Media Advisory
Wednesday, 27 January 2011

Navy Proud to Contribute to Auckland’s Anniversary Birthday Celebrations

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest Offshore Patrol vessel, HMNZS WELLINGTON has the honour to be the guard ship for the 171st Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.

This honour has been bestowed on a naval vessel since the 1860’s. In 1862 HMS Miranda and Fawn, stationed in New Zealand, were present at the regatta in Auckland Harbour after the conclusion of the Taranaki War(1)

Between the 1860s and 1920s the presence of a naval vessel was sporadic and it wasn’t until the development of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy in 1921 that the navy’s involvement was more consistent.

This year, HMNZS WELLINGTON will be the ‘Start Ship’ for the races and will be anchored off Bean Rock. Onboard the ship will be The Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand hosted by Commodore Ross Smith, Maritime Component Commander.

Also, as part of this year’s Auckland Anniversary Birthday Celebrations and Regatta, HMNZS WELLINGTON will be open to the public.

What HMNZS WELLINGTON will be open to the public

When 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 January 2011
(last visitors at 3:00pm)

Where Queens Wharf, Ports of Auckland.

ENDS

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