Navy trials whangārei reserve unit

The NSU officially opened on 12 October, with the launch and announcement taking place at the Whangārei Maritime Festival. The Navy arrived with some punch, with HMNZS Matataua bringing up two Littoral Manoeuvre Craft to give Festival attendees something to look at.

Based at Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment’s (RNZIR) 3/6 Battalion’s headquarters in Whangārei, the creation of the NSU for a year-long trial aligns with Ngapona’s Freedom of the City charter with Whangārei.

Ngapona’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Chetan Sawyer, says the Navy was well received during the festival, with Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo and Member of Parliament for Whangārei Dr Shane Reti expressing their support for the new initiative and appreciation for the Navy’s presence in the region.

“The warm response we received at the festival, from both the public and local leaders, reflects the importance of local engagement and building these connections.”

He said supporting the Festival, one of the largest public events in Northland, would become an annual activity for the NSU if the trial proved successful.

A considerable number of Navy Reserve Force personnel, mostly former Regular Force, reside live in Northland. Some are very engaged, travelling to Auckland and further on Navy business, but for the majority, the distance in Auckland prevents them from staying connected.

It was also noted that during Cyclone Gabrielle flooding in Northland last year, the Navy were technically responsible for disaster response duties, but due to being already present in Northland, 3/6 reservists were more involved.

Ngapona has another branch unit in Tauranga, which has been successful in delivering key outputs such as Maritime Trade Operations, domestic engagements and ceremonial duties.

The Officer in Charge of NSU, Lieutenant Commander Damian Gibbs, says the establishment of the NSU enhances the Navy’s relationship with the Northland community, offering more opportunities for residents to learn about naval operations and join the Reserves.

“The NSU fills a critical gap for our reservists,” he said. “This launch is a commitment to our people in Northland.

“Although there has long been a significant number of Naval Reserve personnel in the Northland region, we’ve lacked the infrastructure to support them effectively. This new unit provides the resources necessary for them to grow and contribute to the Navy’s mission.”

It is envisaged that personnel would muster every two months at the sub-unit, thereby keeping connections and momentum, but not causing undue expense in the fiscally constrained environment.

Captain James Burt, Assistant Chief of Navy (Reserves), says the concept has been mooted for the last two years.

“We have pockets of personnel around the country who want to contribute,” he said. “There’s still that desire by ex-Regular Force members for, and the benefit of, keeping connected to the Navy. We see that, when people have been out of the Regular Force for a few years, they miss that connection with like-minded people.”