29 September 2016

Navy to Fly New Zealand White Ensign on Auckland Harbour Bridge

At dawn on Saturday, the New Zealand White Ensign flown by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will be hoisted on the Auckland Harbour Bridge for the first time.

The Minister of Transport, Simon Bridges, has given permission for the New Zealand White Ensign to fly from the bridge on Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal New Zealand on 1 October, 1941. It will be hoisted on the bridge on 1 October every year in future to mark the Navy’s anniversary.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral John Martin, says the White Ensign symbolises the Navy’s historic contribution to the peace and security of our country and people, and its ongoing mission to advance New Zealand’s interests from the sea.

He says it is an honour to have the White Ensign fly on such a well-known landmark, within sight of Devonport Naval Base – the home of the RNZN.

“Our Navy patrols the fourth-largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world and our work stretches from Antarctica to the Middle East,” Rear Admiral Martin says. “In this, our 75th year, it is wonderful to celebrate our country’s acknowledgement of their Navy in such a way.”

The flag raising is part of a year of celebrations, culminating with the International Naval Review, which will feature warships from a number of nations entering Auckland Harbour in spectacular formation on 17 November.

The four-day review will allow the public to take a look around ships from different Navies, meet the sailors and find out what navy life is all about.

Rear Admiral John Martin is available for comment on Friday.

ENDS

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