Sign In / Register
Three model ships, each measuring up to 2.4 metres long, will be the centre of attention at a Royal NZ Navy reunion at the Warkworth RSA on October 14.
Algies Bay resident and ex-navy communicator, Brian Henman, owns scale models of the boats
HMNZS Waikato and the current HMNZS Rotoiti and the original vessel built in 1944. They are built to a 1:48 scale.
“I always wanted a big radio-controlled model ship and they don’t come much bigger than this,” Brian says.
Brian enlisted in 1964 and served on the Rotoiti.
“I was walking down the street one day in Dunedin and just decided to go into the recruitment office.”
He served until 1984, also working on the boats Taranaki, Otago, Endeavour and Lachlan.
“When I started my job I was using Morse code and by the end it was all computerised.”
One of his most significant involvements was a placement off Moruroa during the French nuclear tests.
Brian hopes his ships will attract a number of ex-navy people to the RSA.
“I have lived here for almost two years and met half a dozen ex-navy members, but I’m sure there are a lot more around and this event will hopefully bring them together.
“Once we can establish who everyone is it would be good to set up a monthly get-together where we can have a meal and talk navy stuff.”
The navy reunion will start at 3pm and go through until midnight. It is open to any ex-navy service people. The day will include dinner and plenty of time to socialise.
The model ships will be on display to the general public at the Warkworth RSA over the weekend.
Information and registration: office@warkworthrsa.co.nz or at the RSA, 28 Neville Street.
Registrations must be received by October 8.
