The Navy’s ships are out of date.
The Frigates HMNZ Ships TE MANA and TE KAHA were commissioned in 1997 and 1999 and the vessels and equipment on board are updated on a continual basis; and are probably better looked after than most of our cars.

Our new amphibious support ship, HMNZS CANTERBURY, joined the Navy in 2007, and this year four new Inshore Patrol Vessels (HMNZ Ships ROTOITI, HAWEA, PUKAKI and TAUPO) were commissioned.  Two Offshore Patrol Vessels, HMNZ Ships WELLINGTON and OTAGO, are expected to join the Navy in coming months. In fact, our oldest ship, HMNZS ENDEAVOUR is only 21 years old!

We’re not at war so there’s no need for a Navy. 
Primarily the Navy is responsible for the maritime defence of New Zealand and its interests. We’re surrounded by ocean, and there are a lot of things going on out there that most people never see. Our tasks include protecting our fisheries, marine life, coastlines, transport vessels and recreational mariners. Think of us like insurance; you never know when you are going to need us, but when you do... 

As a global citizen we need to support our neighbours and friends in times of trouble and, in return, helping out helps New Zealand work towards important things such as free trade agreements.

Pirates don’t exist any longer.
Government spending on anti-piracy activities has increased significantly in the last 10 years.  According to a research project*, from 2000 to 2006 more than 2,400 acts of piracy were reported in the world, with an estimated cost to manage of between $13 and $16 billion every year! (*source William Pentland www.forbes.com).

New Zealand is not spared by our isolation; in fact our isolation leaves us more vulnerable. As a nation we rely heavily on international exports, and our businesses need those goods to arrive safely at their destination.  Indeed, many of our trade destinations are on the other side of areas of known pirate activity. The Navy works closely with international shipping agencies and government departments to counter piracy activity and assist those when in need.

In the Navy you’ll get yelled at a lot.
Yelling may make for great movies but has limited place in our modern, professional Navy. Our core values of Commitment, Courage and Comradeship do not engender a culture of yelling at people to get things done. We train all personnel in the principles of Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership model that underpins the Navy’s leadership practices.

Sailors stay at sea for months on end and never see land.
It is true that our ships are often away on operations for long periods of time. However, they frequently travel from port to port and often stay for days at any given time.  Once duties on board are complete, crew are able to disembark and visit local towns and cities.

When working with the Army and Air Force on operations, Navy personnel are frequently posted to land based operations where our skills fit with the operation’s requirements. 

Accommodation on Navy ships is pretty rough.
Perhaps life on board in Capt, Cook’s days was rough, but not the modern day Navy.
Onboard there are modern conveniences including comfortable accommodation, flat screen TVs, DVD players, email access and even the odd Xbox and PlayStation.  And just to be clear, you won’t be sleeping in a hammock.

As a general rule, crew share bunk rooms which usually sleep two to three, and when on base accommodation is available in married quarters, barrack accommodation or you can rent privately.  All options pretty much have modern day beds and mattresses. 

The new IPV cabins all have their own en-suites, office space and lounge area. 
Most ships have recreational areas and are kitted out with gym facilities - HMNZS CANTERBURY even has a 'meerkat' hole in the roof above the stepper for the ‘tallies’.