Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) is the senior service in New Zealand's defense establishment. The Chief of Navy (CN) commands the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). CN is also responsible for generating the Navy's military capability (people, ships, equipment and infrastructure). Ships and other units are assigned to the operational command of the Maritime Component Commander Joint Forces New Zealand (MCC JFNZ) through the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand for the generation of military capability. (The Commander Joint Forces New Zealand resumes operational command of designated units for specific operations conducted under OC 16.)

The Naval Combat Forces, TE KAHA and TE MANA and embarked SH2G helicopters are prepared to conduct maritime operations. Both frigates are available, at designated degrees of notice, for military tasks across the spectrum of military operations. The LEANDER Class frigate, CANTERBURY, was decommissioned in March 2005.

The Naval Support Force (NSF) comprises the fleet replenishment ship, ENDEAVOUR, which is prepared to provide operational and maritime logistic support, in particular fuel, for deployed military forces. The NSF was enlarged by the addition of the new multi-role vessel in late 2006. This vessel provides the NZDF with a military sealift capability.

The Naval Patrol Force comprises two Offshore Patrol Vessels and four Inshore Patrol Vessels, which were delivered between 2006 and 2007. In the interim the five Inshore Patrol Craft, KAHU, MOA, KIWI, WAKAKURA and HINAU provided a limited capability.

The Navy maintains a Hydrographic Data capability that is used to provide hydrographic and oceanographic information to support military operations, (including maritime mine warfare and amphibious operations). It also provides the capabilities required to meet Land Information New Zealand requirements under contract, and to support selected third parties. The hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel, RESOLUTION, provides the primary collection capability with specialist personnel in the Navy's Hydrographic Business Unit and the Joint Geospatial Support Facility providing data processing and information management. The Survey Motor Boat ADVENTURE is also part of the Navy's hydrographic capacity.

The Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) Forces conducted maritime mine warfare operations. This capability was provided by MANAWANUI and the Operational Diving Team (ODT).

New Zealand has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which is approximately 15 times the land area of the country and among the largest in the world. New Zealand has the ninth longest coastline in the world. The nearest major trading partner and ally, Australia, is 1,000 miles away. New Zealand is a vast distance from most major international markets and 99% of trade crosses the sea. New Zealand's economic interests rest upon the ability to ensure safe passage at sea and the security of the waters over which it has a sovereign right. Through geographical isolation and dependence on maritime trade, it is clear that New Zealand is a maritime nation.

The Navy’s readiness to deploy provides the Government with an important tool to respond quickly to emergency situations around New Zealand's 15,000-kilometre coastline, the Southern Ocean and into the Asia-Pacific region.

Although New Zealand has a relatively small land mass, the country has a large maritime area of responsibility, including a significant EEZ, extended continental shelf, and Search and Rescue area. As 96% of New Zealand’s land is underwater, the country is very much a large maritime nation. Furthermore, maritime interests extend far beyond these boundaries, and include assisting South Pacific neighbours and ensuring safety and security of global trade routes, highlighting the importance of the Navy’s role.

Navy ships and people deploy throughout the Asia Pacific region and beyond to contribute to regional security arrangements. Navy people also serve on non-maritime missions throughout the world peacekeeping in places like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Navy ships are regularly deployed around the New Zealand coastline undertaking maritime security tasks, or tasks such as fishery patrols or supporting other Government agencies like the Department of Conservation.

Maritime Exercises are the core components of the Navy which enables real-life and real-time training in a variety of environments regionally and globally. Exercises enable the Defence Force and the Navy to be better prepared for operations in order to protect the national security. Maritime Operations are those activities that protect and advance New Zealand's security interests. Activities include Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR), peacekeeping, search and rescue, coalition support and combat operations.

Roughly 70 percent of the world is water, 80 percent of the world’s population lives on or near a coast, and 90 percent of international commerce moves by sea. Having capable maritime forces help ensure stability and prosperity around the world, and helps participating nations develop these capabilities.