of projecting power in the maritime, littoral and inlands environments
of Hawaii and Southern California.
CTF 176 will be the lead from on-board USS AMERICA, which is the first
of the America-class amphibious assault ships and the newest edition
to the USN. USS AMERICA, commanded by Captain Wayne Baze,
USN, has been in service since 2014, but RIMPAC will be her first major
tasking. With a complement of over 2,700 personnel, there are more
people on USS AMERICA than in the RNZN Regular Force!
The Commander and staff of the USN Expeditionary Strike Group
(ESG) Three will mentor the RNZN team, assisting them with
understanding the USN systems and operations, and passing on their
knowledge of the vast capabilities under their command. ESGs are
self-contained composite forces, held at short notice to deliver effect
anywhere in the world that can be reached by sea. They combine the
capabilities of the surface ships, submarines, and patrol and attack
aircraft, as well as the embarked amphibious Landing Force.
The first planning conferences were held in 2015. This year, there have
been several trips to the US and Canada to plan and train with our
coalition partners, and finalise details. In March, CCTF 176 attended the
commanders’ conference in Victoria, Canada.
Another five CTF 176 staff spent two weeks in the US. There, they
trained with the USN and US Marine Corps, adapting their knowledge
of amphibious warfare to the US procedures, which will be used in
RIMPAC 16.
The RIMPAC team’s most recent trip was to the final planning
conference and staff exercise in San Diego, in April. After a hectic week
finalising the day-by-day plans for the entire amphibious taskforce, the
RIMPAC staff undertook a week of scenario-based practical command
training, simulating operational events that are likely to occur during
the exercise, or during real-world operations. During the week, threat
levels increased and the team used the assets on USS AMERICA and
the entire amphibious taskforce to control the developing situation.
The week culminated in air and sea landings, to take back a town from
insurgents, who had gained control and were using it as a base, whilst
at the same time warding off threats from enemy ships, patrol boats
and aircraft. CDRE Gilmour proclaimed New Zealand as the winners of
the exercise!
CTF 176 staff will be deployed in USS AMERICA for the execution
of the exercise, from June until August. After months of planning,
the staffs are eagerly anticipating joining USS AMERICA in San
Diego for the transit to Hawaii in mid-June. Stay tuned for exciting
developments, as we get closer to the execution of RIMPAC 16.
Above: During a visit to San Diego for the final planning conference, the
MCC toured USS AMERICA, escorted by the Commanding Officer, CAPT
Baze. Presented with a USS AMERICA ship’s cap, CCTF 176 is prepared to
take command.
Top of page: USS AMERICA
8 RIMPAC PREP

Navy Today
milestone
200
By former editor, CDR Richard Jackson RNZN (Rtd)
The first issue of Navy Today was printed in June 1996, under the editorship of
Jo Bunce, then the Navy’s corporate relations manager. It was a thin magazine –
just 12 pages, with a limited print run of 5000 – but was an immediate hit.
Twenty years ago, the Ministry of Defence produced a quarterly
magazine aimed at defence commentators and government
officials: Defence Quarterly. The RNZN also had its own
periodical, Navy News, which had originated in the 1970s. Navy News
depended on advertising support, and its commercial publisher
would occasionally delay production until sufficient advertising had
been sold. So it soon developed a reputation for being out of date.
In 1996, the technology of communication had yet to explode into
all the channels that are available today. The then Chief of Navy,
Rear Admiral Jack Welch, saw the need for a reliable, up-to-date and
authoritative magazine that would present the Navy’s wide-ranging
activities to the public and to others in Government. Jo Bunce, with
his extensive marketing credentials, developed the idea into tangible
form, and designer Liz Bridgeman created a lively looking magazine.
Back then, the only digital aspect was word processing; photographs
came as hard-copy prints and the printing process depended on
Navy Today – milestone 200
9

Navy Today – milestone 200
filmwork and plates. While Jo oversaw the editorial process and
inspired the ships and units within the Navy to contribute, Liz
oversaw the production. Jo ensured the magazine covered the recent
activities of our ships, and also reflected the Navy’s interaction with
New Zealand communities, as well as the wider naval profession
– through book reviews, history pieces, and commentary on the
international maritime scene.
Navy Today’s success was reflected in an increasing print run and
many requests to get onto the mailing list. Our sailors’ proud
mums and dads wanted their own copies, as did our naval attachés,
who saw the magazine as a useful entrée to the naval staffs of their
host nations.
The completion and delivery of our new Anzac frigates ensured
a wide public interest in the Navy’s activities; by the turn of the
century, Jo had an increasing workload with wider corporate relations
activities. In 2001, he handed over the editor’s role to me: as a former
naval officer, I have a deep interest in our Navy’s history and culture.
For me, it was the perfect job, allowing me to be in close email
contact with our Navy’s people, in ships, shore bases or overseas.
At the same time, the evolution of digital imagery meant that
photographs could be taken in, for example, the Persian Gulf or the
Ross Sea and be sent to my computer the same day.
In 2002, the talented Sarah Courtney joined Naval Staff and became
the magazine’s designer. Her input was vital to Navy Today’s impact
10
Navy Today – milestone 200

ISSUE 200 JUNE 2016
TE KAHA
EXERCISE
BATTLE OF JUTLAND
WORK UP TRI CRAB
REMEMBERED
1
CELEBRATING THE 75 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY
Navy Today – milestone 200
as a professional journal. The Navy itself was fully engaged with
ongoing operational deployments – both at sea and ashore – while
Project Protector meant that the Navy’s management and technical
expertise was in demand. Each Chief of Navy fully supported Navy
Today, seeing it as a valuable leadership tool.
By 2011, the design of Navy Today had been moved ‘inhouse’, within
the Defence public relations organisation, and I moved across to Air
Force News. The experienced journalist David McLoughlin came in as
Navy Today’s third editor; he built on the established structure of the
magazine and strengthened the multi-media approach, taking the
Navy’s Facebook page out to a huge audience.
With Issue 200, Navy Today has reached an important milestone.
A hard-copy printed magazine imposes some key disciplines
on contributors and editors alike. The proliferation of digital
channels may be a key element for contemporary public affairs,
but magazines have a degree of permanence and durability that is
still unrivalled. Navy Today can found in public and school libraries,
as well as foreign embassies and even doctors’ or dentists’ waiting
rooms. It reaches a wide audience and has been a key element
in maintaining public awareness of the many ways our Navy
contributes to New Zealand.
Navy Today – milestone 200
11

Battle of Jutland
It is 100 years since the largest naval battle in history: the Battle of Jutland.
The Battle of Jutland – or, as the Germans called it, The Battle
of Skagerrak – raged for over 12 hours, beginning on the
afternoon of 31 May 1916, 80 miles west off the coast of
Jutland, in Denmark.
Jutland was fought by the fleets of the world’s two largest navies,
those of England and Germany. It was the only time that the Royal
Navy’s Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet met in battle
during World War One, and it was to be the last time a major naval
battle would be contested between only two surface fleets.
There were 249 ships involved in the battle – 150 British and 99
German – and over 100,000 men. Of those, one in 10 were killed
or wounded. For many, death was sudden and was on a huge scale.
HMS QUEEN MARY lost 1,266; INDEFATIGABLE, 1,017; INVINCIBLE,
1,026; DEFENCE, 903; BLACK PRINCE, 857; SMS WIESBADEN, 589;
FRAULENLOB, 320. Many of those who did survive the sinkings died
of exposure in the cold waters.
Debate over the outcome still rages on − 100 years after the fleets
returned to their home ports.
What was the legacy of Jutland?
• It was a decisive, pivotal turning point of naval doctrine,
strategy and technology.
• It was the first battle fought against the unseen: due to
the weather, darkness, the Zeppelin or the new threat of
the submarine.
• After failing to annihilate the Grand Fleet, Germany was left
with only one option: to return to unrestricted submarine
warfare, which Britain was unprepared for. In 1917, this nearly
caused Britain’s defeat, but also brought the United States into
the war.
• At Jutland, the dreadnought was redefined, the torpedo and
mine threat unrealised, and gunnery, munitions, ship design,
intelligence and battlefield communications were re-thought.
Notes on Jutland
• Both the commanders-in-chief accompanied the fleet into
action and risked being killed in action.
• Radio was in use, but it was very poor and subject to
interference and loss of signals; signalling was reduced
to flags.
• There was no GPS; the exact positions of ships were
determined mostly by dead reckoning; although a few, like
NEW ZEALAND, had taken an observed position at noon on
the 31st.
• Unlike a modern ship, Jellicoe and Scheer did not have realtime
information on the progress of the battle, such as radar
and airborne reconnaissance, so they had to make tactical
decisions with the fragmented information passed along to
them during the battle.
• This battle showed that there was a lag between the efficiency
of communications equipment and the complexity of handling
a large fleet in battle.
• The lessons and controversies of the Battle of Jutland directly
influenced how the Royal and Commonwealth navies fought in
World War Two, and shaped the ethos of our Navy today.
For a more detailed account of the Battle of Jutland, visit the Royal
New Zealand Navy Museum website, http://navymuseum.co.nz/
worldwar1/battles-operations/battle-of-jutland/. Or open Navy Today
#110, page 21−28.
Timeline
• First phase of the main fleet action, 4.54−6.15pm:
action between the battleships, battlecruisers and
light forces of each fleet, loss of INVINCIBLE.
• Fourth phase of the main fleet
action, 7.45−9.30 – last action in
daylight.
• Battlecruiser action,
3.48−4.54pm: New Zealand’s
first shots of the battle, loss
of the QUEEN MARY and
INDEFATIGABLE.
• Second phase of
the main fleet
action, 6.15−7pm.
• Third phase of the
main fleet action,
7−7.45pm.
• Night action,
9.30pm−3am,
1 June.
• Return to
ports by both
fleets, 1 June.
12 Battle of Jutland

Captain
Alexander Boyle
Lieutenant Alexander David Boyle is the only known New
Zealander to have served at all three major naval battles of World
War One.
CAPT Boyle, from Canterbury, entered the Royal Navy before
World War One and was serving on HMS NEW ZEALAND when war
broke. He stayed with the ship as it participated in the all the major
naval engagements between 1914 and 1918, including the Battles of
Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland.
During the Battle of Jutland, in May 1916, HMS NEW ZEALAND
suffered a number of hits but no serious damage. NEW ZEALAND
survived a direct hit to X- turret, the gun turret Captain Boyle
was in charge of. He was awarded a Mention in Dispatches for his
subsequent actions.
Boyle wrote to his parents after HMS NEW ZEALAND had returned
to port:
• There is not the smallest doubt in my mind that they lost as
many ships as we did and received considerably more damage.
• I am perfectly convinced they will be defeated one day. They
would have been completely that day had the light lasted.
• Their luck at the beginning, with mist and light, gave them the
first advantage. The destroyers who attacked them in the night
swear they saw some sink.
• I do not think the truth will ever be known. NEW ZEALAND
was in the thick of it and came out with hardly a scratch to
ship or person.
• The other ships in the fleet were hit many more times than
we were.
• The sailors say the Maori face we have painted on the central
top saved the ship. If we painted it out now I am sure they
would mutiny. We are not going to try.
• When the enemy fire, you can see the dull red flash of their
guns and then a cluster of dots getting bigger and bigger as
they tear towards you.
• One knows it is no good ducking or getting behind anything,
as the only thing to do is sit still and hope they do not hit you.
It is like somebody throwing heavy stones at you whilst you sit
still in a chair.
He concluded with, “It is a nice little game this war and I will not be
sorry when it is over.”
After World War One, CAPT Boyle left the Royal Navy and returned
to Canterbury. He was the first Commanding Officer of the Naval
Reserve Division, established in Christchurch between the wars.
He was recalled to active service during World War Two, where he
reached the rank of Captain, then returned to his South Canterbury
farm after the war ended. He died in 1965.
Marking Jutland in 2016
The Orkney Islands served as the main base for the Royal Navy
during the First World War, and was the major focal point for the
anniversary ceremony in the UK on 31 May.
On Orkney, a national service of remembrance was held in St
Magnus’ Cathedral. Then proceedings moved to Lyness Royal Navy
Cemetery, overlooking Scapa Flow. The Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral
John Martin, ONZM, attended the ceremony. He presented the
piupiu and objects from the Battle of Jutland, which are on loan to
the RN Museum’s Jutland Exhibition (see page 32).
Commemorations in New Zealand
Sunday, 29 May 2016: Kaiapoi Returned Services Association
held a Battle of Jutland Service at Kaiapoi Cenotaph, supported
by HMNZS Pegasus. It was followed by a wreath-laying
ceremony.
Tuesday, 31 May: A service was held in Devonport, Auckland,
run by the Auckland Council and the National Museum of the
Royal New Zealand Navy.
Also on the 31 May, the Battle of Jutland Exhibition opened
at South Canterbury Museum, in Timaru. The battle flag from
HMS New Zealand is on display in the exhibition.
Battle of Jutland
13

Operation Neptune:
full steam ahead for November
Following the 75th anniversary events featured in our February
update (Naval Base Veteran’s Day, Formation Entry, and
Government House Garden Party) Operation NEPTUNE has
hosted more events and is ramping up preparations for the Women
at Sea celebrations in June and the International Naval Review in
November.
To mark the Navy’s 75th anniversary, Mr Malcolm Taylor of
Ashburton presented a handcrafted model of HMNZS KIWI (T02),
a Bird-class ‘corvette’ commissioned in 1941 that saw service in the
Solomon Islands in 1943. Together with HMNZS MOA, the KIWI
successfully engaged the Japanese submarine I-1 off the coast of
Guadalcanal, ramming her three times and causing the much bigger
submarine to flee until she ran aground. The well-detailed model
took Mr Taylor around 1,400 hours, during a two-year period, to
complete.
Ceremonies at shore and at sea were held to commemorate the 75th
anniversary of HMS PURIRI’s loss on 14 May 1941. HMS PURIRI was
the only warship sunk by enemy action in New Zealand waters. For
more on the ceremony, see page 22 and 23.
Preparations are well underway for the Women at Sea celebrations
this June. The events will be launched with a sea-riding day in
HMNZS WELLINGTON on 18 June, followed by a conference at the
Spencer on Byron Hotel on 23−24 June and a reception on 23 June at
the Auckland War Memorial Museum. We are proud to acknowledge
the previous service of our former naval women, as well as the great
work of our current sailors.
The International Naval Review in November is shaping up to be
a once-in-a-lifetime, spectacular event. A number of foreign and
Commonwealth navies have said that they will be participating. A
street march, a fleet review by Her Excellency the Governor General,
an all-ranks function and a ‘Champion of the Navy’-style sports
tournament are but a few of the activities that are planned for the
celebration. There is certainly plenty of work to do leading up to the
INR from across the Navy but it will be worth it.
The Operation NEPTUNE team has made a real effort to connect our
people with our history. In doing so, we have made some mistakes
which must be acknowledged. On page 48 of the commemorative
publication “Courage, Commitment, Comradeship: 75 Years of the
Royal New Zealand Navy”, there is a photograph captioned HMS
NEW ZEALAND, which is actually the battleship HMS NEPTUNE.
In the order of service for the PURIRI commemorations there is
a photograph of a vessel captioned MV PURIRI, which is in fact
the vessel built after the war to replace the original. We sincerely
apologise for these mistakes and deeply regret any offence that may
have been caused.
Stand by for more pipes!
Above: Mr Malcolm Taylor with the model of the HMNZS KIWI that he
presented to the RNZN on 24 February
14 Operation Neptune

Our Collective Purpose
Left: HRH Prince Harry with
(left) CPO Amy Baynes, who
received two silver medals,
one for the IRB2 Women’s
Road Bike Time Trial and one
for the IRB2 Women’s Road
Bike Circuit.
The power of potential:
Invictus
By Matthew Boulton, Defence Public Affairs
There’s a growing air of excitement as
the team members take their places on
the court. A whistle blows and the ball is
thrown in. Arms reach to take possession
and simultaneously the crowd erupts over
the crash of metal on metal, as opposing
sides hurl themselves at the person they are
marking. Every attempt is made to stop the
other team from being able to manoeuvre
their well-armoured wheelchairs toward the
touch line. It’s an intense game of hard hits
and incredible athleticism; it’s nicknamed
‘murderball’ for good reason, and it’s only
when you watch a triple-amputee move
like lightning through a heavy New Zealand
defence and score the first try of the game
you realise this is a sporting competition
like no other. This is wheelchair rugby at the
Invictus Games − it’s only one of 10 sports
being competed during the four days of
competition − and it’s spectacular.
In 2014, His Royal Highness Prince Harry, along with the Royal
Foundation of the Duchess of Cambridge and the UK Ministry
of Defence, hosted the inaugural Invictus Games − a five-day
adaptive sporting event that brought together injured, wounded and
ill current and ex-serving men and women from around the world.
Its goals: to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support
rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding of, and respect
for, those who serve their country.
In 2014, the New Zealand Defence Force sent 12 athletes from across
all services: representatives of Regular and Reserve Forces, serving
civilians and retired personnel. The team fought hard in London and
brought back six medals for their efforts.
Toward the end of 2015, the call went out again across the NZDF.
A selection camp was held and over the coming months of training,
18 athletes and a handful of support staff found themselves
marching into Champion Stadium at the ESPN Wide World of
Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, as part of the NZ Defence Force
Invictus Games team.
It would be easy to think that competing at events like the Invictus
Games is less challenging than in non-adaptive sporting events.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The road to Invictus is not
an easy one. For some it means testing their physicality in ways that
it hasn’t been tested before. For others, it’s a test of their mental
strength: stepping outside of their comfort zone. Each would agree
that the end result was worth it.
CPOPTI Miria Paul, one of the team’s team trainers, says she
learned unexpected lessons through the Games. “Preconceptions
I may have had at the beginning of this journey about the limits
I thought athletes might have due to their illness or injury − not
understanding their true potential or capabilities − has changed so
INVICTUS
15

Our Collective Purpose
much. It’s allowed me to become a better trainer, looking outside
the square to find different training solutions for different athletes,”
she says.
During the games, the playing field is levelled through details such
as competitors being matched against people with similar injury,
or by all players competing in wheelchairs in basketball, tennis and
rugby. But the challenge is as big, if not bigger. There are physical
and emotional differences to overcome; perceived weaknesses that
are refocused as strengths. Imagine learning the skills required to
handle a wheelchair when you have never had to use one, while
simultaneously remembering the particular rules of the sport you’re
playing AND keeping a competitive edge.
Beyond the physical rehabilitation that sport can bring, competing
with people who share a similar circumstance or experience offers
a way to enhance good mental health − a huge focus of the 2016
Invictus Games.
“It’s the people,” says POMED Aaron Gibbs, a competitor at the
games. “Everybody has their own journey, but we’re all on the same
road heading for the same place. We all have our stories to share,
and we did. It made it easier,” he said.
While individual sport makes up six of the events throughout the
Invictus Games, team sports such as wheelchair rugby, wheelchair
basketball and wheelchair tennis brought the team together.
“My highlight was playing wheelchair basketball against the Italian
team,” says CPO Bart Couprie. “I was pleased with the way we
performed − the team on the court worked well. It was good to be
able to put all of our training into practice,” he said.
The next Invictus Games will take place in Toronto, Canada, 26−30
September 2017.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be,
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced or cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of change
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horrors of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me afraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I AM the master of my fate:
I AM the captain of my soul.
The Invictus Games was inspired by the words of William
Ernest Henley’s poem. Henley was an amputee and his poem
is testimony to his refusal to let illness disrupt his life. It is
this ode to the unrelenting human spirit that is at the very heart of
the Invictus Games.
The 2016 Invictus Games were an outstanding success. The host
country, the United States, organised a great event. I have never
been in such a place where the atmosphere has been so powerful,
inspiring and humbling, and with many of the athletes openly
telling their stories.
A total of 500 athletes from 14 countries (Afghanistan, Australia,
Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Jordan,
Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, US) competed in 10
adaptive sporting events.
Left: POMED Aaron Gibbs, following New Zealand’s resounding win against
Australia in wheelchair basketball
16 INVICTUS

Our Collective Purpose
The NZDF Invictus 2016 Team did well; they should all be proud
of their achievements. What the athletes achieved on their own
journeys to achieving a medal, a personal best or making it to the
start line is nothing short of inspirational.
You may see physical scars of what the athletes have endured, but
not the mental scars. Many of the servicemen and women suffer lifechanging
injuries, visible or otherwise, while serving their country.
How do they find the motivation to move on and not be defined by
their injuries? How can they be recognised for their achievements
and not given sympathy?
Using sport as the medium has helped physically, psychologically
and socially with their recovery, as these mediums are the great
denominators.
Like all good sports teams there are also the management, medical
support, trainers and media teams who all need to be acknowledged
for all their hard work, organisation, commitment and support
shown to help the competitors in their journey.
The Navy component of the team comprised CPO Amy Baynes (who
achieved two silver medals in cycling); CPO Bart Couprie; POSCS
Tana Pungatara; POMED Aaron Gibbs; POEWS Karl Shearsby; A/
LWTR Heather Cook and – not forgetting – the all-important trainer
and support person, CPOPTI Miria Paul.
An important element of the success of the Invictus Games is also
the whanau and friends who support the athletes through their
journey; our families are our rock.
By WO Steve Bourke
Top left: CPO Bart Couprie during indoor rowing
Above left: CPO Amy Baynes takes aim
Above right: POSCS Tana Pungatara lays down the challenge in a pre-match
haka against the host USA Wheelchair Rugby team
The Kiwi Team took home nine medals
at Invictus 2016:
Gold
Glenn Barnes (ex-Army): IR2 Men’s One-Minute Rowing
Silver
NZDF medal tally
CPO Amy Baynes (Navy): IRB2 Women’s Road Bike Time Trial
CPO Amy Baynes (Navy): IRB2 Women’s Road Bike Circuit
Glenn Barnes (ex-Army): Wheelchair Tennis
David Sherriff (ex-Air Force): Wheelchair Tennis
Bronze
SGT Gareth Pratt (Army): Men’s 50-Metre Breaststroke ISD
MAJ (Rtd) Josephine Barrett (Army): Women’s 50-Metre
Breaststroke ISC
CPL Kelly Whittle (Army): Women’s Discus Throw IF4
Nu Filo (ex-Army): IR5 Men’s One-Minute Rowing
INVICTUS
17

18 Celebrating our Women

Celebrating our Women
19

Inspiring next
generation of scientists
By Anna Thomas
Around 40 primary school children from South Auckland
recently spent the day in Devonport with some of the
NZDF’s sharpest scientific minds.
The visit was part of the Rongomai Primary School STEM immersion
class, which draws students from Rongomai, Bairds, Dawson and
Opukeke primary schools. STEM stands for science, technology,
engineering and mathematics.
The pilot programme aims to encourage students to learn through
projects that improve their literacy and numeracy skills.
Some of their projects have already gained national attention,
including a test for kauri dieback disease and the testing of mould in
South Auckland homes.
The group’s visit to the Navy focused on the testing of ‘aquabots’
(underwater robots) that they had made in their classroom. A
group of scientists and engineers from DTA was on hand to answer
questions and share their knowledge with the youngsters.
After testing and running exercises with the aquabots in the Navy
pool, the group were given a tour of TE MANA. For some of the
children, it was their first trip over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and,
for most of them, their first time on a Navy ship.
STEM director, Nick Pattison, says the biggest challenge is getting
the children to believe in themselves. “These kids are from some
of the poorest homes in the country and they have so little
opportunity. But they have so much potential, it is a matter of being
able to tap into it.”
He hopes the visit to the Devonport Naval Base and the tour of TE
MANA will inspire some of them to consider the military as a
career option.
“If they can understand science, they can apply it in a variety of
areas, and the military is a great place.”
Nick Pattison says he is particularly interested in empowering girls.
“I really want to show these kids, especially the girls, that joining the
military doesn’t just mean fighting wars. You can get an education
and see the world, and there are so many different roles within the
military to consider, especially within the RNZN.”
All images on this page: South Auckland primary school children
test their ‘aquabots’
20 Community

Seaworthiness
safe, compliant
& effective
By Dennis Pringle and Helen Wright
The technical outputs of the NZDF Maritime Domain must meet
the three essential requirements of seaworthiness: being safe,
compliant and effective.
The purpose of the Technical Seaworthiness Authority (TSwA) is to
assure the NZDF Seaworthiness Authority (SwA, the Chief of Navy)
that these requirements are met. As the TSwA is independent from
Capability and Operations, the reports and advice given are not
influenced by conflicting objectives.
The TSwA’s core function is to provide the SwA with independent
assurance that NZDF vessels, key equipment, and systems used
by maritime force elements comply with the Maritime Regulatory
Baseline (for more on the MRB, see Navy Today #199, page 21). This
means verifying that all policies, processes, procedures, standards,
instructions and SOPs that make up and support the technical aspects
of the MRB are followed.
Some of the TSwA’s other functions include reporting issues that
might affect seaworthiness to the SwA and the Maritime Regulator
(MARREG), communicating seaworthiness-critical technical
regulations to stakeholders, and assisting MARREG in administrating
technical regulatory deviation requests. Processing deviation
requests (RNZN180s) involves evaluating the operational and safety
risks associated with the deviation and considering the adequacy of
proposed risk mitigation strategies.
To deliver their core function, the TSwA conducts assurance activities.
Inspections, audits and reviews assess the adequacy of technical
policy and procedures for compliance with the MRB, and to assess
unit compliance with these policies and procedures.
All NZDF units that contribute to the technical seaworthiness of force
elements are responsible for ensuring compliance with the MRB.
Individual units retain responsibility for internal audit programmes
used to improve and assure regulatory compliance. TSwA assurance
activities do not replace these internal programmes, but identify areas
of non-compliance where corrective and preventative action plans can
be implemented.
Specific assurance activities are undertaken for various reasons, such
as leading up to or subsequent to Seaworthiness Boards, follow up of
earlier assurance activities, or an assessment of adherence to changes
in policies. There is a focus on critical safety aspects. Assurance
activities have been conducted in a number of areas. Some recent
assurance activities conducted include maintenance management:
working at height; ship stability management; explosives handling and
storage; and aviation fuel management.
TSwA has a strategy of continuous improvement, so sharing results,
forwarding advice and providing feedback to units is a vital part of
conducting an assurance activity. Rather than being just an assessor
or enforcer, TSwA can help units improve their own approach to
safety, compliance and effectiveness by providing an external view of
what they are doing and identifying deficiencies or opportunities for
improvement.
One of the first assurance activities conducted was on ‘height safety’,
and a follow-up activity was since carried out. The review found
that force elements had taken on-board previous TSwA direction.
Processes and training have being aligned with updated policies and
new legislative requirements. The activity showed a positive change in
RNZN height safety culture, which was reinforced by the enthusiasm
of the personnel encountered during the review.
TSwA assurance activities are not just about ticking boxes. They
provide evidence of the health of technical administrative and
management systems in the NZDF maritime domain and facilitate
action plans for improving technical seaworthiness.
NZDF SEaworthiness
21

75 th anniversary
of HMS Puriri sinking commemorated
Ceremonies at shore and sea were held to commemorate the
75th anniversary of the sinking of HMS PURIRI − the only
New Zealand naval ship lost to enemy action in New Zealand
waters.
HMS PURIRI was a merchant vessel commissioned into service as
a minesweeper. She sank after striking a mine about eight nautical
miles northeast of Bream Head, Whangarei, on 14 May 1941.
Five of her crew were killed, including the captain, Lieutenant
Douglas Blacklaws, Royal Naval Reserve (New Zealand).
The ceremony ashore began with a dawn service on 14 May. The
service was facilitated by local iwi and supported by the RNZN
Māori Cultural Group, the Littoral Warfare Unit, Commodore John
Campbell and Captain Andrew Watts.
Following this was a general service, involving the Littoral Warfare
Unit, the Whangarei RSA, and representatives of the New Zealand
Merchant Service. Distinguished guests included the Mayor of
Whangarei, local iwi, former naval men and women, and the family
of the PURIRI casualties.
Simultaneously, the ceremony at sea was held on board HMNZS
ROTOITI, where her commanding officer, Lieutenant Adam Flaws,
laid a wreath above the PURIRI wreck, eight nautical miles northeast
off Bream Head, Whangarei.
Chaplain Peter Olds gave a wonderful address in which he spoke
of the enduring significance of the sacrifice of those lost in PURIRI,
and contrasted that with the superficial preoccupation that we see
reflected in today’s mainstream news media. In 1941, the loss of
the PURIRI was front-page news. In 2016, it’s the aftermath of “The
Bachelor”, he said. It is certainly worth thinking about, as we reflect
on our history and those who have gone before us.
The commemoration was particularly meaningful to the relatives of
the PURIRI casualties, including the family of LT Blacklaws RNR(NZ),
the commanding officer of the ill-fated minesweeper who, together
with four others, perished when their ship struck a German mine.
Mrs Sonya Sage (LT Blacklaws’ niece) and her husband Ian said that
they were “deeply grateful that the personal involvement of people
22 HMS PURIRI

“deeply grateful that the personal involvement
of people involved in setting up the memorial
was recognised”
involved in setting up the memorial was recognised”, adding that
“everyone we spoke to was appreciative of the service”. Another
relative commented that “everything was just superb, even down to
the magnificent weather” and that it was “a very special day for us
that will live long in our memories”.
CAPT Watts, Director of Operation Neptune, said the ceremony was
particularly relevant for the Littoral Warfare Unit, which conducts
mine clearance operations in the Pacific Islands.
“A key role of the Navy’s Littoral Warfare Unit is to identify and clear
mines to ensure waterways are safe for the shipping that carries 98
percent of New Zealand’s imports and exports by volume.
“It’s important also to note the role of the Merchant Navy in
sustaining New Zealand’s national life during World War II. This
commemoration highlights that the relationship between the RNZN
and the Merchant Navy is just as important now as it was 75 years
ago,” said CAPT Watts.
NZDF SEaworthiness
23

Fallen
serviceman
remembered
Nine-year-old Brooklyn Oakley listens intently to the names
of veterans being read at an Anzac service, waiting for one
name in particular – that never came.
The name was ‘Denis Scrimgeour’. The Royal New Zealand Air Force
Warrant officer died in 1942, during the fall of Singapore, aged 21.
Brooklyn’s father, Royal New Zealand Navy Commander Brendon
Oakley, was based in Singapore with his family for the past three
years. The family would regularly lay poppies onto the Kiwi graves
in Singapore’s Kranji War Cemetery, and place their personal poppies
on the grave of Denis Scrimgeour.
The children – Lukas (11), Brooklyn and Ruby (twins, 9) – were
‘looking after’ the buried soldiers.
The Kranji War Cemetery records Denis’s hometown as being
Richmond, in the Nelson region, which is also the hometown of CDR
Oakley and his wife Lisa.
So when the Oakley family attended their first Anzac day service in
Richmond this year, Brooklyn listened intently to the Roll of Honour,
for Denis’s name. When it didn’t come, CDR Oakley had to reassure
Brooklyn that Denis was still being looked after.
And now he can. A story in the Nelson Mail, a letter and a few emails
later – and the mystery was solved.
CDR Oakley received a letter from Denise Scrimgeour, the niece of
Denis, and his namesake.
She said that Denis grew up in Golden Bay, rather than Richmond, so
his name was recorded on the cenotaph at Collingwood.
“Mrs Scrimgeour emailed through photos and a link to a
website, which shows the Collingwood cenotaph with WO Denis
Scrimgeour’s name engraved. Therefore, he’s suitably remembered
in Collingwood in Golden Bay, and still within the Nelson region.
This was great to learn,” says CDR Oakley.
“My kids were delighted to see his name on the cenotaph, to
discover that he is remembered in the town where he grew up.”
They were also very interested to hear that his niece had been
named after him.
“When I was born in 1945, he was still officially ‘missing’,” said Mrs
Scrimgeour. “I was named after him.”
Five years later her mother received a letter from the Air
Department, dated May 26, 1950, informing her of the location of
the graves in Malaya, and the re-internment in Kranji Cemetery. The
records state that he died on 4 February, 1942.
The correspondence didn’t stop there.
American military personnel posted to Singapore saw the Nelson
Mail article online, and they contacted CDR Oakley and Lisa through
social media.
“They essentially said, ‘no worries; we’ll look after him’ and visited
Kranji War Cemetery, placing flowers on his grave. That was quite a
touching statement from the US Forces.”
The US military personnel said they would make a tradition of
looking after the graves.
CDR Oakley is amazed how it all came about, and the positive
reaction from people in New Zealand and offshore – all just from
sitting there, reassuring his daughter on Anzac Day morning.
In Memory of
Warrant Officer
Denis Allan Scrimgeour
401783, Royal New Zealand Air Force who died on 04 February 1942 Age 21
Son of Arthur Raymond Scrimgeour, and of Phyllis Scrimgeour (nee Lewis), of Richmond, Nelson, New
Zealand.
Remembered with Honour
Kranji War Cemetery
Above right: Lukas Oakley lays a poppy on the grave of Denis Scrimgeour,
in Singapore
24 OUR PEOPLE

Sailors get ‘head start’
on Canadian frigate
By Sonya Chwyl of the Royal Canadian Navy, Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs
Four Royal New Zealand Navy sailors travelled more than
14,000 kilometres to join Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)
sailors in HMCS Ottawa, as part of the Regulus
exchange programme.
They are part of a 30-person contingent sent to work with
the RCN.
Since January, the sailors have adjusted to life aboard a foreign
navy ship, learning where everything is located in the Canadian
frigate, and finding their place within the ship’s crew and culture.
“Everyone has been very welcoming,” said Able Marine
Technician (AMT) Tomi Fataaiki. “It’s a super-friendly atmosphere
and the culture is very similar to back home, so we clicked
straight away.”
The Kiwi sailors perform the same duties as their Canadian
counterparts, Ordinary Seaman Marine Engineers.
“All four New Zealanders have been working diligently alongside
the Canadian crew,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Jeff Benson. “They’re
all fully integrated, and they’re expected and capable of doing all
the tasks of any other Ordinary Seaman Marine Engineer.”
All four have become qualified Engineering Roundsmen. Ordinary
Marine Technician Damon Dick-Carson has also achieved
certification as an Emergency Response Roundsman and AMT
Fataaiki is now a qualified Canadian Patrol Frigate Damage
Control Roundsman.
AMT Fataaiki says the exchange programme has been an
excellent way to kick-start his naval career.
“It’s been exactly what I was hoping for. The knowledge I’ve
gained here will be really useful, because a lot of the same
“It’s a super-friendly
atmosphere and the
culture is very similar to
back home, so we clicked
straight away.”
equipment will be installed on the RNZN’s ships soon. It’s a great
way to get ahead of the game.”
Before they return home at the end of June, the New Zealand
sailors will be qualified to operate all the auxiliary machinery
systems on board Halifax-class frigates, which means they’ll be
capable of working with the RNZN’s upgraded ships as soon as
they complete their own modernisation process.
The Regulus programme was originally conceived during a time
of reduced sailing opportunities, when many Canadian ships were
undergoing upgrades as part of the Halifax-Class Modernisation/
Frigate Life Extension programme. Through Regulus, RCN sailors
could participate in international exchanges with partner navies,
enabling them to keep their skills sharp by working and training
on board foreign vessels. In addition to helping sailors gain
valuable practical knowledge, exchanges to foreign countries
provide exposure to a wide range of diverse cultures.
Above : L-R: New Zealand sailors AMT Vance Bell, AMT Robert
Jackson, AMT Tomi Fataaiki and OMT Damon Dick-Carson work
onboard HMCS Ottawa
OUR PEOPLE
25

Doing the Navy
proud in Gisborne
By Chris White
A platoon of former and serving
members of the New Zealand Navy
paraded through the streets of
Gisborne for Anzac Day 2016.
26 ANZAC DAY IN GISBORNE

Retired gunnery instructors Jack Donnelly and Tony Lewis
organised the Anzac weekend reunion to honour the
Navy’s 75th year anniversary and support the city’s Anzac
commemorations.
“We were once again a ship’s company of many generations,”
said Jack Donnelly, writing to the Gisborne Herald to thank RSA
president Ben Tahuta and his committee for the trust, support and
encouragement they gave the Navy veterans. “I was born and raised
in Gisborne before joining the Navy, and to come home for this
occasion was something very special. ‘He heramana ahau’.”
The organising committee, including the RNO, Gisborne, LTCDR
Tony Pereia, consulted with the RSA on how best to support the
Anzac Day commemorations. They decided that the contingent
would parade in three of Gisborne’s Anzac services: the Dawn
Service, the 28th Maori Battalion memorial ceremony at Te Poho O
Rawiri Marae, and the Civic Parade through the streets of Gisborne.
More than 40 former and serving members of the Navy mustered
and fell in before dawn on Anzac Day morning. The haunting and
dull sound of the trench whistle, blown by Jack Donnelly, blew out
– recollecting the Battle of the Somme in 1916, where it sounded
before soldiers went ‘over the top’ to face the enemy in battle.
Following on from the Dawn Service, the parade reformed outside
the Te Poho O Rawiri Marae and marched onto the marae, ahead
of the 28th Maori Battalion Memorial Service. After the service, a
lovely hangi was served for breakfast in the meeting house. It was
also a time for many songs and speeches.
At the Civic Parade in Gisborne, the RNZN platoon − many wearing
berets − gave three cheers to acknowledge the Anzacs and all men
and women of every war, campaign and conflict. On 25 April 1915,
as boats were lowered, readied and cast off for Anzac Cove, the
sailors on HMS Prince of Wales ‘manned’ the guardrails and gave the
soldiers in the boats three cheers by raising their caps and rotating
them in a clockwise fashion, uttering a very subdued whisper.
Chief Petty Officer Rawiri Barriball had drawn two beautiful taonga,
which were presented to the Te Poho O Rawiri Marae and the
Gisborne RSA from the RNZN. These were very gratefully received
as a memento of Anzac 2016.
The RNZN contingent was granted special permission by the Chief
of Navy to parade the New Zealand White Ensign in Gisborne. A
colour guard of former RNZN personnel paraded the ensign at the
Dawn Service and later proudly led the Anzac Parade through the
streets of Gisborne during the Civic Parade.
The gathering at Gisborne in 2016 was a reunion for many, and an
opportunity to share our common bond, as we marched together in
the footsteps of our ancestors.
ANZAC DAY IN GISBORNE
27

Fostering
The Anzac Spirit
Online
“
Over recent years, there has been a growing interest from
younger New Zealanders in learning more about their
family military history,” says Rear Admiral (Rtd) Jack
Steer. “This support is evident in the growing numbers attending
services on Anzac Day and among those wearing poppies with
pride. Many young New Zealanders are keen to know more about
our war heritage and be connected with that and, through an RSA
membership, where there will be a focus on engaging with our
members online, they can be. It doesn’t matter if you’re 21 or 71
years old – the new National Association enables you to be part of
a force for good in New Zealand, that champions the Anzac spirit
and everything it stands for.” – RADM Jack Steer is the National
Association’s president. He is not able to visit his RSA Club, in
Papanui, Christchurch, very often. So being part of the National
Association “allows me to stay engaged with what I feel is a very
worthwhile movement”.
What is the new ‘National
Association’ of the RSA?
The National Association is an online RSA. Because it is online, all
New Zealanders can join up and support the RSA, regardless of
whether they live near an RSA Club, or have any family or service
connections to the military. It will also allow service personnel
without a permanent address to join and participate in the RSA.
The National Association provides welfare for war veterans and
their families, and assists with remembrance for New Zealand’s
servicemen and women.
How and why did it
come about?
RSA research showed that many people believed them needed to
have served in the military, or have some service connection to join
the RSA.
Also, not everyone wants to join a local club; people want to be able
to engage with their peers online, and that is what prompted the
RSA to set up a National Association.
New Zealanders from around the world can join the new National
Association, via our website, and connect with our cause on an
international scale.
Why should people join?
Everyone with an interest in the Anzac spirit, and the ideals of the
RNZRSA, should join.
Members also gain advice on support and benefits, discounts
through the RSA network, and access to Returned and Services
League (RSL) clubs in Australia. Members will be provided with an
RSA Club Card, granting them exclusive benefits and deals with a
range of quality, trusted brands. The benefits available through the
Club Card are substantial.
How do people sign up?
Visit https://rsa.org.nz/join
28 RSA

Reduce bias and
make better decisions
What is ‘unconscious bias’?
‘Unconscious bias’ is the prejudice that no-one notices because it’s
present everywhere. We might think we are being fair, yet the actions
we take are based on preconceived beliefs, and have an unfair impact
on certain people.
Shortcut thinking
Bias is ‘heuristic’ thinking: a ‘rough and ready’ way to make a decision,
form a judgement, or solve a problem. When we are in a pressured or
emergency situation, and under stress, we often ‘think fast’. Instead
of using a process, and studying the information available, we use
heuristics. We rely on the ‘status quo’, with a bias against anything
new.
Our brain is highly complicated, and capable of very sophisticated
processing. But very arduous tasks, such as adjusting to change
or understanding brand-new data, require significant cognitive
power. Our brain will take shortcuts (heuristics) to save energy for
really important, unavoidable tasks. Sometimes these shortcuts are
effective and necessary, but sometimes they compromise the quality
of our decisions.
The brain needs to filter data; at any one time, 11 million pieces of data
can be ‘picked up’, and yet our brains can only functionally deal with
around 40 at any one time.
Why are you seeing ‘your’ silver
BMW 7-series car everywhere?
For example, you’ve just decided to buy a new silver BMW 7-series
car. You see this type of car everywhere: on the roads, on the internet,
in advertisements. This is not necessarily because there suddenly
are more BMW 7-series cars on the road, or in ads, but because your
unconscious brain is focused on the car, so you pick it up.
Our brain filters the evidence we collect; in general, it supports
our existing point of view and disproves the point of view that we
disagree with.
As a result of these filters, we see, hear, and interpret things
differently than other people might, or we might not even see them at
all. Of those 11 million pieces of information, we see what we want to
see, and we believe that what we see is reality. Seeing is believing, but
believing is seeing!
Only occasionally do we realise how subjective those determinations
are and how much they are affected not by what is in front of us, but
by what we interpret is front of us, filtered through our own lens on
the world.
Why is it important that we
address unconscious bias in
the NZDF?
Some decisions and actions taken in the NZDF are affected by
unconscious bias. This has a negative effect on people and how they
are treated, and on organisational decisions.
Types of bias:
• Stereotyping is making assumptions or judgments about people,
groups or religions or any other characteristics that have become
‘common knowledge’.
• ‘Like me’ bias is a natural bias in favour of people we know well,
and who are like us. We favour them as we think they are like us,
and we assume that we share common attributes, values or traits.
• Selective bias is searching for and focusing on information that
confirms your own views and opinions.
• Judgmental bias is where minority groups are systematically less
well rated for technical or leadership roles, even when they have
the same performance records and qualifications.
• Filtering bias is when you ‘scrutinise’ everything, ignoring
information that doesn’t fit with your beliefs and expectations.
• Backlash bias is when a person behaves in a way that is not
consistent with the stereotype held by the group and the person is
rated less competent because of it.
What you can do about it
Reduce your bias: discover what your biases are, and be conscious of
how they affect your decisions. Challenge the thinking or behaviour
of others. And test yourself. Go to: https://implicit.harvard.edu and
Google workshops https://library.gv.com/unconscious-bias-at-work-
22e698e9b2d#.8s2lral7b
Also, use these tools to reduce opportunities for unconscious bias:
• slow down your thinking: listen, reflect, take notes
• use checklists/use analytical tools; eg, SWAT/ask questions
• run well-structured, inclusive meetings
• question your own assumptions and conclusions
• take rest breaks
• maintain structured and formalised processes
• build rapport
• diversify your ‘go-to’ people
• be interested in people
• be disciplined in allocating projects
• look for similarities and connections
• watch for overconfidence
• introduce a ‘Devil’s advocate/black-hat thinker’
• drop the ‘un’ in unconscious, to make your actions conscious
• acknowledge your own bias
• check what bias you have using the Harvard Business School
implicit association test
• use ‘round robins’ when looking at situations
• use peer/360 review
• seek contrary data
• encourage different points of views
• as a leader, hold others accountable
• identify and change own habits, and
• develop your knowledge of different cultures, religions, lifestyle
preferences.
unconscious bias
29

Connect through
The Hub
What?
The Hub is a collaboration tool for NZDF personnel. It has
features similar to social media; for example, users can ‘like’,
share and comment on other members’ posts, questions or polls.
How?
The Hub is ‘unclassified’, and is accessible via personal laptops
and smart devices. It provides users with access to Defence
Force news, events, announcements and unit training tailored
for you based on your service and unit. Beyond being able
to post and share content, you can create and join groups of
interest or you can create your own.
Who?
The Hub is for current and released NZDF military members and
civilian employees, as well as ‘trusted partners’ of the NZDF.
Did you say mobile?
Once you have logged in and created your profile on a computer,
you can download the mobile application from the Apple Store
or Google Play, allowing you 24/7 access from anywhere around
the world.
Still confused what ‘The Hub’ is?
It’s cool; search the keyword ‘learn’ and select the topic ‘learn’
to see a number of short video clips, including ‘Getting Started’,
‘Chatter’ or ‘Groups’; there are others too, if you’re super keen.
To signup
Visit ‘http://TheHub’ on DIXS or find us under ‘quicklinks’
on the ILP by looking for ‘The Hub’.
Are you on
The Hub?
Visit http://thehub on DIXS
30 mcc THE HUB log

Whangaparaoa’s
mainland island sanctuary
By Anne Lightfoot, Environmental Officer (Northern), Environmental Services, Defence Property Group
In the five years since the NZDF’s Tamaki Leadership Centre
became part of an ‘open sanctuary’, possums, stoats and rats
have been successfully eradicated, protecting the centre’s rare
and at-risk native species.
In 2011, a 1.7km-long, pest-proof fence across the entire width of the
Whangaparaoa Peninsula, from Army Bay to Okoromai Bay, was
built, creating the ‘Shakespear Open Sanctuary’. Of the 500-hectare
enclosed space, NZDF occupies 130 hectares.
The aim of an open sanctuary is to support New Zealand’s native
and endemic species to make their home and breed on the mainland
in a predator-free environment.
The concept for the sanctuary was first proposed by Auckland
Council in 2006. Its position on the mainland, at the end of a
peninsula and with Tiritiri Matangi Island just across the Tiri
Channel, makes it ideal as a pest-free area.
The NZDF had already identified a number of rare and ‘at-risk’
species inhabiting the centre, including the moko skink, Auckland
green gecko and ornate skink, as well as some rare plants, and rare
sea and land bird species.
In 2010, the NZDF signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with the Auckland Council, making a long-term commitment to
maintaining the sanctuary, and helping it become pest free.
Since then, possums, stoats and rats have all been successfully
eradicated from the sanctuary. (Although you might still spot the
odd cat chasing a mouse!) As a result, many birds have naturally
inhabited the sanctuary. Other bird species have also been
introduced, including the pōpokatea (whitehead) in mid-2015 and
the toutouwai (North Island robin) this year. The pukupuku (little
spotted kiwi) will be released in April 2017.
The 9.2-inch battery is one of most suitable locations for these bird
releases. Behind the 100m range, solar-powered speakers broadcast
night-time calls of grey-faced and diving petrels, as well as fluttering
shearwaters. This successful seabird attraction project has been
underway for the past year.
New Zealand native and endemic species face significant challenges
outside the sanctuary fence. However, it is hoped that species from
the sanctuary will migrate to other inland areas and establish their
home, thereby increasing the biodiversity and habitat connection
within Auckland and beyond.
Since the beginning, the Shakespear Open Sanctuary management
has been a collaborative approach between Auckland Council park
rangers and NZDF personnel. Other project partners include other
landowners (YMCA and Watercare), iwi, and the Shakespear Open
Sanctuary Society.
There have also been a number of planting days and conservation
programmes running at the sanctuary, giving local school groups
and other community groups a chance to get their hands dirty.
Much of the monitoring and pest mammal control work at the
sanctuary is undertaken by volunteers and council staff, facilitated
by either council park rangers or by the Shakespear Open Sanctuary
Society. NZDF personnel, including Navy range managers and the
NZDF Defence Property Group Environmental Services, as well
as the Northern Facilities Management contractor, PAE NZ, also
play their part, in the ‘Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society working
group’. The working group manages comprehensive pest plant
control programmes on NZDF land and supports council staff when
they are on NZDF land. The Navy Base Operations Unit also plays
a significant role in an ongoing wilding pine removal programme at
the Tamaki Leadership Centre.
The Shakespear Open Sanctuary’s success can be attributed to
the strong working relationship between stakeholders, and their
respect for one another’s operational requirements. Given the type
of occupants within the sanctuary, it is quite unique compared with
other open sanctuaries around the country!
But, in many ways, NZDF land is ideal for an open sanctuary, given
the limited number of people and domestic animals that enter
Tamaki Leadership Centre’s extensive bush-clad areas.
If you are interested in getting involved with the sanctuary, please
contact Defence Property Group Environmental Services.
Top Left: First fluttering shearwater (and nesting) identified within SOS,
on NZDF land located at Huroa Point (behind the 100m Range). It is very
rare on the mainland
Top right: Pacific gecko, resides on NZDF land
sanctuary
31

Above: David Grinlinton is pictured with syndicate DS Captain Kenneth
Stewart (RCN Ret.)
Officer
graduates in
Canada
Lieutenant Commander David Grinlinton, RNZNVR, graduated
from the Canadian Forces Joint Command Staff and Staff Program
(JCSP) at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. The two-year
programme of study and exercises involves distance learning and
two residential exercises in Canada. While primarily for officers in
the Canadian Forces, some officers from other nations, including
the US, Australia, New Zealand and NATO, also attended the
programme. The qualification means officers are professionally
staff-qualified to Canadian Forces’ standards.
Jutland artefacts
arrive in UK
The ‘lucky charm’ of HMS NEW ZEALAND – a traditional
flax piupiu worn by the ship’s captain during the Battle of
Jutland – along with its bell hanger, honours board, and the
HMS QUEEN MARY ring bolt – were welcomed into the National
Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, England, during May.
The artefacts will form part of the Royal Navy’s exhibition, “36
Hours: Jutland 1916, the battle that won the war”, which opened to
the public on 18 May.
Ngati Ranana welcomed the artefacts to the UK with karakia and
waiata. The National Museum of the Royal Navy staff said they
were “blown away” to see the artefacts first hand. In particular, they
noted the ‘presence’ of the piupiu.
The piupiu was gifted to the Commanding Officer of HMS NEW
ZEALAND, Captain Halsey (Royal Navy) by a Maori chief in 1913.
At the time, the chief made three prophecies: that the ship would
be involved in three sea battles, the ship would be hit only once,
and that no one on board would be killed. The chief requested that
Halsey wear the piupiu in battle to protect the ship and crew.
On 28 August 1914, HMS New Zealand went into action in the battle
of Heligoland Bight. Halsey donned the piupiu over his uniform and,
recalling later: “Officers and men who were in the Conning Tower…
were so startled at seeing me in this extraordinary clothing that
they appeared to be quite incapable of carrying on with their very
important personal duties and I had quickly to explain why I was
thus attired.” The ship was not damaged or hit during this action.
Halsey wore the piupiu again at Dogger Bank on 24 January 1915.
Before the action he “got many messages from all over the ship
hoping that the [piupiu] was again going to be worn”. Once more,
although the ship came under heavy fire, it was never hit.
In May 1915, when Halsey was promoted and appointed to another
ship, he passed the piupiu to his successor on HMS NEW ZEALAND,
Captain J. Green. CAPT Green agreed to wear the piupiu into action,
which he did during the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. Again, the
ship came under heavy fire but was hit only once, sustaining minor
damage and no casualties. The piupiu remained on board the ship
until the surrender of the German fleet in 1918.
The piece of ring bolt from HMS QUEEN MARY landed on the
quarterdeck of HMS NEW ZEALAND when QUEEN MARY blew up
during the Battle of Jutland. The battle honours board was made to
mark HMS NEW ZEALAND’s participation at the Battle of Jutland in
May 1916.
32 mcc NEWSlog

Learning from the
maritime industry
By LT Leander Scott-Donelan
CPOMTO Nigel McFadyen and OMTO Jess McShane boarded
MV SOOCHOW in March for an overnight passage from
Auckland to Tauranga.
The passage gave the Maritime Trade Operation personnel,
from HMNZS Ngapona VR, the chance to learn from the Master
and crew, by participating in and observing all aspects of the
vessel’s operation.
The Maritime Trade Operation provides a link between the
RNZN and the civilian maritime industry.
CPOMTO McFadyen focused on obtaining information on the
technical details of MV SOOCHOW. OMTO McShane was able
to shadow bridge watch keepers and, under supervision, was
involved in tasks such as assisting with passage planning and
updating navigational plots using the ship’s radar. They were
also able to introduce and explain the role of the Maritime
Trade Operation to the ship’s Master and officers.
The ship’s company was welcoming and highly cooperative,
which made for a smooth transition into the ship’s routine,
in a very short period of time. The voyage provided a glimpse
into the numerous areas of expertise required to be proficient
on board this type of vessel; indeed, a high degree of
professionalism, ethics and a strong health and safety culture
was demonstrated at all times. The passage was an excellent
opportunity to build relationships with the civilian maritime
industry, and learn from it.
Gearing up
for Census16
Our first ever NZDF engagement survey, known as ‘the
Census’, was launched a year ago.
This year’s Census is fast approaching. In late July, we will be
asking you to complete the Census16 survey. As this is our
full engagement survey, it is longer than the short Pulse16
survey completed in April.
Engagement scores are important because, among other
things, they measure two things of concern to us: the
performance of our leaders and people, and our people’s
wellbeing. These are paramount for everyone who works in
the NZDF, given that we are proud of ‘punching above our
weight’, and also caring for our people.
Census16
WHAT
WHY
WHO
WHEN
HOW
The Census16 survey measures how we’re
performing as a Defence Force. It takes
around 15−20 minutes to complete.
To gather information that will help NZDF
build an even better workplace, improve
the working lives of personnel, and further
increase our ability to provide a Force for NZ.
Census16 is for ALL who work at the NZDF,
including Reserves and those who are
deployed.
Census16 will run in late July for
TWO weeks.
For Regular Force and civilians the survey
will be online and a link will be emailed to all
members/employees. Hard copies will also
be sent out to camps and bases for people
who may not have access to a Defence
computer, including people on an exercise
or those who are deployed. For Reserves,
the survey will be advertised on The Hub
and completed via direct email.
RESULTS
We expect the reports to be made
available for all NZDF personnel in early
September.
our people NEWS
33

Jutland – the
Unfinished Battle: a
Personal History of a
Naval Controversy
By Nicholas Jellicoe
Seaforth Publishing,
UK, 2016
ISBN: 9781848323216
Voices from Jutland:
A Centenary
Commemoration
By Jim Crossley
Pen & Sword Maritime,
UK, 2016
ISBN: 9781473823716
The Hidden Threat;
The Story of Mines and
Minesweeping by the
Royal Navy in World War 1
By Jim Crossley
Pen & Sword Maritime
South Yorkshire, UK
2011
ISBN: 9781848842724
The Jutland Scandal:
The Truth About the
First World War’s
Greatest Sea Battle
By Admiral Bacon, Vice
Admiral Harper
Frontline Books, UK, 2016
ISBN: 9781848329379
Jutland: The Naval Staff
Appreciation
By William Schleihauf
Seaforth Publishing, UK,
2016
ISBN: 9781848323179
Fighting the Great War at
Sea: Strategy, Tactics and
Technology
By Norman Friedman
Seaforth Publishing, UK,
2014
ISBN: 9781848321892
The Great War at sea
– Battle of Jutland remembered
By CDR Richard Jackson RNZN (Rtd)
After the Battle of Jutland, controversy
arose because the Germans (the High
Seas Fleet was the first to reach home)
won the opening propaganda campaign. Then,
immediately after the War, when Beatty was
appointed First Sea Lord, he suppressed the
Admiralty’s assessment of the battle (written by
then Captain John Ernest Troyte Harper, a New
Zealander in the Royal Navy) because it showed
up mistakes that Beatty had made on the day.
Thus, the Royal Navy became split between
Jellicoe loyalists and Beatty supporters.
That split is evident in some of the many books
subsequently written about the battle. But
now, a century on, authors are able to take a
less biased view of the battle. And note that a
website, Jutland1916.com, is well worth a visit.
Admiral Jellicoe’s grandson Nicholas Jellicoe
has written Jutland – The Unfinished Battle: A
Personal History of a Naval Controversy. His book
tells the story of the battle from both British
and German perspectives, based on the latest
research, and sets the context of Germany’s
inevitable naval clash with Britain.
The author then traces the bitter dispute that
became known as the ‘Jutland Controversy’
which ensued in the years after the war; young
Jellicoe is very even-handed in his account. This
book gives an excellent account of the battle,
overall, and is recommended.
Jim Crossley, in Voices From Jutland: A Centenary
Commemoration, examines the strengths
and weaknesses of both navies and identifies
some of the reasons for the disappointing
performance of the Royal Navy in the battle.
Crossley argues that the building of the High
Seas Fleet was a strategic blunder on the part
of the Germans, who could have forced Britain
out of the war completely if they had instead
concentrated on their submarine fleet and on
mine-laying.
The Jutland Scandal: The Truth About the First
World War’s Greatest Sea Battle by Admirals
Bacon and Harper is a fresh presentation of two
books first published in the 1920s. Vice Admiral
Harper wrote his personal account after his
Admiralty-approved analysis was suppressed;
Admiral Bacon wrote his after various London
newspapers and Winston Churchill had sided
with Beatty. Both accounts include useful maps
to illustrate the tactical questions that arose.
This volume is for the specialist wishing to
read more deeply into the battle.
Jutland: The Naval Staff Appreciation was
originally written after Harper’s objective
record was delayed and heavily censored.
The Appreciation was a more ambitious
scheme to write a no-holds-barred critique
of the fleet’s performance for use in training
future officers at the Naval Staff College.
But it was written by two Beatty supporters
with a now-obvious bias. The Naval Staff
Appreciation was eventually deemed too
damaging, and its publication cancelled with
all proof copies ordered to be destroyed.
However, despite the orders, a few copies
survived and, transcribed from one of them,
this long-hidden work is now published, but
with an expert modern commentary and
explanatory notes to put it in proper context.
Norman Friedman is a recognised authority
on the strategic, technical, and tactical
aspects of the maritime environment, and
in Fighting the Great War at Sea: Strategy,
Tactics and Technology, he presents a fresh
perspective of the naval side of WWI. While
the focal point of the war was in northeastern
France, the global impact of the war
arose from its maritime character. Allied
troops reached France by sea, and were
sustained by allied shipping. Both France
and the British needed access to American
industry; when the Germans could not reach
US resources themselves, they deployed
their U-boats to deny that access to the
British.
Friedman takes a fresh look at the ways each
side tried to gain command of the sea in
what proved to be a four-year campaign. He
describes the rapid wartime changes in ship
and weapon technology: mines, torpedoes
and aircraft – and in the way naval warfare
was fought, the tactical practices and
changes to command and control.
As with many of Friedman’s books, the
extensive and informative captions to the
many well-chosen photos are essential
reading, along with the main narrative. This
book is highly recommended.
34
Book reviews

Wellington Returned and Services Association Needs You
The WRSA was established 100 years ago. Since then it has served the
Wellington region’s returned and service people and their families.
The WRSA is financially very stable and currently served by a lot of
dedicated ex service and associated people. To ensure it continues to
provide both social and other support to all service people and their
families fresh blood is needed on their Executive Committee. If you
are interested in continuing the traditions of the Services and RSAs,
that is support to all service people and their families, why don’t you
join? Please contact Ron Turner QSM JO, President WRSA by email at
rjturner@clear.net.nz or by phone at 04 38511910 or 274 478138
Retrospect, a history conference celebrating RNZN’s 75th Anniversary
Hosted by the Navy League of New Zealand (Wellington branch) and
the Maritime Friends of New Zealand.
Where: HMNZS Olphert, 34 Waione Street, Petone, Wellington
When: 18 June 2016, 09:00–17:00
Topics covered: HMS Neptune; HMNZS Leander; hydrography; women
in the RNZN; Wellington Harbour (1939−45); RNZN in the Korean War;
Dido Class Cruisers
Further details: 027 4459 590 or rob.martin@nz.ey.com
Cost: $55, or $30 concession
All Ships Reunion celebrating HMNZS BLACKPOOL 50th Anniversary
and HMNZS ROYALIST 60th Anniversary
This will be held in New Plymouth on the weekend of Friday 15 to
Monday 18 July 2016. Details still to be finalised but application forms
can be applied for now. They will be sent when full programme is
completed. Contact Trevor Wylde, 146A Ngamotu Road, Spotswood,
New Plymouth 4310. Phone/fax (06) 7515595, mobile 0274 844587, email
trevor.cherryl@xtra.co.nz
MAY 1977 Intake 40 year Reunion
Auckland May 26 to 28 2017, venue TBA
All BCTs, WRNZNs, instructors and divisional officers who enlisted in or
were involved with this 1977 intake 40 years ago. Please contact either
Norm Harding georgenormharding@gmail.com
or John Leefe j_leefe@me.com
MAY 1977 Intake 40 year Reunion Auckland May 26 to 28 2017,
venue TBA
All BCTs, WRNZNs, instructors and divisional officers who enlisted in or
were involved with this 1977 intake 40 years ago. Please contact either
Norm Harding georgenormharding@gmail.com or John Leefe j_leefe@
me.com
Royal Naval Engineers' Benevolent Society 2018 celebration
150th Anniversary of the Introduction of Artificers into the Royal Navy
in 1868
We are organising a UK event to celebrate the Introduction of Artificers
into the Royal Navy in 1868. RNZN Artificers welcome. Contact Cliff
Fiander, 33 Goldfinch Road, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 7FL UK, email
cliff.fiander@mail.com
New Zealand Defence Industry Association (NZDIA) Annual Forum
Where: Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
Dates: 16-17 November 2016
Theme: Shaping the next 75 years – Investing in New Zealand’s
Future Security
Attending will be senior members of the NZ Defence Force, Ministry
of Defence, Industry, Government and International Delegations. This
year’s forum is timed to coincide with the 75th Anniversary Celebrations
of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Please plan early to attend and be part
of this important event.
Further details: www.nzdia.co.nz
Email: contact@nzdia.co.nz
Selected RNZN
rank abbreviations
RADM: Rear Admiral
CDRE: Commodore
CAPT: Captain
CDR: Commander
LT CDR: Lieutenant Commander
LT: Lieutenant
SLT: Sub Lieutenant
ENS: Ensign
MID: Midshipman
WOCH: Warrant Officer Chef
WOMED: Warrant Officer Medic
CPOWTR: Chief Petty Officer Writer
CPOEWS: Chief Petty Officer Electronic Warfare Specialist
POPTI: Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor
POCSS: Petty Officer Combat System Specialist
LSCS: Leading Seamanship Combat Specialist
LSA: Leading Stores Accountant
LMT (P): Leading Marine Technician (Propulsion)
AMUS: Able Musician
ADR: Able Diver
AHLM: Able Helicopter Load Master
OSTD: Ordinary Steward
OMT (L): Ordinary Marine Technician (Electrical)
OCWS: Ordinary Communications Warfare Specialist
Jackspeak—Navy slang
Adrift: Late for work
Blubber: Cry, the word originates from the whaling days:
globules of fat dripped down the carcass during flensing,
resembling teardrops
Gardening: The process of aerial mine-laying during
World War Two; the aircraft involved were ‘sowing
cucumbers’ into the sea.
Hardly out of the egg: A very inexperienced
individual.
Jetsam: Cargo, stores, equipment, etc, which has been
deliberately thrown overboard (jettisoned) to lighten the
ship in a survival situation, but remains the property of the
owner.
Oppo: A friend in a ship; they are on watch when you are
off. Derives from “opposite number”.
Poet’s day: An alternative name for Friday, derived from
the first letters of ‘piss off early – tomorrow’s Saturday!’
Space cadet: Young officer who thinks he or she is
captain of the universe.
Toybox: The engine room.
Wrinkle: Shortcut
our notices people
35

JUN–AUG 2016
64 King Edward ParadE
dEvonPort
10am to 5Pm, sEvEn days
FrEE admission
Westpac presents
30 years of
Women at Sea
During June 2016, we celebrate the courage,
commitment and comradeship of our past and
current Naval women.
In 1986
10.1%
Women in the Navy
In 2016
22.2%
Women in the Navy
In 1986, the Royal New Zealand
Navy commenced a trial of
women at sea onboard HMNZS
MONOWAI. There were 14 women
that participated; 13 ratings and
one officer. In posting onboard,
they had the opportunity to work
in each department during the
trial. It was the first time that
women posted to sea as part of
the regular crew, albeit on a noncombatant
ship.
In 1989, Navy Order 35/1989
authorised the permanent
employment of women at sea in
the RNZN. All women entering the
RNZN from January 1989 intake
would be required to serve at sea
except those in a limited number
of shore only trades.
Today, women operate onboard
each of the RNZN’s 11 warships,
performing roles from warfare
officer, to electronics technician,
chef to engineer.
Since women have been integrated
within ships crews they now have
the ability to progress through
all trades and ranks within the
service alongside our servicemen.
With greater career options more
women are joining and staying
longer than ever before and better
reflecting the nation we represent.
presentInG partner, OperatIOn neptUne
www.navymuseum.co.nz www.navy.mil.nz www.nznavy75.co.nz
36