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101-562: Before World War II, weather observations in Fiji were the responsibility of the harbour board and limited to recording various meteorological details at various locations around the island nation. During the 1939 Defence Conference in Wellington, New Zealand, Fiji's capital Suva was identified as the location of an upgraded meteorological service for the Pacific region. As a result, a facility

202-663: A Forward Air Control role in Vietnam flying with the USAF 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Da Nang Air Base , and USAF 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base with O-1 , O-2 and OV-10 aircraft. A small detachment of RNZAF ground crew from No. 75 Squadron RNZAF were also attached to a U.S Marine Corps VMA-311 A-4 Skyhawk unit at Chu Lai . Royal New Zealand Navy The Royal New Zealand Navy ( RNZN ; Māori : Te Taua Moana o Aotearoa , lit.   'Sea Warriors of New Zealand')

303-603: A U-boat on the surface off the African coast. He attacked U-468 but as he did so, the aircraft was hit by the U-boat's anti-aircraft fire and burst into flames. The aircraft continued the attack and sank the U-boat but crashed shortly afterwards, with all the crew being killed. The crew's actions were reported by the U-boat's survivors, and the Victoria Cross was awarded as a result. The first NZ squadron to serve with

404-550: A Territorial unit at Hobsonville, flying Catalinas and later Sunderlands. A Gloster Meteor arrived in 1945, introducing the jet age. The force was equipped from 1946 with the de Havilland Mosquito before the arrival of de Havilland Vampires . Initially used in peacekeeping in Cyprus and Singapore the Vampires were supplemented by loaned de Havilland Venoms and, later, English Electric Canberras , both of which saw action in

505-588: A civilian unit, before Laucala Bay's forecasting unit was moved and merged with Nadi's forecasting unit. Since June 1995, the central weather office of Fiji, Nadi, has been one of six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers within the World Weather Watch program of the World Meteorological Organization . Its specialty is forecasting tropical cyclones south of the equator to the 25th parallel south , and between

606-652: A dive and hydrographic vessel commissioned in 2019, which sank off the coast of Samoa on 6 October 2024, and HMNZS Matataua. HMNZS Matataua was a land-based unit (a stone frigate ) commissioned in 2017 (previously the Littoral Warfare Support Force, the Littoral Warfare Support Group, and most recently the Littoral Warfare Unit) with two operational groups, one for military hydrographic survey and

707-678: A flight of Short Sunderlands and almost 1,000 training machines. To administer units in the South Pacific, No. 1 (Islands) Group RNZAF was formed, with Air Commodore Sidney Wallingford as its commander, on 10 March 1943. In addition to this, several hundred RNZAF personnel saw action with RAF squadrons or the FAA in Burma, Singapore and the South Pacific. By 1945 the RNZAF had over 41,000 personnel, including just over 10,000 aircrew who served with

808-661: A major expansion began from the mid-1930s. The NZPAF ordered twelve Vickers Vildebeests in 1933–34 to form two bomber-reconnaissance flights at Hobsonville and Wigram. In 1937 29 Blackburn Baffins were purchased specifically to equip the Territorial Air Force for coastal reconnaissance work. An initial shipment of 16 Vickers Vincent bomber-reconnaissance biplanes arrived in July 1939. More modern British types eventually arrived, including significant numbers of Airspeed Oxfords , Avro 626s , Fairey Gordons . The NZPAF

909-527: Is responsible for policing New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone, one of the largest in the world. In addition, the Patrol Force provides assistance to a range of civilian government agencies, including the Department of Conservation, New Zealand Customs and Police, Ministry of Fisheries and others. The Patrol Force consists of: The Littoral Warfare Support Force consisted of HMNZS  Manawanui ,

1010-697: Is the maritime arm of the New Zealand Defence Force . The fleet currently consists of nine ships. The Navy had its origins in the Naval Defence Act 1913 , and the subsequent acquisition of the cruiser HMS  Philomel , which by 1921 had been moored in Auckland as a training ship. A slow buildup occurred during the interwar period , and then in December 1939 HMS  Achilles fought alongside two other Royal Navy cruisers at

1111-947: The 160th meridian east and 120th meridian west longitude . FMS issues public and marine weather bulletins for Kiribati , Northern Cooks, Southern Cooks, Tuvalu , Tokelau , Niue , Nauru and Fiji . The Fiji Meteorological Services, as per agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization, functions as the Meteorological Watch Office for the Nadi Flight Information Region (FIR), which extends from Western Kiribati to Tuvalu , Fiji , Vanuatu , Wallis and Futuna and New Caledonia . However, it still provides certain aviation forecast services to Cook Islands, Christmas Island (Line Islands), Samoa , Niue and Tonga which are situated outside

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1212-598: The 1st Australian Task Force was established at Nui Dat an airfield was built to accommodate the RNZAF freighters so that personnel and supplies could be delivered more directly. Canberra bombers were deployed in a non combat role, with crew observing American operations, and deploying to South Vietnam to conduct joint training with the USAF. As 1ATF expanded, in June 1966, No. 9 Squadron RAAF had gone to South Vietnam and based itself at Vung Tau , equipped with Bell UH-1 Iroquois aircraft. Politically and operationally, it

1313-659: The A-4 Skyhawk and Aermacchi MB-339 equipped squadrons. The Air Force is led by an Air Vice-Marshal who holds the appointment of Chief of Air Force . The RNZAF motto is the same as that of the Royal Air Force , Per Ardua ad Astra , meaning "Through Adversity to the Stars". The Māori language name Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa , meaning "New Zealand Warriors of the Sky" or more literally "The New Zealand War Party of

1414-507: The Australian Flying Corps . New Zealand pilots serving with British Empire forces saw service in all theatres. Fifteen became aces , with the top scorer being Keith Caldwell having, depending on how it is counted, more than 24 victories. The government assisted two private schools to train pilots for the conflict. The Walsh brothers flying school at Auckland was founded by Leo and Vivian Walsh —pioneers who had made

1515-752: The Battle of Kolombangara . The extent of the damage to Leander saw her docked for repairs until the end of the war. As the war progressed, the size of the RNZN greatly increased, and by the end of the war, there were over 60 ships in commission. These ships participated as part of the British and Commonwealth effort against the Axis in Europe, and against the Japanese in the Pacific. They also played an important role in

1616-675: The Battle of the River Plate against the German ship, Graf Spee . The first recorded maritime combat activity in New Zealand occurred off the northern tip of the South Island in December 1642. Māori in war canoes attacked and killed four seamen from Abel Tasman 's party, who were at the time in low boats between the main ships. The New Zealand Navy did not exist as a separate military force until 1941. The association of

1717-535: The Battle of the River Plate off the River Plate estuary between Argentina and Uruguay , in December 1939. Achilles and two other cruisers, HMS  Ajax and HMS  Exeter , severely damaged the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee . The German Captain Hans Langsdorff then scuttled Graf Spee rather than face the loss of many more German seamen's lives. Achilles moved to

1818-569: The Bristol Freighter . Bristol Freighter serial NZ5901 crashed in the Cameron Highlands during supply drop operations on 10 December 1956. The aircraft flew into a valley and collided with a 4000-foot fog shrouded ridge . SQNLDR Alexander Tie, FLTOFF William Devescovi, FLTOFF Douglas Nelson and 5 passengers were killed, while a single passenger survived and was later rescued. Antarctic Flight The RNZAF Antarctic Flight

1919-473: The Dominions of a hundred war-surplus combat aircraft. New Zealand was the last to respond and least enthusiastic. When the 33 total aircraft, Avro 504s , Bristol F.2 Fighters and, De Havilland designed, Airco DH.4s and Airco DH.9s , did reach New Zealand they were either placed in storage or loaned to the flying schools, barnstormers and commercial operators. The importance of aviation in warfare

2020-853: The HMAS ; Sydney . In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China "handles foreign warships' transit through the Taiwan Strait in accordance with laws and regulations". On 29 September, the HMNZS Aotearoa took part in a joint maritime patrol with Australian, Filipino, Japanese and United States warships and aircraft in the disputed South China Sea , which has also been claimed by China. The Combat Force consists of two Anzac-class frigates: HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana . Initially, two more frigates were planned, but this

2121-661: The Korean War , Vietnam and the Gulf War and has undertaken United Nations peacekeeping missions. From a peak of over 1,000 combat aircraft in 1945, the RNZAF has shrunk to a strength of around 48 aircraft in 2022. It focuses on maritime patrol and transport duties in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Army . Its air combat capability ended in 2001, with the disbanding of

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2222-984: The Malayan Emergency and subsequent confrontation with Indonesia . Internal communications and transport and other services were maintained by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF . It supported the Army and Navy using Grumman TBM-1 Avengers , the Territorial Air Force's North American P-51D Mustangs and North American Harvards , the VIPs with De Havilland Devons , also used for support, communications and multi-engine conversion training, and Douglas C-47 , Douglas DC-6 , and Handley Page Hastings for VIP and communications support. Nos. 5 and 6 Squadrons traded their lend-lease Catalinas for Short Sunderland MR5s operating in maritime patrol and search and rescue roles from Hobsonville and Laucala Bay, Fiji . 6 Squadron

2323-468: The NZ Police , and other government and civil agencies as requested and approved through Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand . The Royal New Zealand Air Force operates eight Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopters. These aircraft are part of No. 6 Squadron RNZAF based at RNZAF Base Auckland . The aircraft are operated by RNZN aviators and are assigned to RNZN ships as required. The roles of

2424-663: The Royal Navy with New Zealand began with the arrival of James Cook in 1769, who completed two subsequent journeys to New Zealand in 1773 and 1777. Occasional visits by Royal Navy ships were made from the late 18th century. The Royal Navy played a part in the New Zealand Wars : for example, a gunboat shelled fortified Māori pā from the Waikato River in order to defeat the Māori King Movement . In 1909

2525-470: The Second World War , No. 14 Squadron RNZAF was sent to Japan as part of the occupation J Force . The rest of the air force rapidly divested itself of aircraft and manpower and settled mainly into training and transport mode before the advent of the rejuvenated No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF . From 1949 Compulsory Military Training reinvigorated the reserve component of

2626-471: The 38th parallel in Korea , the New Zealand government ordered two Loch-class frigates – Tutira and Pukaki to prepare to make for Korean waters, and for the whole of the war, at least two NZ vessels would be on station in the theater. On 3 July these two first ships left Devonport Naval Base , Auckland and joined other Commonwealth forces at Sasebo , Japan, on 2 August. These vessels served under

2727-464: The Air Force. The four Territorial squadrons, No. 1 Squadron RNZAF (Auckland), Wellington, Canterbury and No. 4 Squadron, Territorial Air Force , at Taieri Aerodrome , were equipped with the 30 Mustangs re-activated from storage, along with a few Tiger Moths and Harvards for each squadron. No. 4 Squadron TAF was active from at least 1951–55. From 1952 to 1957 No. 6 Flying Boat Squadron operated as

2828-506: The DH.4s, DH.9s and Bristol Fighters . These operated from an airfield outside Christchurch at Sockburn. In 1926 Wigram donated £2,500 for the purchase of modern fighters and Gloster Grebes were acquired. Sockburn was later renamed RNZAF Station Wigram , a name adopted by the suburb which grew up around the airfield. It is the site of the present Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum . A trickle of new-build Bristol Fighters and other new types joined

2929-475: The F4U. At its peak, in the Pacific, the RNZAF had 34 squadrons – 25 of which were based outside New Zealand and in action against Japanese forces. Thirteen of these squadrons were equipped with Corsairs, six with Venturas, two with Catalinas, two with Avengers and two with Douglas Dakota transport aircraft. The RNZAF also had a squadron of Dauntless dive bombers, several mixed transport and communications squadrons,

3030-710: The German colony of Samoa in 1914. Philomel saw further action under the command of the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea , and the Persian Gulf . By 1917 she was worn out and was sent back to New Zealand where she served as a depot ship in Wellington Harbour for minesweepers. In 1921 she was transferred to Auckland for use as a training ship. The New Zealand Naval Forces passed to

3131-476: The Japanese, including Geoff Fisken , the Commonwealth's leading ace in the Pacific war. Other squadrons flew the elderly but effective Douglas Dauntless and, later, the modern Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber. From 12 October 1943, as part of Operation Cartwheel , RNZAF aircraft joined an allied air campaign against Japanese held airfields and the port of Rabaul. The RNZAF took on a significant part of

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3232-516: The MNLA, away from their usual station location in Hong Kong . By the time the aircraft were withdrawn in late 1951, 211 sorties had been carried out, dropping 284,000 kg of supplies. Korean War Although no RNZAF units were sent to Korea, a number of New Zealanders flew with other air forces in the conflict. Two men flew Gloster Meteor jets with No. 77 Squadron RAAF ; one, Vance Drummond ,

3333-532: The NZDF states its primary mission as: The intermediate outcomes of the NZDF are listed as: The role of the navy is to fulfil the maritime elements of the missions of the NZDF. The RNZN has a role to help prevent any unrest occurring in New Zealand. This can be done by having a presence in overseas waters and assisting redevelopment in troubled countries. For example, any unrest in the Pacific Islands has

3434-567: The NZPAF in the late 1920s and early 1930s. A Lewis gun -equipped De Havilland Gipsy Moth floatplane took part in naval operations against rebels in Samoa . The NZPAF's first action came in 1930 when the Moth dropped an improvised bomb made out of a treacle tin on to a ship suspected of gun-running. The bomb did no damage, and the target turned out to be a local missionary vessel. A territorial wing of

3535-1086: The Nadi FIR boundary. Aviation products issued by FMS include Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF), Trend Type Forecasts (TTF), Area Forecasts, Route Forecasts, Inclement Weather Warnings for Nadi and Nausori Airports, Sigmets and Tropical Cyclone Advisories (TCA). Routine 24 hour TAF's are issued for Nadi (NFFN), Nausori (NFNA), Rarotonga (NCRG), Fuamotu (NFTF), Vavau (NFTV), Faleolo (NFSA), Niue, Tarawa (NGTA), and Christmas Island (PLCH) airports. 24 hour TAF's are also issued for Funafuti (NGFU) airport on certain days. TAF's (validity periods of less than 24 hours) are also issued for Aitutaki (NCAI), Manihiki (NCMH), Penrhyn (NCPY), Haapai (NFTL), Labasa (NFNL) and Rotuma (NFNR) airports. Special Weather Bulletins (SWB's), Tropical Disturbance Advisories (TDA's), Special Advisory for Samoa , Tropical Cyclone Advisories (TCA's), Tropical Cyclone Sigmets, CREX bulletins, International Marine Warnings associated with tropical cyclones (WTPS and WHPS) and Tropical cyclone forecast and uncertainty tracks are

3636-650: The Navy has policed New Zealand's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone for fisheries protection. It also aids New Zealand's scientific activities in Antarctica, at Scott Base . One of the best-known roles that the RNZN played on the world stage was when the frigates Canterbury and Otago were sent by the Labour Government of Norman Kirk to Moruroa Atoll in 1973 to protest against French nuclear testing there. The frigates were sent into

3737-601: The New Zealand Air Force was raised in 1930 with three squadrons at RNZAF Station Hobsonville (with flights at Hamilton and Napier), Wellington and Christchurch though without equipment. A fourth squadron planned for Dunedin had not been raised even by July 1939. More creditably, Fairey III Fs made a dramatic maritime rescue and in the aftermath of the Napier earthquake the NZPAF flew in urgently needed supplies and medical equipment. Like other western air arms

3838-614: The New Zealand government decided to fund the purchase of the battlecruiser HMS  New Zealand for the Royal Navy, which saw action throughout World War I in Europe. The passing of the Naval Defence Act 1913 created the New Zealand Naval Forces , still a part of the Royal Navy. The first ship given by the British government for the New Zealand Naval Forces was the cruiser HMS  Philomel , which escorted New Zealand land forces to occupy

3939-756: The Pacific Islands. A small motor boat, SMB Adventure , was operated from Resolution . Resolution carried some of the most advanced survey technology available. HMNZS Resolution was decommissioned at Devonport Naval Base on 27 April 2012. In October 2021 the Defence Force contributed HMNZS  Te Kaha to the UK Carrier Strike Group 's transit through the South China Sea . This deployment sought to reiterate New Zealand's support for free international passage through

4040-681: The Pacific Theatre— initially, in 1942, Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks and additional Harvards and Hudsons. The fall of Singapore led to some evacuated RNZAF pilots, that had been serving in the RAF there, becoming available in New Zealand. These men provided an experienced nucleus around which new fighter squadrons, the first being No. 14 Squadron RNZAF formed at Masterton, were established. From mid-1943, at Guadalcanal , starting with No. 15 and No. 14 Squadrons, several RNZAF Kittyhawk units fought with distinction. Several pilots became aces against

4141-414: The Pacific as well. Naval forces were utilised in the Bougainville , Solomon Islands and East Timor conflicts of the 1990s. The RNZN often participates in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The hydrographic survey ship of the RNZN until 2012 was HMNZS  Resolution , succeeding the long-serving HMNZS  Monowai . Resolution was used to survey and chart the sea around New Zealand and

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4242-407: The Pacific, and was working with the United States Navy (USN) when damaged by a Japanese bomb off New Georgia . Following repair, she served alongside the British Pacific Fleet until the war's end. The New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy became the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) on 1 October 1941, in recognition of the fact that the naval force was now largely self-sufficient and independent of

4343-625: The RAF base at Changi, Singapore resupplying the Commonwealth forces at the firebases and outposts located on the borders. From 1962, the primary RNZAF contribution to the Vietnam War was No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF providing troop transport for military and non-military personnel and resupply runs. 40 Sqn flew from New Zealand or from the RAF base in Singapore, usually via Australia, to Vietnam and elsewhere in South East Asia using Lockheed C-130 Hercules freighters. 41 Sqn flew from Singapore to Hong Kong via South East Asia using Handley Page Hastings , Bristol 170 Freighters . When

4444-436: The RAF in Europe and Africa. In the post war period the RNZAF dealt progressively with demobilisation and disposal of its large obsolete fleet, rearmament to support the Cold War , some loss of training opportunities with the American suspension of ANZUS Treaty obligations in protest at New Zealand becoming a nuclear free zone, social changes which saw women become combat pilots, and the loss of combat capability. Following

4545-401: The RAF itself included pilots, such as the first RAF ace of the war, Flying Officer Cobber Kain and Alan Deere (whose book Nine Lives was one of the early post-war accounts of combat); and leaders such as the World War I ace, Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park , who commanded No. 11 Group RAF in the Battle of Britain and went on to the air defence of Malta (and, in the closing stages of

4646-455: The RAF was not strictly an Article XV squadron. No. 75 Squadron RAF was formed by RNZAF aircrews and Vickers Wellington bombers in August 1939. The squadron later flew Short Stirlings , Avro Lancasters and Avro Lincolns . Through accident or design, other RAF units came to be mostly manned by RNZAF pilots, including No. 67 Squadron RAF (which ace Geoffrey Fisken served with) and No. 243 Squadron RAF in Singapore, No. 258 Squadron RAF in

4747-467: The RNZN "was still very much part of the Royal Navy supported by New Zealand tax-payers. The officer corps and senior specialist ratings were very dependent on loan and exchange RN personnel, while our own [New Zealand] officers and senior ratings were almost exclusively trained in the UK. We simply borrowed the RN's administrative regulations and amended them to local conditions. The Empire was alive and well. Operationally we were still very strongly tied to

4848-457: The RNZN are liable for service in the Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve. The Reserve has an active and inactive list. RNZN personnel can choose to serve four years in the Reserve on discharge. The primary reserve component of the RNZN is the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNZNVR), which is organised into four units based in Auckland (with a satellite unit at Tauranga), Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin: At present civilians can join

4949-412: The RNZN to undertake. Approximately 1,400 days at sea are required to fulfil these roles annually. Roles include patrolling the exclusive economic zone , transport to offshore islands, and support for the New Zealand Customs Service . The RNZN formerly produced hydrographic information for Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) under a commercial contract arrangement, however with the decommissioning of

5050-405: The Royal Navy. The Prime Minister Peter Fraser reluctantly agreed, though saying "now was not the time to break away from the old country". Ships thereafter were prefixed HMNZS (His/Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship). HMNZS  Leander escorted the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to the Middle East in 1940 and was then deployed in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Leander

5151-472: The Sky", was adopted in 2009; the name had been Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi ("War Party of the Blue") for the previous 12 years. New Zealand 's military aviation began in 1913 when the New Zealand Army was presented with two Blériot monoplanes by the United Kingdom. Both aircraft were handed back after war broke out. In the Great War , New Zealand aircrew flew as part of the Royal Flying Corps (British Army), British Royal Naval Air Service , and

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5252-443: The South Atlantic. Canterbury was herself relieved by Waikato in August. At the close of the Cold War the RNZN had an escort force of four frigates ( HMNZS  Waikato  (F55) , HMNZS  Wellington  (F69) , HMNZS  Canterbury  (F421) , and HMNZS Southland (F104) ). Due to the cost of replacing four ships, the force was downsized to two. However, there was considerable political debate at times during

5353-416: The South China Sea, which has been claimed by China as part of its territorial waters. In June 2023, HMNZS  Te Mana was confronted by two People's Liberation Army Navy frigates, helicopters, and four other vessels near the disputed Spratly Islands . In late September 2024, Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed that the HMNZS Aotearoa had sailed through the disputed Taiwan Strait with

5454-462: The South Pacific. The RNZAF was part of the force tasked with securing the line of advance by incapacitating bypassed Japanese strongholds, for example, Rabaul. As the war progressed the older types were replaced with more powerful modern aircraft; Kittyhawks gave way to Vought F4U Corsairs , while Hudsons were replaced by Venturas. At the close of war the RNZAF was planning to bring 320 North American P-51 Mustangs into service as part replacement for

5555-435: The Southwest Pacific and Southern Ocean down to Antarctica as directed by government, and to meet New Zealand's responsibilities in its search and rescue area. Deployments further afield are conducted as required to meet the strategic intent of the Government of New Zealand. As of 30 June 2022, the RNZN consisted of 2,219 Regular Force personnel and 611 Naval Reserve personnel. All regular force personnel on discharge from

5656-738: The UK. Several Grumman Martlet and Grumman Hellcat units of the FAA also had New Zealanders in their ranks, leading some texts to claim these types were used by the RNZAF. New Zealand Article XV Squadrons included No. 485 , which flew Supermarine Spitfires throughout the war; No. 486 ( Hawker Hurricanes , Hawker Typhoons and Hawker Tempests ); No. 487 , ( Lockheed Venturas and de Havilland Mosquitoes ); No. 488 , ( Brewster Buffaloes , Hurricanes, Bristol Beaufighters and Mosquitoes); No. 489 , ( Bristol Blenheims , Bristol Beauforts , Handley Page Hampdens , Beaufighters and Mosquitoes); and No. 490 , equipped with Consolidated Catalinas and Short Sunderlands . The presence of German raiders led to

5757-463: The UK." Later the Navy return to Malayan waters during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation . These operations were the RNZN's last large-scale operation with the Royal Navy. In a security crisis and threat to Malaysia and Sarawak and Brunei, two-thirds of the Royal Navy's operational warships were deployed from 1963 to the end of 1966 with Royalist , Taranaki , and Otago , heavily involved in boarding ships, shore patrols, presence, maintaining

5858-443: The aerodrome, later Wigram Aerodrome , to the government for defence purposes. At the end of the war many New Zealand pilots stayed with the new Royal Air Force and several had attained high rank by the outbreak of World War II . Others returned to New Zealand and, serving part-time, provided the nucleus of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force (NZPAF). At the close of hostilities Great Britain offered an Imperial Gift to each of

5959-858: The aircraft with their crews to the United Kingdom in August 1939. They became No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF within No 3 Group. Many other New Zealanders were serving in the Royal Air Force . The primary role of the RNZAF was to take advantage of New Zealand's distance from the conflict by training aircrew as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme , alongside the other major former British colonies, Canada, Australia and South Africa. For this task large numbers of de Havilland Tiger Moths , Airspeed Oxfords and North American Harvards were manufactured or assembled locally; second-hand biplanes—such as Hawker Hinds and Vickers Vincents —were also acquired, as well as other types for specialised training such as Avro Ansons and Supermarine Walruses . Only when German surface raiders and Japanese submarines became active

6060-435: The area to the north of New Zealand. With the apparent threat of imminent invasion New Zealand was forced to look to her own defence, as well as to help the United Kingdom. Trainers and airliners in New Zealand were camouflaged and armed and various types, such as the North American Harvard, Hawker Hind , Airspeed Oxford and even the de Havilland Tiger Moth, formed shadow bomber, army co-operation and fighter squadrons for use in

6161-428: The best role for the RNZN in the Pacific was as part of the United States Navy , so operational control of the RNZN was transferred to the South West Pacific Area command , and its ships joined United States 7th Fleet taskforces. In 1943, the light cruiser HMS  Gambia was transferred to the RNZN as HMNZS Gambia . In November 1944, the British Pacific Fleet , a joint British Commonwealth military formation ,

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6262-409: The command of a British flag officer (seemingly Flag Officer Second in Command Far East Fleet ) and formed part of the US Navy screening force during the Battle of Inchon , performing shore raids and inland bombardment. Further RNZN Loch -class frigates joined these later – Rotoiti , Hawea , Taupo and Kaniere , as well as a number of smaller craft. Only one RNZN sailor was killed during

6363-434: The conflict – during the Inchon bombardments. The Navy later participated in the Malayan Emergency . In 1954 a New Zealand frigate, HMNZS Pukaki , carried out a bombardment of a suspected guerilla camp, while operating with the Royal Navy 's Far East Fleet – the first of a number of bombardments by RNZN ships over the next five years. Jack Welch , later to become Chief of Naval Staff decades later, wrote that in 1959,

6464-462: The control of Commander-in-Chief, China , after the Royal Navy forces in Australia came under Canberra's control in 1911. From 1921 to 1941 the force was known as the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy . The cruiser Chatham along with the sloop Veronica arrived in 1920, Philomel was transferred to the Division in 1921, as was the sloop Torch , HMS  Laburnum arrived in 1922 and then HMS  Dunedin in 1924. HMS  Diomede and

6565-402: The deaths of labour activists killed in police charges. This led to the creation of the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA), a communist guerrilla organisation. New Zealand's first contribution came in 1949, when C-47 Dakotas of RNZAF No. 41 Squadron were attached to the Royal Air Force 's Far East Air Force . The C-47s were used to airdrop supplies to British and Malay forces fighting

6666-509: The dedicated hydrographic survey ship HMNZS Resolution this has lapsed and the Navy now focuses on military hydrography. Hydrospatial information is still provided to LINZ but on an ad-hoc basis. Since 2001, both Anzac -class frigates have participated in the United States' Operation Enduring Freedom in the Persian Gulf and have conducted maritime patrol operations in support of American and allied efforts in Afghanistan . The RNZN routinely deploys within its primary area of operations of

6767-424: The defence of New Zealand, from German raiders , especially when the threat of invasion from Japan appeared imminent in 1942. Many merchant ships were requisitioned and armed for help in defence. One of these was HMNZS  Monowai , which saw action against the Japanese submarine  I-20 off Fiji in 1942. In 1941–1942, it was decided in an agreement between the New Zealand and United States governments that

6868-402: The event of invasion. Hudsons moved forward into the South Pacific while No. 5 Squadron, at RNZAF Station Laucala Bay in Fiji, commenced operations against the Japanese despite its obsolete equipment. In New Zealand preparations intensified and in 1942 three Groups were established to direct air and, if necessary, air defence operations. The vulnerability of New Zealand to Axis naval activity

6969-405: The first controlled flight in New Zealand. From 1915 pilots trained on the Walsh Brothers Flying Boats including Curtiss machines, aircraft of their own design and, later in the war, the first two aircraft made by Boeing . In 1916 Sir Henry Wigram established the Canterbury Aviation Company at Sockburn, Christchurch , and purchased Caudron biplanes from Britain for pilot training. He gave

7070-411: The formation of New Zealand-based combat units—initially rearming types, like the Vildebeest, and hurriedly converting impressed airliners, such as the de Havilland DH.86 to carry bombs. Lockheed Hudsons were obtained early in 1941 to take over this role. No. 5 Squadron with Vickers Vincents and Short Singapores was sent to protect Fiji. In December 1941 Japan attacked and rapidly conquered much of

7171-444: The gathering in Parliament in Carl Berendsen 's room (including Peter Fraser ) could not follow Chamberlain's words because of static on the shortwave and waited until the Admiralty notified the fleet that war had broken out before Cabinet approved the declaration of war (the official telegram from Britain was delayed and arrived just before midnight). HMS  Achilles participated in the first major naval battle of World War II,

7272-431: The helicopters include: A number of non-commissioned auxiliary vessels are used for a number or littoral, support and training purposes. The RNZN operates a small number of autonomous underwater vehicles . The RNZN does not operate any ship-based unmanned aerial systems. However, according to a recent tender document, there exists some considerable scope for the acquisition of new systems. In its Statement of Intent,

7373-478: The maritime reconnaissance task with Catalina (and later Sunderland) flying boats and Hudson bombers. The role of the RNZAF changed as the allies moved onto the offensive. The Americans, leaders of the Allied nations in the Pacific, planned to bypass major Japanese strongholds , instead capturing a handful of island bases to provide a supply chain for an eventual attack on Japan itself. The Allied advance started from

7474-644: The mid-1990s about whether a third and fourth Anzac-class frigate should be procured. In the past three decades, the RNZN has operated in the Middle East a number of times. RNZN ships played a role in the Iran–Iraq War , aiding the Royal Navy in protecting neutral shipping in the Indian Ocean. Frigates were also sent to participate in the first Gulf War , and more recently Operation Enduring Freedom . The RNZN has played an important part in conflicts in

7575-533: The minesweeper HMS Wakakura arrived in 1926. Between World War I and World War II, the New Zealand Division operated a total of 14 ships, including the cruisers HMS Achilles (joined 31 March 1937) and HMS Leander , which replaced Diomede and Dunedin (replaced by Leander in 1937). When Britain went to war against Germany in 1939, New Zealand officially declared war at the same time, backdated to 9.30 pm on 3 September local time. But

7676-677: The newly created Far East Strategic Reserve . On 1 May 1955, the air force carried out its first strike mission since the end of World War II , and its first with jet aircraft , using de Havilland Vampires of No. 14 Squadron RNZAF . In 1955, the squadron was re-equipped with de Havilland Venoms and carried out 115 strike missions. The squadron was replaced in 1958 by No. 75 Squadron flying English Electric Canberras from their operational station in Tengah . In July 1955 No. 41 Squadron returned to Malaya and resumed supply dropping operations in support of anti-guerrilla forces, this time using

7777-599: The now-independent states had become more distinctive. There was a growing wish and a need for separate identities, particularly if one Dominion was engaged in hostilities where another was not. Thus, in 1968, the RNZN adopted its own ensign, which retained the Union Flag in a top quarter but replaces the St George's Cross with the Southern Cross constellation that is displayed on the national flag. Since 1946

7878-554: The other clearance diving, and a logistics support group. Detachments from Matataua embarked on Manawanui when the ship was conducting survey and/or diving operations. Matataua was responsible for ensuring access to and the use of harbours, inshore waters and associated littoral zones through shallow water and coastal survey, mine-countermeasures and explosive ordnance disposal, beach survey and reconnaissance in support of amphibious operations, and underwater engineering. Matataua also provided underwater search and recovery support to

7979-524: The potential blast zone of the weapons, where both ships witnessed one airburst test each which forced France to then change to underground testing. In May 1982 Prime Minister Rob Muldoon seconded the frigate Canterbury to the Royal Navy for the duration of the Falklands War . Canterbury was deployed to the Armilla Patrol in the Persian Gulf , to relieve a British frigate for duty in

8080-542: The potential to affect New Zealand because of the large Pacific Island population. The stability of the South Pacific is considered in the interest of New Zealand. The navy has participated in peace-keeping and peace-making in East Timor , Bougainville and the Solomon Islands , supporting land-based operations. The 2002 Maritime Forces Review identified a number of roles that other government agencies required

8181-466: The sailors in the RNZN were involved in the mutinies. The resulting manpower shortage forced the RNZN to remove the light cruiser Black Prince , one of their most powerful warships, from service and set the navy's development and expansion back by a decade. Despite this impact, the size and scope of the events have been downplayed over time. RNZN ships participated in the Korean War . On 29 June, just four days after 135,000 North Korean troops crossed

8282-547: The strategic alliances at the time. The arrival of the Bell 47 introduced the helicopter to the RNZAF. In 1964 New Zealand began helping Malaysia to fight Indonesia’s attempt to wrest control of the North Borneo territories in what was known as Confrontation . This role, which continued until 1966, saw New Zealand soldiers from 1RNZIR and NZ SAS mount covert cross-border raids into Indonesia. RNZAF flew continuous missions from

8383-440: The summers of 1956, 1957 and 1958 before disbanding in 1960. Operations in Antarctica resumed in 1965 when a Hercules flew the first of what have become annual summer flights from Christchurch to the continent. To the present day, the RNZAF operates both Boeing 757 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules to Phoenix Airfield . Post-war Modernisation The Chief of Air Staff appointed in June 1962 was Air Vice-Marshal Ian G. Morrison , who

8484-608: The tropical cyclone products issued by FMS. Royal New Zealand Air Force The Royal New Zealand Air Force ( RNZAF ; Māori : Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa ) is the aerial service branch of the New Zealand Defence Force . It was formed initially in 1923 as a branch of the New Zealand Army , being known as the New Zealand Permanent Air Force, becoming an independent air force on 1 April 1937. The RNZAF fought in World War II , Malaya ,

8585-615: The use of seaways and support of the RN's amphibious carriers. The commitment, wrote Welch, "involved the whole fleet, as ships rotated though Pearl Harbor for workup with the USN before deploying on to the Far East to relieve ships on station." Until the 1960s the RNZN had, in common with other Dominion navies, flown the White Ensign as a common ensign. After 1945, the foreign policies of

8686-521: The war, Commonwealth air units under South East Asia Command ) and Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham Air Tactical Commander during the Normandy landings in June 1944 (Coningham and Park had remained with the RAF after WWI). Three RNZAF pilots were awarded the Victoria Cross while serving with the RAF. James Allen Ward , a Sergeant Pilot with 75 Squadron , was first, when he climbed out onto

8787-418: The wing of his Vickers Wellington bomber to smother an engine fire in flight on 7 July 1941. In 1943 then Wing Commander Leonard Trent continued to lead an extremely hazardous, but vital, attack at the head of 487 Squadron until every aircraft was shot down. The same year, Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg , serving with No. 200 Squadron RAF was piloting a Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber when it encountered

8888-721: Was advantageous for the RNZAF to assist the RAAF , who were facing a shortage of available pilots. In all, 16 RNZAF officers would serve in operational service in Vietnam with No. 9 Squadron RAAF . Flight Lieutenant Bill Waterhouse, the RNZAF's only Māori helicopter pilot at the time was killed in January 1969 flying an Iroquois in Canberra while preparing for service in South Vietnam . The RNZAF additionally provided assistance in

8989-460: Was belatedly recognised, largely thanks to the efforts of visionary parliamentarian Sir Henry Wigram . On 14 June 1923 the New Zealand Permanent Air Force was gazetted: a part of the Army initially staffed by a total of four officers and two other ranks as full-time staff, plus the New Zealand Air Force with 102 officers on the Reserve lists. It was initially equipped with the surviving Avro 504 K,

9090-603: Was cancelled due to the political pressure surrounding defence expenditure following the New Zealand breakup of military relations with ANZUS in 1986. Both ships are based at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. HMNZS Te Kaha was commissioned on 26 July 1997 and HMNZS Te Mana on 10 December 1999. The specifications and armaments of the two ships are identical. Both ships completed refits in 2020 and 2022 respectively. The Patrol Force consists of two offshore and two inshore patrol vessels. The Patrol Force

9191-463: Was demonstrated when a submarine-launched Japanese float plane overflew Wellington and Auckland , where it was chased ineffectually by a Tiger Moth. As few combat-capable aircraft were available at home and Britain was unable to help, New Zealand turned to the United States and signed a Lend-Lease agreement. Gradually at first, America was able to supply New Zealand with aircraft for use in

9292-418: Was disbanded while 5 Squadron received P-3B Orions in 1965. A research flight helped develop Aerial Topdressing . In 1957, the Territorial Air Force (TAF) was formally disbanded following a review of New Zealand's local defences. Malayan Emergency The Malayan Emergency was declared by the British government on 18 June 1948 after several rubber plantation workers were killed in a revenge attack over

9393-724: Was established at Laucala Bay during 1940, before it was expanded during the following year to support the operations of the Royal New Zealand Air Force . After the United States of America entered the war, meteorological operations were started at the Nadi Airport by the United States Army Air Forces Meteorological Unit during 1942. After the war, the Nadi Weather Office (NWO) was converted to

9494-621: Was formed in 1956 to assist the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition , equipped with an Auster Mk.7c purchased from the UK Air Ministry (NZ1707), De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter (NZ6081), and a De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver (NZ6001, changed to NZ6010 to remove overlapping numbers with an RNZAF Gloster Meteor ), with hardened and equipped with skis . It helped transport men, dog teams and supplies, and carried out geological mapping over

9595-657: Was formed, based in Sydney, Australia . Most RNZN ships, including Gambia and Achilles , were transferred to the BPF. They took part in the Battle of Okinawa and operations in the Sakishima Islands , near Japan. In August 1945, HMNZS Gambia was New Zealand's representative at the surrender of Japan . During April 1947 a series of non-violent mutinies occurred amongst the sailors and non-commissioned officers of four RNZN ships and two shore bases. Overall, up to 20% of

9696-687: Was it realised that a combat force would be needed in New Zealand in addition to the trainers. New Zealanders serving with the RAF The majority of RNZAF personnel served with RAF units, six RNZAF Article XV squadrons , which were RNZAF units attached to RAF formations, and the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA). They served in Europe, the Mediterranean, South East Asia and other theatres. Commonwealth personnel under RAF operational control were pooled for operational practicality and many RNZAF airmen also served with Royal Australian Air Force or Royal Canadian Air Force Article XV squadrons. New Zealanders in

9797-534: Was renamed the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1934 and became an independent service in 1937. At the outbreak of World War II the primary equipment of the RNZAF was to be 30 Vickers Wellington bombers ordered in 1938. The aircraft were completed, and RNZAF crews were training on them in the UK in 1939; but with the outbreak of war in Europe increasingly likely, the New Zealand government offered

9898-554: Was shot down and captured. A New Zealand Army artillery lieutenant was attached to a USAF tactical control unit as an observer in light aircraft. New Zealand born Alan Boxer , later a British air marshal, flew B-29 Superfortress missions on USAF attachment. One New Zealander flying in Korea as a lieutenant in the British Royal Navy from HMS Ocean , Cedric Macpherson, was killed on 11 February 1953 when his Hawker Sea Fury

9999-700: Was shot down by ground fire. Five New Zealanders took part in Royal Australian Navy missions over Korea from the Australian carrier HMAS Sydney . Some of these pilots were former RNZAF members, others joining directly the British and Australian forces. Far Eastern Strategic Reserve (FESR) In 1955, the RNZAF established bases in Singapore and Malaysia. No. 41 Squadron moved to Changi , while No. 14 Squadron relocated to Tengah . These two squadrons represented New Zealand's air contributions to

10100-588: Was subjected to air and naval attack from Axis forces, conducted bombardments, and escorted convoys. In February 1941, Leander sank the Italian auxiliary cruiser Ramb I in the Indian Ocean. In 1943, after serving further time in the Mediterranean, Leander returned to the Pacific Ocean. She assisted in the destruction of the Japanese cruiser  Jintsu and was seriously damaged by torpedoes during

10201-471: Was to oversee the modernisation of the RNZAF. Greener stated that Morrison '..saw the three elements of the Air Force—strike capability, transport, and maritime patrol—as being of equal value, and sought improvements in aircraft in each area. The following aircraft were purchased or put on order. Morrisons modernisation programme saw the RNZAF switch primarily from British to American aircraft, reflecting

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