Royal New Zealand Navy Divisions

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - in English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the morning (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson; Officers and men and women of the Royal New Zealand Navy; Veterans; Distinguished Guests otherwise, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is a great honour to be here today to recognise the Royal New Zealand Navy on parade.  It is not only an opportunity to acknowledge the work of the Navy as a whole, but also the exceptional efforts of a few.

I will shortly present five trophies, the Sailor of the Year Award, and a Chief of Navy Commendation recognising excellence within the Royal New Zealand Navy. Before doing that, I would like to make note of an important anniversary in the history of the Royal New Zealand Navy.  It is of a battle that some might regard as a minor skirmish but it is one that speaks volumes of the indomitable spirit of New Zealanders and their Navy.

Sixty-five years ago, on the night of 29 January 1943, two 600 ton corvettes, Moa and Kiwi, both commanded by officers of the Royal NZ Naval Reserve, (one later to become a Vice Admiral Sir Peter Phipps) sank a Junsen class cruiser submarine of the Japanese Navy, the I-1, as a part of the struggle for Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

Several features make this battle stand out.  First, the two corvettes were not only smaller but less well-armed than the submarine.  Their combined tonnage was little over 60 percent of that of their opponent while their 20mm and machine guns paled alongside the 5.5-inch and six pounder guns the submarine commander had at his disposal. 

Secondly, despite this disparity, the Kiwi dropped depth charges and when the I-1surfaced to join battle, rammed the submarine three times, mortally wounding her, while the Moa fired star shells to illuminate the scene.  When the Kiwi's guns could no longer fire, the Moa took over, forcing the submarine on to a reef where she sank. 

Thirdly, while the officers and crews of both ships distinguished themselves, Leading Signalman Howard Buchanan, who was later mentioned in dispatches, continued to train the Kiwi's searchlight on the submarine despite sustaining injuries that would claim his life two days later. 

Finally, while the Kiwi had to withdraw due to the damage she had sustained, Moa stayed on service throughout the night and the following night joined another New Zealand corvette, Tui, in engaging four Japanese landing barges that were evacuating soldiers, sinking two of them.

The courage of these sailors—and many others who served in the Royal NZ Navy and the Royal Navy—remains an inspiration 65 years on.  They did not shy away from a battle, despite facing a more formidable opponent.  A number made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation and the democratic values we continue to hold dear.  And, when the battle was done, they continued to carry out their duties to the best of their ability.

While the Royal New Zealand Navy is today occupied with less fierce pursuits, the values and spirit of that earlier generation remains the hallmark of the Navy, and indeed the whole New Zealand Defence Force.  People die whilst in service and it seems fitting to record with profound sadness the deaths during this last year of Able Hydrographic Survey Operator Byron Solomon and Able Chef Jasmine Bastion.

2008 will be an important year for the Royal New Zealand Navy as Project Protector continues to unfold.  In addition to its existing vessels, I am advised that by the end of this year, the Navy's Protector Fleet will comprise of seven ships of three different classes—one Multi Role Vessel, Canterbury, two Offshore Patrol Vessels, Otago and Wellington, and four Inshore Patrol Vessels, Rotoiti, Hawea, Pukaki and Taupo.

These vessels will play an important role in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone, the Southern Ocean and the South Pacific in patrolling, surveillance, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, support to peacekeeping operations and sea training for the Navy. 

The work of the Navy and of naval personnel in peacekeeping is an important role.  As Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand I wish to add thanks to all involved in this vital work.

Working for the military, and particularly the Navy, can require you to spend considerable time away from your homes, your families and your friends.  This is more so if assigned to peacekeeping, which can take you to volatile shores, where you will be tested, both professionally and personally. Your dedication to your work is appreciated.

This then brings me to the presentations of the five trophies, the Sailor of the Year Award and a Chief of Navy Commendation for excellence. At this stage the Master of Ceremonies will introduce the trophies and accolades associated with each trophy.  The trophies will be presented one at a time.  The trophy presentation will be followed by the Sailor of the Year award and one Chief of Navy Commendation.  Citations for each commendation will be read by the Warrant Officer of the Navy and the Chief of Navy's Flag Lieutenant prior to each presentation.

No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora koutou katoa.