Royal New Zealand Naval Association Inc.

ORIGINS OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION (INC)

Our association had it's origins in the early 1920's when we were first known as the Chatham Old Boys Assn. In 1925 we became the White Ensign Association, and stayed under that name until 1935, when the name was further changed to the Ex. Royal Navalmens Association, Christchurch.

At that time, our navy was manned by the more experienced Royal Navy personnel who made up almost 80% of our Navy's strength, and as time went on, many of these personnel stayed and settled in New Zealand. Thus the name Ex Royal Navalmen, and we became affiliated to the National Association of the Ex Royal Navalmen in 1936. In 1956 our Association became Incorporated in it's own right (Ex Royal Navalmens Association Christchurch (Inc.)

Our navy was originally the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, until October 1941, when by Royal Degree the name was changed to the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Our Association remained under the name of Ex Royal Navalmen until 1985. At a special meeting of our members the name was changed to the Naval Association Christchurch, as our membership was now 90% retired RNZN personnel. As New Zealanders, we were seeking our own identity, as we did not serve in the Royal Navy. Finally in 1988 the members, at an AGM, made a name change to what we are known as to-day - the Royal New Zealand Naval Association (Incorporated)

In 2007, the  Ex Royal Naval Men's Association and the Royal New Zealand Naval Associaton joined forces.  The National Council meets twice yearly and on your initial joining you are joining the National Association of the Royal New Zealand Naval Association (Inc) this is a once only, life time fee of NZ$15.00.


QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

The association is open for full membership of all retired and serving naval personnel of the Royal New Zealand Navy or any of the Commonwealth Royal Navy's, who have served a minimum period of 6 months continuous service. The Royal New Zealand Naval Association is a non profit organisation working for, and on behalf of it's members. The organisation is run by an executive committee and is totally voluntary

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION

• To uphold the Comradeship which began in the Navy.
• To foster good fellowship.
• To render service to one another.
• To encourage and promote social gatherings amongst our members.
• To contribute to charities devoted to the welfare of former Naval personnel.
• To abide by all lawful means, encourage and protect the interest of our members.
• To Co-operate, support or assist any person or group of persons, firm, company, body corporate or society in achieving any of the objectives of the Association.
• To affiliate with or become a member of any society whether in New Zealand or elsewhere, having the objects wholly or in part to the objectives of our Association.
• To Support the Royal New Zealand Navy in any way possible.