It was the precursor to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Originally, the Royal Navy was solely responsible for the naval security of New Zealand. The passing of the Naval Defence Act 1913 created the New Zealand Naval Forces as a separate division within the Royal Navy.
Admiralty House, Auckland, used from 1902 to 1903 when it became the Glenalvon Hotel: it was demolished in 1915
At its establishment in 1848, the Australia Station encompassed Australia and New Zealand.[1] Under the Australasian Naval Agreement 1887 the colonial governments of Australia and New Zealand secured a greater naval presence in their waters, agreed that two ships would always be based in New Zealand waters and agreed contributions to funding that presence.[2]
In 1901 the Commonwealth of Australia became independent of the United Kingdom. The Australian Squadron was disbanded in 1911 and the Australia Station passed to the Commonwealth Naval Forces. The Australia Station was reduced to cover Australia and its island dependencies to the north and east, excluding New Zealand and its surrounds, which was transferred under the command of the Commander-in-Chief, China and called the New Zealand Naval Forces.[3]
On 1 January 1921, the New Zealand Naval Forces, which had formerly been under the command of the China Station, were renamed the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy.[4] Funded by Wellington and increasingly manned by New Zealanders, it operated 14 ships over a period of 21 years, including the cruisers HMS Achilles and HMS Leander, the training minesweeper HMS Wakakura, and the cruiser HMS Philomel which was recommissioned as a base training establishment.[5]
The Commodore’s appointment was abolished and forces brought directly under the New Zealand Chief of the Naval Staff from October 1940.[6] The New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy became the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) from 1 October 1941, in recognition of the fact that the naval force was now largely self-sufficient and independent of the Royal Navy
HMNZS Kahu (P3571) Career (New Zealand) Royal New Zealand naval ensign Laid down: 1942 Commissioned: 1947 Decommissioned: 1965 General characteristics Class & type: Fairmile B class motor launch Displacement: 85 tons Length: 112 ft (34 m) Beam: 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m) Draught: 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m) Propulsion: Twin petrol engines totaling 1200 bhp Speed: 20 knots Range: 1500 miles at 12 kt Complement: 16 Sensors and processing systems: asdic, the forerunner of sonar Armament: 1 x 3-lb Mk I gun 1 x twin 0.303-in Machineguns 12 depth charges Armour: Wheelhouse plated HMNZS Kahu I (P3571) was a Fairmile B motor launch of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Originally commissioned on 20 December 1943, with the pendant number Q 411, she was part of the 80th Motor Launch Flotilla. Early in 1944, she went to the Solomon Islands where she served under the operational control of COMSOPAC. She was recommissioned from 1947 to 1965 as HMNZS Kahu I (P3571)
HMNZS Fairmile Q411 in The Solomon Islands, crew having a showerHMNZS Fairmile Q411 later Kahu (P3571) as harbour transportHMNZS Kahu as harbour transportQ411 Kahu probably late 50’s coming into Admiralty Steps. The upper deck long cabin must have been shortened early 60’s as that had been done when I joined herBy John Currin – As she was when I joined her and she was operating as a Tamaki Tram. Our trip was Admiralty Steps, Devonport ferry buildings then down to HMNZS Tamaki (Motuihe Island) then the return trip. Two trips a day. A great job. HMNZS Fairmile Q411 Later Kahu (P3571) https://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/news/tall-tales-from-the-high-seas/RDEQBWE4QIQ2DBCQM2ZRONVDTU/Q411 Kahu and her slow demise at GreenhitheI used to drive over the Greenhithe bridge daily and always felt sad mto see her deteriorating slowly.Photo below of Kahu on her way to Whangarei c.2012HMNZS Kahu (Ex) – Fairmile at Whangarei for refitting
Contracts were awarded in 1941 to four Auckland boatyards to construct a total of 12 Fairmile Class B anti-submarine motor boats. Plans and prefabricated keel framing were provided by the British Admiralty and the hull, decking and superstructure were to be completed with local timber. The stem and sternposts were formed from Pohutukawa and the hull was two layers of Kauri planking. Engines, ordnance and many fasteners and fittings used in their installation were also imported from UK. The first Fairmile was finished in Oct-42 and the last by Dec-43 and along the way there were delays in shipping of components and obtaining sufficient Kauri that prevented the project being completed sooner. During this time the vessels began coastal patrols with six based in Auckland, four in Wellington and two from Lyttelton. However by the end of 1943 there was little further threat of enemy attack in the vicinity and in January 1944 it was agreed to deploy all the Fairmiles to the Solomon Islands and under the control of US Navy. They sailed in three groups during late February via Noumea and arrived together at Russell Islands in early March organised as the 80th ML and 81st ML flotillas. They commenced anti-submarine patrols in the Guadalcanal, Tulagi and Russell Islands area. The launches added to the existing RNZN presence in the Campaign as the 25th Minesweeping flotilla had already seen much action there .The NZ Army 3rd Division were also deployed nearby as were squadrons of RNZAF aircraft. The Fairmiles continued on patrol and escort duties in the region until they were withdrawn in July-45 and although there had been operational accidents they never engaged in battle with Japanese forces. Consequently all 12 returned to NZ and except for Q411 were soon up for tender.
BRIEF POSTWAR HISTORY: Q400 “Dolphin / Sayandra”– Burned and sunk, Gt Barrier Is. 1980. Q401 “Mahurangi” – Lost, Cook Islands 1954. Q402 “Ngaroma”; Hauraki Gulf Ferry on Gt Barrier service – Sold Sri Lanka 1992. Q403 “Tiare”; Tauranga Ferry – Abandoned Raglan 1957. Q404 Named “Wailana”. Q405 “Marlyn” – Severely damaged in Wahine storm, Burnt in Marlborough Sounds 1969. Q406 “Motunui”; Hauraki Gulf Ferry on Waiheke service – Converted to Motel at Waitomo 2006. Q407 “Deborah Bay”; Once owned by Sir Dove-Myer Robinson. Q408 “Karamana II / Colville”; Gulf Ferry on Gt Barrier service – last reported Fiji 1985. Q409 “Iris Moana” ; Returned to Navy as HMNZS Maori P3570 1953-63. From then Gulf Ferry on Waiheke service – Sold to Sri Lanka 1992, beached and abandoned during civil war action 1995. Q410 “La Reta” – Sunk Vanuatu 1977. Q411 “Kahu”; Retained by Navy as HMNZS Kahu P3571 1947-65. From then as backup Gulf ferry in storage. Subsequently sold to private owners – At Whangarei for refit 2016.
Many of the Fairmiles were a familiar sight on Auckland Harbour and provided reliable public transport for decades after their military service was over. Generations of Aucklanders enjoyed the excursions on them around the islands of the Gulf. I haven’t yet found mention about the fate of Q404 and Q407 nor if Q402 and Q408 are still afloat. I’m looking forward to any news about their recent history and current status. But it appears that only Q406 and Q411 remain in NZ. Kahu may have been the last chance for preservation but too late
HMNZS Fairmile Q410 Later La Reta (Sayandra ) LaunchingHMNZS Fairmile Q410 Later La Reta (Sayandra ) launchingPhotograph: Fairmile Q410, Auckland, 10 Dec 1942 Production date 10 Dec 1942 All Object detail Public comments Object detail Description An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q410 just after being launched at P Vos Ltd’s shipyard on 10 December 1942. Q410 was commissioned on 25 January 1943. The masts of the scow ECHO are in the background. In the centre is a starboard view of a small ship with a flag flying from a mast above the cabin that looks like the Union Jack. Another flag is hung at the bow which could be the New Zealand flag. Three men are standing at the bow, two are in uniform. There are several buildings in the background to the left. One has Waitemata Fisheries Ltd written on two sides. Above the ship’s cabin two masts are visible. On the reverse of the mount is a caption written in black pen by Jack Churchouse. Auckland, 10 Dec 1942An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q410 at gunnery practice, possibly in the Hauraki Gulf. Two flags flying off a mast on a cabin. There are men on deck both fore and aft.Fairmile Q410 cruising in coastal waters. On the reverse of the mount is a pencilled caption written by museum volunteer Ian Hunter. 1940sAn original black and white photograph of Fairmiles Q405, Q410 and another unidentified Fairmile in Calliope Basin. There is a Castle class minesweeper in the right foreground. There is an inner harbour with several vessels moored inside. In the right foreground is a small area of deck from a larger vessel. In the centre are three identical vessels, sterns out. The first two are identified as “Q405” and “Q410” on the stern. There are two vessels side on behind them and five smaller vessels on the far left. The background shows several buildings on a wharf. On the reverse is a pencilled caption written by museum volunteer Ian Hunter. Auckland, Early 1944.Story of HMNZS Fairmile Q410 Later La Reta (Sayandra) https://waitematawoodys.com/2014/03/20/6468/HMNZS Fairmile Q410 Later La Reta (Sayandra ) 1965
HMNZS Fairmile Q409 later Maori – left, being fitted outHMNZS Fairmile Q409 – Castle Class Minesweepers in backgroundHMNZS Fairmile Q409 with HMNZS Killegray T174 backgroundHMNZS Fairmile Q409 later Maori and background HMNZS Thomas Currell (T11)Poss HMNZS Fairmile Q409 later Maori, in background HMNZS Aroha (T24)Q409 Fairmile ML Q409 departs for The Solomons RNZN Fairmiles in the Solomons On 14 January 1944, Admiral Halsey, Commander South Pacific, informed the New Zealand Naval Board that the “current employment of Japanese submarines and estimates of their future employment indicate immunity from the submarine menace in New Zealand waters”. He proposed that the New Zealand Fairmile motor launches should be employed in the Solomon Islands, relieving American destroyers and patrol vessels for duty elsewhere. The twelve Fairmiles were refitted for service in tropical waters and formed into the 80th and 81st Motor Launch Flotillas. The 80th Flotilla consisted of MLs 401 to 406 and the 81st Flotilla of MLs 407 to 411. The flotillas were based at Renard Sound in the Russell Islands. The base was named Kahu and for administrative purposes ML400 was commissioned on 1 April 1944 as HMNZS Kahu. During the seventeen months of their service in the Solomons, from March 1944 until June 1945, the twelve Fairmiles logged 380,000 miles (610,000 km) on anti-submarine screen patrols and on escorting ships.[9] They had no encounters with Japanese forces.[10] RNZN Fairmiles post war All the fairmiles returned to Auckland in July 1945. In 1946-47 all but Q 411 (Kahu) were sold to private buyers who used them for passenger and/or cargo service or as pleasure craft. Q 411 (Kahu) was sold in 1965. Q 409 was repurchased by the navy in 1953 and resold in 1963 to become the Auckland-Waiheke ferry Iris Moana. Two other former fairmiles were renamed the Ngaroma and the Colville and used as the main ferries between Auckland and Great Barrier Island. They were skippered by Len Sowerby and his son Lester.An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q409 in the Hauraki Gulf. Port bow view of a small warship underway, Q409 on the bow, flying pennants. Land in the background. On the reverse are the notes “79” “Q 409” and the stamp “Copyright Brian Collins, 54 Covil Avenue, Te Atatu”. Auckland, Circa 1943.Fairmile Q409 in Rangitoto Channel, Auckland, circa 1943 Maker Collins, Tudor Washington (b.1898, d.1970) Production date Circa 1943An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q409 in Rangitoto Channel. Port bow view of a small warship underway, Q409 on the bow, pennants flying. Land in the background. On the reverse are the notes “77” in blue pen, “Q409″ and a stamp with Copyright by Brian Collins, 54 Covil Avenue, Te Atatu”. Auckland, circa 1943.HMNZS Fairmile Q409 Recommissioned from 1953 to 1963 as HMNZS Maori. In 1963 became the Auckland ferry Iris Moana.HMNZS Maori (P3570) Career (New Zealand) Royal New Zealand naval ensign Laid down: 1942 Commissioned: 1953 Decommissioned: 1963 General characteristics Class & type: Fairmile B class motor launch Displacement: 85 tons Length: 112 ft (34 m) Beam: 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m) Draught: 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m) Propulsion: Twin petrol engines totaling 1,200 bhp Speed: 20 knots Range: 1500 miles at 12 kt Complement: 16 Sensors and processing systems: ASDIC Armament: 1 x 3-lb Mk I gun 1 x twin 0.303-in Machineguns 12 depth charges Armour: Wheelhouse plated HMNZS Maori (P3570) was a Fairmile B Motor Launch of the Royal New Zealand Navy Originally commissioned on 20 December 1943 with pennant number Q 409, she was part of the 80th Motor Launch Flotilla. Early in 1944 she went to the Solomon Islands where she served under the operational control of COMSOPAC. After the end of the war she was sold. In 1953 she was repurchased and recommissioned as HMNZS Maori (P3570).[1] In 1963 she was sold again and became the Auckland-Waiheke ferry Iris Moana.HMNZS Fairmile Q409 -As Ferry Iris Moana. Contracts were awarded in 1941 to four Auckland boatyards to construct a total of 12 Fairmile Class B anti-submarine motor boats. Plans and prefabricated keel framing were provided by the British Admiralty and the hull, decking and superstructure were to be completed with local timber. The stem and sternposts were formed from Pohutukawa and the hull was two layers of Kauri planking. Engines, ordnance and many fasteners and fittings used in their installation were also imported from UK. The first Fairmile was finished in Oct-42 and the last by Dec-43 and along the way there were delays in shipping of components and obtaining sufficient Kauri that prevented the project being completed sooner. During this time the vessels began coastal patrols with six based in Auckland, four in Wellington and two from Lyttelton. However by the end of 1943 there was little further threat of enemy attack in the vicinity and in January 1944 it was agreed to deploy all the Fairmiles to the Solomon Islands and under the control of US Navy. They sailed in three groups during late February via Noumea and arrived together at Russell Islands in early March organised as the 80th ML and 81st ML flotillas. They commenced anti-submarine patrols in the Guadalcanal, Tulagi and Russell Islands area. The launches added to the existing RNZN presence in the Campaign as the 25th Minesweeping flotilla had already seen much action there .The NZ Army 3rd Division were also deployed nearby as were squadrons of RNZAF aircraft. The Fairmiles continued on patrol and escort duties in the region until they were withdrawn in July-45 and although there had been operational accidents they never engaged in battle with Japanese forces. Consequently all 12 returned to NZ and except for Q411 were soon up for tender. Q400 – 402 Built by Chas Bailey & Son. Q403 – 406 Associated Boatbuilders. Q407 – 409 Shipbuilders Ltd. Q410, 411 P.Vos Ltd. BRIEF POSTWAR HISTORY: Q400 “Dolphin / Sayandra”– Burned and sunk, Gt Barrier Is. 1980. Q401 “Mahurangi” – Lost, Cook Islands 1954. Q402 “Ngaroma”; Hauraki Gulf Ferry on Gt Barrier service – Sold Sri Lanka 1992. Q403 “Tiare”; Tauranga Ferry – Abandoned Raglan 1957. Q404 Named “Wailana”. Q405 “Marlyn” – Severely damaged in Wahine storm, Burnt in Marlborough Sounds 1969. Q406 “Motunui”; Hauraki Gulf Ferry on Waiheke service – Converted to Motel at Waitomo 2006. Q407 “Deborah Bay”; Once owned by Sir Dove-Myer Robinson. Q408 “Karamana II / Colville”; Gulf Ferry on Gt Barrier service – last reported Fiji 1985.
Q409 “Iris Moana” ; Returned to Navy as HMNZS Maori P3570 1953-63. From then Gulf Ferry on Waiheke service – Sold to Sri Lanka 1992, beached and abandoned during civil war action 1995. Q410 “La Reta” – Sunk Vanuatu 1977. Q411 “Kahu”; Retained by Navy as HMNZS Kahu P3571 1947-65. From then as backup Gulf ferry in storage. Subsequently sold to private owners – At Whangarei for refit 2016. Many of the Fairmiles were a familiar sight on Auckland Harbour and provided reliable public transport for decades after their military service was over. Generations of Aucklanders enjoyed the excursions on them around the islands of the Gulf. I haven’t yet found mention about the fate of Q404 and Q407 nor if Q402 and Q408 are still afloat. I’m looking forward to any news about their recent history and current status. But it appears that only Q406 and Q411 remain in NZ. Kahu may hold the last chance for preservation. Alas, she has been dismantled.Waiheke ferries Iris Moana ex ML409 and Ngaroma ex ML402 (underway) at Auckland’s ferry terminal 1980’s.Both ships were sold to Singapore between 1987 and 1992.I assume Ngaroma still survives,but Iris Moana,on a voyage to Shri Lanka was captured and subsequently sunk by the Tamill Tiger separatists.
Q 408 Fairmile , post war names KARAMANA II & COLVILLE , last report 1985 in Fiji https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/05/04/karamana-ii/HMNZS Fairmile Q408 at anchor in the Solomon IslandsAn original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q408 in Auckland Harbour. Port side view of a small warship underway, Q408 on the bow, signal flags flying, land in the background. On the reverse are the notes “1hr” “Q 408”. Auckland, Circa 1943. Maker Collins, Tudor Washington (b.1898, d.1970)Original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q408 in the Hauraki Gulf. Starboard side view of a small warship underway, Q408 on the bow, guns manned, land in the backgrouond. On the reverse in pencil at the top is “8 of 112”. There is a stamp with “Photo by T W Collins, Warkworth” and another with “Copyright Brian Collins, 54 Covil Avenue, Te Atatu”. In red pen at the bottom is “Q408”. Auckland.An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q408 in Auckland Harbour. Port bow view of a small warship underway, Q408 on the bow, signal flags flying, land in the background. On the reverse are the notes “80F 38” and a stamp with “Copyright by Brian Collins, 54 Covil Avenue, Te Atatu”. Auckland, Circa 1943.Fairmile Q408 – KARAMANA II is a WW II 105 ft Fairmile converted to a pleasure craft circa 1945-46 by the Cadman family powered by 2 x 6-71 GM Detroit diesels, or the Graymarine version of them, & was undoubtedly, the very best pleasure craft Fairmile conversion, I ever saw. From the outside she was, in my view, aesthetically lovely. I took this pic circa1948 on her moorings in Hobson Bay. She was always immaculate & hardly used, Disappeared from there in the early 1950s, & I never saw her again — I think perhaps she may have gone to the Pacific Islands. Any news anyone has would be great, just email me at kenpat@ihug.co.nzQuoting from Bob McDougall’s epic record “New Zealand Naval Vessels: ML408 [Built Shipbuilders] sold fire damaged 4/47 to Rylands Ltd but resold and renamed Karamana by Cadmans. ON178439. Private use Auckland. Renamed Colville 1956 Hauraki Gulf whaling tender to 1963 then on to lighthouse and passenger services Auckland. To Fiji for islands trading 1976. Sunk on Tuvuca Reef Tavua north coast of Viti Levu 11/4/79 on voyage Savusava to Lautoka. Salvaged and repaired. Renamed Adi Litia by 1985 for cruises from Nadi. They were 112′ x 18.2′ x 5’2”. I preferred them as per original -but lots of deck space. Ngaroma looked good. If there was to be a conversion, Deborah Bay wasn’t too bad. Funnily enough, I thought Kahu -the one that was up harbour looked reasonable.MV COLVILLE, moored alongside Moko Hinau, captained by Bunty Brown. Vessel described by photographer as a ‘lighthouse tender ex Fairmile and whalechaser. Would roll on wet grass. Known as the chunder bus.’Photographer’s caption: “MV COLVILLE departs Moko Hinau to return to Auckland; skipper Bunty Brown. The COLVILLE came every two weeks with stores. A very obliging crew. When Charlie Mellows arrived with his family and chooks Bunty let the chooks out in the hold and Charlie’s chooks enjoyed the trip on improvised perch’s from broom and mop handles.” Murray Williscroft was a lighthouse keeper, who, along with his wife Ventris worked on a number of stations around New Zealand in the 1950s-60s.MV COLVILLE moored at Tryphena wharf, Great Barrier Island. Photographer’s caption: “Taken at Typhena (sic) Great Barrier Island during a stopover due to bad weather at Moko Hinau. The COLVILLE serviced the Hauraki Gulf lights after the fleet auxiliary HAURAKI finished.” Murray Williscroft was a lighthouse keeper, who, along with his wife Ventris worked on a number of stations around New Zealand in the 1950s-60s.
Fate -Q408 “Karamana II / Colville”; Gulf Ferry on Gt Barrier service – last reported Fiji 1985.
Uodate from Michael Daneil – Colville sank on Tuvuca reef 1979 but was salvaged and repaired. Sold 1985 and was renamed “Adi Litia” for cruises from Nadi
