New design for Navy officer’s sword

The Royal New Zealand Navy has commissioned a new Officer’s sword that combines the coronation of King Charles III with unique elements of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Last year Rear Admiral David Proctor, then Chief of Navy, was offered an opportunity from the Navy’s sword manufacturer, UK-based Pooley Swords, to reinvigorate the design embossed on the Officer’s sword.

The new sword still maintains traditional elements on one side of the blade, but now includes the silver fern and Southern Cross. The opposing side adds Māori design incorporating elements of Aotearoa and its seafaring origins.

His Majesty the King’s ‘CRIII’ Cypher, announced in September 2023, features on the sword, replacing the ‘EIIR’ cypher. It is one of the first instances of the King’s cypher appearing on a Defence Force item.

Lieutenants Te Naawe Tupe and Codi Wehi-Ngatai worked together to create the Maori designs. LT Tupe had previously designed work for Navy units, including the stingray (whai) seen on the unit badges for the Leadership Development Group.

The first design represents two birds, Mumuhou (left side) and Takereto (right side). These birds are known by Māori as the two birds who guided waka to Aotearoa. They would foretell the winds, calm seas and fine weather.

The next design represents the Navy’s vessels and its people.

The long koru on the left hand side represents current ships commissioned in to the RNZN, with the koru beneath representing officers and sailors currently serving. This design is reflected on to the right hand side. The reflection is meant to symbolise the past ships of the RNZN, and those that previously served.

These koru are linked, and mirrored, symbolizing where people are going is in direct relation to where the Navy has been. This design acknowledges the past, and present.

Beneath that is a whale’s tail beneath, a representation of journey. Māori mythology tells how the first Māori came to New Zealand on the back of a whale. This symbol brings protection in and around the water, and imbues strength.

The design continues and incorporates the underlying values of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the New Zealand Defence Force, with Tū Kaha (Courage) on the left, and Tū Tika (Integrity) on the right.

This surrounds the design of Tangaroa, the Māori God of the sea, depicted by a Taniwha/Manaia who is wielding a trident. Tangaroa exercises his control over the ocean, its tides and its creatures. Maori show respect to Tangaroa, and acknowledge his presence for safe travel to their next destination, and for the resources he provides.

Mumuhou and Takereto are reflected again beneath Tangaroa, again as a guiding symbol for the decisions that we make, with respect to the core values, and the guidance needed to traverse Tangaroa.

Finally, the base of the sword represents the two other core values of Tū Tira (Comradeship) on the left side and Tū Maia (Commitment) on the right.

LT Tupe says he and LT Wehi-Ngatai were very keen to be involved.

“It was something we wanted to leave our mark on,” he says. There have only been three swords issued so far: one gifted to the Governor General and two issued respectively to Minister of Defence Sword of Honour recipients graduating from JOCT 23/02 and JOCT 24/01, including Sub Lieutenant Sam Penno (Navy Today July page 18).

He is particularly proud of the manaia design.

“That representation of Tangaroa is quite unique and makes the sword Navy-centric. I don’t have a sword myself, but seeing this in service is enough for me.”