Navy To Contribute To Auckland’s Anniversary

Navy Proud To Contribute To Auckland’s Anniversary Birthday Celebrations

For the first time the Royal New Zealand Navy will contribute two ships to take part in the Auckland Anniversary Birthday Celebrations and Regatta. Navy Frigate, HMNZS TE MANA is the Guard Ship for the 170th Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta while Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS TAUPO will mark one end of the start line at anchor in Auckland Harbour on Monday 1 February.

With drums beating, flags flying and ships open to the public the Navy will be fully part of the anniversary celebrations.

Both ships will be berthed at Princes Wharf from Friday 29 January and will open their hatches to the public over the anniversary weekend. This is the first time HMNZS TAUPO, which is the newest of the four Inshore Patrol Vessels built under Project Protector, has been open to the public in Auckland.

Open Ships

HMNZS TE MANA and TAUPO will be open to the public on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January from 11am until 3 pm – members of the public are warmly welcome to take a tour onboard the ships and meet the men and women of your Navy.

Beat Retreat Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony

Beat Retreat Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony is a long standing tradition of the Navy for lowering the Ensign at night. A 24 man guard from HMNZS TE MANA and the Navy Band will be present at the ceremony on Saturday 30 January at 730pm. The ceremony will take place on Te Wero Island.

The Navy Band

The Navy Band will be performing at the Beat Retreat Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony entertaining the crowd with a marching display before the ceremonial lowering of the Ensign. Also during the Auckland Anniversary Birthday celebrations, the Navy Band will lead the Fiesta of Colours parade on Sunday 31 January at 730pm from Hobsons Wharf.

HMNZS TE MANA F111

Standard Displacement: / 3,600 tonnes
Length Overall: / 118 metres
Beam: / 14.8 metres
Draught: / 4.4 metres
Speed: / 27+ knots
Range: / 6,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
Complement: / 163 Officers and ratings
Homeport Affiliation: / Tauranga
Commanding Officer: / Commander Blair Gerritsen

HMNZS TAUPO P3570

Displacement: / 340 tonnes
Length Overall: / 55 metres
Beam: / 9 metres
Speed: / 5 knots
Range: / 3,000 nautical miles
Complement: / 20 officers and ratings
Homeport Affiliation: / Whangarei
Commanding Officer / Lieutenant Jonathan Clarkson

ENDS