The Manager’s Message
By Lieutenant Commander Allen Mortimer, RNZN Naval Community Organisation Manager
This month everyone is in for a rare treat because for the first time since 2005 the Navy is opening the gates at Devonport Naval Base to the general public. This RNZN extravaganza is happening from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 09 October and simultaneously the new Navy Museum at Torpedo Bay will be open for the very first time after relocating from Spring Street. Let’s hope this day is a fine day.
Back in 2005, 6000 members of the public entered the Naval Base. For all the preparation that goes into a Navy Open Day, the more people we can get through the gates the better. So here is a rare chance for you to bring along family, friends and neighbours and show off our Navy.
There will be no less than seven ships open to the public and four of these, our newest ships (HMNZ Otago, Wellington, Hawea and Pukaki) are from the Project Protector fleet and haven’t even been ‘run in’ so to speak. Additionally there will be HMNZ Ships Endeavour, Te Kaha and Manawanui, our oldest commissioned ship.
Secondly there will be a Sea Sprite Helicopter parked on the Philomel quarterdeck and other displays throughout the base provided by the RNZN Band, Sea Cadets and Navy Physical Training Instructors – to name a few. There will also be food and coffee stalls plus sideshow entertainment for children of all ages.
Lastly there may well be some well known public personalities helping the Navy celebrate this Open Day and the Navies 69th birthday. This is why we want maximum participation from the public.
Other events associated with our birthday are a charter parade on Wednesday 06 October in Takapuna where the RNZN will be handing back the North Shore City Charter. It will become part of the larger Auckland City from 01 November and also a special RNZN Church service on Sunday 10 October 2010.
Watch out for media advertising for this once in a decade event. The staff at NCO hopes to see you at the Navy Base on Saturday 09 October enjoying the sun, sights and entertainment.
Until next time please take care.