MY TRAVEL INFO: HMNZS PHILOMEL & HMNZS TAMAKI

My photos that capture a significant moment at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, New Zealand in 1991.

The photo of me wearing foul weather jacket, shows the Auckland Spring weather in October. 

HMNZS PHILOMEL

In 1991, HMNZS Philomel was at the center of a significant transition for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Located at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, it served as the administrative and logistics hub for the fleet, but 1991 specifically marked the beginning of its absorption of all recruit training functions.

Before the 1990s, basic recruit training was held at HMNZS Tamaki on Motuihe Island. In the early 1990s (around 1991–1993), these functions were moved back to the mainland at HMNZS Philomel to streamline operations.

While the original ship HMNZS Philomel was long gone (sunk in 1949), the shore base retained its name and its identity as the "Cradle of the Navy," where almost every sailor began their career.

The twin 6-inch gun turret from the WWII cruiser HMNZS Archilles (famous for the Battle of River Plate).

HMNZS ARCHILLES

In 1991, we were attending an RPC (Request the Pleasure of your company) at HMNZS Philomel, most likely host for a formal function at HMNZS Philomel.

HMNZS TAMAKI

HMNZS Tamaki was the primary training establishment for the RNZN, located at Narrow Neck, Devonport. Its original site was on Motuihe Island in 1941, moved to Auckland site in 1963. 

1991 was near the end of an era for this location. Just two years later, in 1993, basic training was moved again to the North Yard of HMNZS Philomel.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Ex KD Lekir Radio Operator

28/12/2025: 11.53 p.m