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. 

1949 - HMS PHILOMEL

HMNZS PHILOMEL

HMNZS Philomel is the central administrative and logistics hub of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), operating as a shore establishment (symbolically termed a "stone frigate"). It is located inside the main Devonport Naval Base on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand. 

Key Facts and History

• Origins: The base takes its name from HMS Philomel, a Pearl-class cruiser loaned to New Zealand in 1913. It became the country's first operational warship and effectively serves as the birthplace of the modern RNZN. 
• The Training Ship: Following active duty in World War I, the ship was moored permanently at Devonport and used as a stationary training and accommodation hulk for generations of recruits. It was decommissioned and scuttled in 1949. 
• Shore Transition: In January 1946, the shore facilities at Devonport were officially commissioned as HMNZS Philomel to take over naval support, base operations, and administration. 
• Consolidation: In November 2000, following structural reforms and the total closure of the nearby HMNZS Tāmaki training base, Philomel absorbed remaining training resources and took command over the complete naval base footprint. 

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

Image Breakdown

• The Sign: Proudly displays the base's English name alongside its official Māori name: Te Kāinga O Te Taua Moana O Aotearoa (The Home of the Navy of New Zealand).
• The Crest: Features the official HMNZS Philomel badge, which references the Roman legend of Philomela—who was transformed into a nightingale—bearing the Latin motto Fide et Fortitudine (By faith and fortitude). 
• Historical Display: In the background sits a preserved the twin 6-inch turret from the WW2 cruiser HMNZS Archilles, a common landmark at the main base gates.
• Personnel: Two sailors pose at the entrance. Notably, the sailor on the left wears a cap tally reading K.D. LEKIR (referencing a visiting Kasturi-class corvette from the Royal Malaysian Navy during an international deployment or naval exchange), while the sailor on the right wears an HMS TAMAR cap tally (HMS Tamar was a British Naval Base at Hong Kong at the time).

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 Tāmaki was the primary New Entry Training Establishment for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), shaping the basic training, discipline, and seamanship of thousands of naval recruits. 

History and Relocations

Motuihe Island Era (1941–1963): Originally commissioned in January 1941 as HMS Tamaki to handle the massive influx of World War II wartime recruits. It repurposed an old quarantine station located in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf. Over 6,000 recruits trained here during this foundational period. 

Fort Cautley / Narrow Neck Era (1963–1993): Due to high infrastructure upkeep costs on the island, the training base was relocated to the North Shore mainland at Fort Cautley (Narrow Neck) in 1963.

Devonport Naval Base Era (1993–2000): The facility later integrated directly into the primary Devonport Naval Base footprint in Auckland before formally closing down in December 2000. 

Image Breakdown

• Top Left: Features naval personnel stationed at the Devonport Naval Base branch in October 1991, standing outside the Control Engineering School / Weapons Electrical Craft Workshop.
• Top Right: The official HMNZS Tāmaki ship's crest featuring a Māori warrior holding a tewhatewha (traditional weapon), topped with a naval crown.
• Bottom Left: A historical portrait of a service member wearing the traditional RNZN sailor's cap prominently tallying H.M.N.Z.S. TAMAKI.
• Bottom Right: A modern commemorative memorial plaque dedicated to all personnel who served on the original Motuihe Island base from 1941 to August 1963. 

References:

1. RNZN Communicators Association : Naval History Lesson - HMS Philomel.
2. Motuihe Project : 1941-1963 HMNZS Tamaki. 
3. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum : HMNZS Tamaki. 
4. National Library NZ : HMNZS Tamaki (Military Station).

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Ex KD Lekir Radio Operator

28/12/2025: 11.53 p.m