Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Change Of Command For Devonport Naval Base

A ceremony has taken place today to mark the Change of Command of the home of the Royal New Zealand Navy at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Shane Arndell, right, hands over the Commissioning Pennant to new HMNZS Philomel Commanding Officer, Commander Julie Simpkins

Commander Julie Simpkins is now the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Philomel after 33 years of service, leadership and dedication to the Navy.

She is looking forward to enacting the full range of programmes required to enable the Navy to fulfil its mission of advancing New Zealand’s interests from the sea.

“E kitea ai ngā taonga o te moana, me mākū koe. If you seek the treasures of the ocean, you’d better get wet,” she said at the ceremony.

“This to me means several things including: embodying our values Tū Kaha, Tū Tika, Tū Tira, Tū Māia – Courage, Commitment, Comradeship and Integrity.”

Established in 1841, the Devonport base has a rich history and is named HMNZS Philomel, after the Pearl-class cruiser which was commissioned into New Zealand Naval Forces in 1914.

Philomel eventually became a non-seagoing training ship for generations of new entrants, with her engines removed to make room for classrooms. When she decommissioned in 1946, her name was transferred to the base.

“It is home to our ships, to significant maintenance facilities, to Navy’s training and to a team that provide the necessary Base services to enable these functions. It is a place where all Navy personnel will have served in some capacity and where our people arrive and depart on our ships,” Commander Simpkins said.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“It’s a place we share alongside the Devonport community and I feel a sense of pride that I will have the opportunity to fill the role of Commanding Officer, HMNZS Philomel.”

Outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Phil Wheadon, said the COVID-19 pandemic had been a challenge during his time in command.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead and guide such a dedicated group of naval and civilian staff that is the HMNZS Philomel Command Team.

“We have clearly had a tremendous challenge as we have responded to both Delta and Omicron outbreaks within the overall Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Navy, and the whole of the Defence Force, has contributed hugely to the Government response working in Managed Isolation and Quarantine Facilities and crewing the Auckland border checkpoints in support of the police.

“All the while we have been contributing to other Navy outputs such as the humanitarian relief effort in Tonga,” he said.

 

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.