Here is a publication from 1956 which appears to be a fleet wide document with snippets from ships and from other sources. IRIRANGI has an article also included. Maybe this is a concept which the current Communicators serving in the RNZN today could adopt and publish on a six monthly basis. Click HERE to read the publication.
LONGCAST
21 June 19 – Ngapona Assn Lunch at Howick RSA
12 July 19 – Navy Club Lunch, Remuera Club
12 – 14 July 19 – Mururoa Vets Assn AGM, Warkworth RSA
19 July 19 – Ngapona Assn Lunch at New Lynn RSA
20 July 19 – Northland Lunch, Bay of Islands Yacht Club
3 August 19 – Ngapona Assn Mid Year Function at the Bays Club
10 August 19 – Navy Club AGM, Remuera Club at 1100
HMNZS NGAPONA ASSN AGM
The Ngapona Assn held its AGM last Sunday. It was well attended and we enjoyed a pleasant social gathering afterwards, finger food was supplied.
The new committee is:
President – Jerry Payne
Secretary –
Treasurer – Terry Creagh
Committee – Wayne Smith
Committee – Richard Maddix
Committee – Lisa Biesheuvel
A special welcome to Lisa who is serving her first term on the committee.
PRESIDENTS REPORT – JUNE 2019
It is with pleasure that I present my fourth annual report for the HMNZS Ngapona Association. While it may not always be visible to the members, considerable work has been done in progressing the Association over the last year.
The Association has five main ‘Objects’ and I would like to touch briefly on the progress of each one.
To foster and promote comradeship amongst former members of the RNZNVR and HMNZS Ngapona in particular, those having an association with, or an interest in, the RNZN and/or RNZNVR, and members of the Association.
Our monthly lunches are still very popular and continue to provide an environment where our members are able to socialise. Thought has been given to changing the format, but why fix something when it is not broken? Of particular note was our Christmas Lunch at the Orakei RSA. The RSA went to an extra effort for the lunch which was served by cadet members from TS Achilles. The Association presented a gift to the sea cadet unit to strengthen the bonds between the two organisations. The weekly newsletter continues to be our main form of communication and the address list is steadily growing. The Ngapona Assn website is active but we need someone who is able to keep it updated.
We have recently added a new Facebook page which had over 100 hits in the first week and has already attracted some new members.
To encourage an interest in the history of HMNZS Ngapona and maintain a permanent record.
I am able to report that great progress has been made with the ‘History Project’ over the last twelve months. A large amount of photographic material held at Ngapona has been scanned and details entered into a database. (An extract from the database is available to view today.) We will very soon be calling for members to loan their photographs so they can be scanned and added to the database. We are very grateful to Ngapona for providing a stand-alone scanner for our use.
I am excited at the prospect of Ngapona having a comprehensive historical record from 1926 to the present day. An SOP on how to compile the database has been forwarded to ex-members of Olphert, and this will strengthen our vision of eventually having a national organisation.
To support HMNZS Ngapona if and when required.
The Association continues to support Ngapona at both formal and social functions. ANZAC Day Parade and Mess Dinners are examples.
To liaise and co-operate with other Divisions of the RNZNVR and the RNZN.
The Association has initiated a close rapport with some ex-members of HMNZS Olphert and we now have a past CO as a member. The weekly newsletter is now received by a number of ex Olphert members.
To encourage membership of the Association.
This remains an area which we need to address more closely. If we are to survive as an active organisation we need a stream of younger members to carry on the work that has been done. I would like to solicit ideas from the floor on ways to increase our membership during general business at this AGM.
Our main social event for the year will be an informal dinner at the Browns Bay Club in August and I look forward to seeing you there.
I would like to thank the Committee for their work during the last twelve months, I appreciate the time you have spent attending meetings and running the Association. Finally, a thank you, to you the members, for your attendance at Association functions during the year.
Jerry Payne
President
HMNZS Ngapona Association Inc
NGAPONA ASSN MONTHLY LUNCH – HOWICK
Our lunch this month is at the Howick RSA on Friday 21 June. (This Friday)
The lunch will be $15 for a carvery or $20 including duff ….. and there will be ‘up spirits’.
The Howick RSA has gone to considerable lengths to make us welcome and put on something a little extra. Let’s make this a lunch to remember!!!
NGAPONA ASSN POLO SHIRTS
We are now taking orders for the Ngapona Assn Polo Shirts. These are produced from good quality material, dark blue with white trim and the Ngapona crest on the left-hand side.
Cost is only $35.00 incl GST.
Please reply to this email with your size, or see us at lunch on Friday at Howick with your money. Payment may be made online to: HMNZS Ngapona Assn Inc, ASB 12-3287-0184065-00 Use your name as the reference.
DID YOU KNOW?
On 20th June 1917, the Q-ship HMS SALVIA, under the command of Lieutenant (later Captain) Wybrants Olphert DSO, RNR, was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-94 off the west coast of Ireland. SALVIA sank three German submarines before she herself was sunk by a torpedo. The crew took to the boats, but Olphert was taken to Germany by the submarine as a prisoner of war. For his service in SALVIA, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
He returned to London 3rd December 1918 and was awarded a Bar to his DSO.
After WWI Olphert moved to Wellington and settled in Lower Hutt, where he became Assistant Marine Superintendent, and later Marine Superintendent, of The New Zealand Shipping Company Limited.
In 1928 he was promoted Commander and appointed to command the newly formed Wellington Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Olphert was promoted to Captain in 1936 and continued in command of the Wellington Division. In 1939 he died from cancer. The Wellington Division was named HMNZS OLPHERT in his honour in 1951.
Here is an image from the past showing two Chief Sparkers (Rick Bryce and Tubby Morris) doing what they do best. Relaxing in the Mess. The Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral ‘Teddy’ Thorne was a Long ‘C’ officer and patron of the RNZN Communicators Association for a number of years. Thanks to Chris Maddock for the image.
Here is an image of Petty Officer Signalman Wiremu Bartlett receiving his Long Service and Good Conduct Award. Not sure why the stars were printed at the top of the page or was it because Billy you were a star! Not sure of the year, maybe someone can help out. Thanks to Chris Maddock for the image.
Here is an image of our Leading WRENS Leadership Course of 1970.
Standing L-R . Signals Wren Margaret McBride, ?, ?, June Sutherland, ?, ?,
Sitting L-R ?, ?, Lt Dave Douglas, Signals Wren Sandy Watson
Here is an image of Chief Yeoman Russell Hockley and Leading Signalman Tom Hiini (RIP) doing what they did best. Sorting out the flags for the Commonwealth Games at Christchurch. Great job guys… I bet there was a little of ‘what ways up!’
Click HERE for the utube 360-degree view of the newest acquisition of the Royal New Zealand Navy HMNZS MANAWANUI.
Here is the latest on this visit.
Monday, 24 June 2019, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Anzac House, 4-6 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Tuesday, 25 June 2019, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Mantra on Murray, 305 Murray St, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia
Tuesday, 25th June 2019, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Mantra on Murray, 305 Murray St, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia
Wednesday, 26 June 2019, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Mantra on Murray, 305 Murray St, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia
LONGCAST
12 July 19 – Navy Club Lunch, Remuera Club
12 – 14 July 19 – Mururoa Vets Assn AGM, Warkworth RSA
19 July 19 – Ngapona Assn Lunch at New Lynn RSA
20 July 19 – Northland Lunch, Bay of Islands Yacht Club
3 August 19 – Ngapona Assn Mid Year Function at the Bays Club
10 August 19 – Navy Club AGM, Remuera Club at 1100
16 August 19 – Ngapona Assn Lunch & EGM at Birkenhead RSA
HMNZS NGAPONA COCKTAIL PARTY
Last Saturday, with some other members of the Association, I had the pleasure of attending the HMNZS Ngapona Cocktail Party held at the Navy Museum. I must congratulate the organisers from Ngapona for organising a very well run event. It was a most valuable opportunity to renew old friendships and meet on an informal basis with many serving personnel. Entertainment was provided by the Balmoral Highland Dancers, well-done girls. Congratulations must also go to the Museum staff for their catering. This is an excellent venue for such an event and facility for which the Navy should be justly proud.
NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING – 16 AUGUST 2019
At the recent AGM of the Ngapona Assn, it was unanimously decided to remove the requirement that limited the number of Associate Members to 25% of the number of Full Members. In order to change the constitution, we are required to give a minimum of 28 days’ notice to members and the change should then be ratified at a General Meeting of the Association.
It is intended that a General Meeting will be held at the conclusion of our lunch at the Birkenhead RSA on 16 August 2019.
NGAPONA ASSN – MID YEAR FUNCTION
Our Mid Year Function will be held at the Bays Club, Anzac Road, Browns Bay on the 3rd of August. This is a great venue and a special menu has been prepared for us.
HMNZS NGAPONA COMMANDING OFFICER COMMENDATION
The Commanding Officer, HMNZS Ngapona, Lt Cdr Nigel Heslop, presented CPOMAA John Burridge with a CO’s Commendation at the recent Cocktail Party at the Navy Museum. The award recognizes two specific areas of his more recent and ongoing contributions. The first: his supplementation efforts in the New Zealand Defence Force Military Police (NZDF MP). The second: an important standout but characteristic example of his much-valued powers of initiative in action when he successfully completed the water rescue of a seventeen-year-old female at the Waitangi Day Celebrations in February last year.
Well deserved Budge!
DID YOU KNOW?
On 28th June 1948, the tug Arataki was completed and re-launched by the HMNZ Dockyard. It was under construction in Auckland as a US Navy harbour tug (YTL 627) under a reverse Lend/Lease scheme but was only 40% complete when all contracts were cancelled at war’s end. After rusting at Mechanics Bay, it was transferred to the Navy in April 1947, and completed for use as a yard tug and for target towing. It was sold in 1985.
Three tugs, all of the similar design, were built by Steel Ships of Auckland for the US Navy. YTL 622, Manawanui, used by the RNZN as a diving tender and ended her days at the Paeroa Maritime Museum. YTL 625 became Kawateri and was renamed James O’Brien she served most of her life as tug at Westport and sometimes ferry to Stewart Island and is the only one extant. (Last seen in Picton) They were 74′ LOA and had an archaic 320 hp air start directly reversing Atlas-Imperial diesel for propulsion. YTL
It is with regret that I advised that Cdr Tony Chadwick crossed the bar this morning, No further details are available but will be posted when known.
The following Sailors ‘Crossed the Bar’ during the month of June 2019. Details of funerals etc can be found by clicking HERE.
CHADWICK Anthony (Tony) CDR
MILL, Carol Alison LWTR
COKER, Lawrence Edward (Laurie)
BLAIR, Darrel Raymond Seaman
MCKEOWN Trevor . LTCDR Instructor
HAWE Henare Rama CPOEWS
LUNDY, Eric David (Ric) Seaman
ROSEWARNE, John Reginald (Rosie). LME1
HARKNESS Brian Talbot (Hark, Snow) Seaman
COOTES, Derrick Anthony (Dell) Cdr
HILL Robin Bernard (Bob) MBE WOYS
Defence Minister Ron Mark and Associate Social Development Minister Peeni Henare have today officially opened the new Youth Development Facility at Whenuapai Air Base.
The new facility will host 640 young people each year, who will take part in the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) programme. LSV is a residential six-week programme run jointly by NZDF and MSD aimed at helping turn the lives of at-risk young people around and move them into employment.
“The LSV programme in its current form has been in place for 25 years,” says Ron Mark. “It has proven time and time again to be a valuable tool in helping young people move forward with their lives.
“The new facility opened today is a huge step forward for LSV. Not only is it modern and fit for purpose, but it will also help meet the increased demand for the programme which the Government has doubled in size to 1600 students by the year 2020. This increase in numbers was a key initiative in the Coalition agreement. ”
“I’ve been a huge believer in the LSV programme for decades, and I’ve met so many people who have had their lives turned around by it. When I was an employer I also saw the value of taking on graduates. Their work ethic was second to none,” says Ron Mark.
Associate Social Development Minister Peeni Henare says the LSV programme is one of the Ministry’s key work readiness and development programmes for young people.
“It provides a supportive and structured environment that builds participants’ confidence, fitness and life skills – preparing them to move into employment or education,“ says Peeni Henare.
“In its current form, LSV has trained 16,230 young people and on average, 50% of LSV trainees are off-benefit at 16-weeks post-course. Employers value LSV graduates because of their skills, discipline and attitude.
“The new facility and the one soon to be opened in Wellington will enable more young people to access a proven programme that leads to meaningful and sustainable employment,” says Peeni Henare.
The new facility will also help train students at the Ministry of Education’s Service Academies as well as members of the various Cadet Units in Auckland.
“This multi-purpose facility and the dedicated staff who work here will make a huge difference to youth training in New Zealand for years to come. It was an honour to be at the opening and I’m looking forward to seeing the first class of LSV students graduate from here later in the year,” says Ron Mark.
Here is an image of LTCDR Owen (Otis) Young taking command of IRIRANGI. Can we name the others in this image and when was it taken,
Image of EW Glenn Brady who I think from memory was in the bunk below me in 3E Messdeck OTAGO. Haven’t seen Glenn for years.
Here is an image of IRIRANGI Ships Company on parade. The parade was for Commodore J F McKenzie who was COMAUCK at the time. What year guys?
Here is an image of the 6th Class of Telegraphists. The year was May 1942 so let’s see how many we can name. Thanks, Fred W for the image.
Rear L-R
Centre L-R
Sitting L-R
Here is an image of the 7th Class of Telegraphists. The year was May 1942 so let’s see how many we can name. Thanks, Fred W for the image.
Rear L-R
Centre L-R
Sitting L-R
A number of you will remember Karl Moen who was I think the last of the Long ‘C’ Communication Officers. Good skipper and member of the Association.
Open to all Naval and Ex-Naval personnel Partners, Husbands, Wives all welcome
All welcome. Saturday 20th July 2019 from 1230 for 1300
A Buffet Lunch and Dessert will be served Cost for Luncheon: $25.00 per person
Bay of Islands Yacht Club, Waitangi
Raffles – $2.00 per ticket or 3 for $5.00 A Cash Bar will be available
RSVP for numbers by Wednesday 17 July 2019
Margaret Mitchell 09 838 2931 or Jill Thompson 09 836 5191
Email: margaretmitchell@xtra.co.nz or jillt.nz49@gmail.com
