On 11 April 1942, the War Cabinet approved the establishment of a Women's Royal Naval Service for New Zealand.
From its launching in April 1942 until its paying off in July 1977 the Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service admitted 1655 recruits to its ranks. Approximately 700 served during World War II, the remainder in the years that followed.
Once the formation of the Wrens became public there was no shortage of recruits. The wartime Wrens were in every sense pioneers who created a Service from nothing.
The wartime Wrens were de-mobilised in 1946 and the WRNZNS service was re-established in May 1947 in the wake of the 1947 sailors' strike. In 1951 they were reformed permanently and continued to serve in shore duties until 1977. At that time the WRNZNS were absorbed into the RNZN, on the same basis as their male counterparts. From 1986, women were allowed to serve at sea, initially in non-combatant ships and subsequently in all types of ships.
Congratulations from Commodore Sir Atwell Lake, Bt, CB, OBE, RN, US Legion of Merit, Chief of Naval Staff in New Zealand from June 1942 - July 1945
"The Women's Royal New Zealand Service is an integral part of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Wrens are playing a fundamental part in many spheres of Naval activity, and have applied themselves to the work that they are efficient carrying out with zeal and enthusiasm, and have made it possible for many men that are badly needed to be released for sea service.
"By their bearing and loyalty and sincere dedication to duty, they have proved that they take a pride in themselves, in their uniform, in their ship and in the service.
"I am glad to have this opportunity of conveying to the Director, Officers and all Wrens my sincere congratulations on the able manner in which they are carrying out their duties. They are making a very valuable contribution towards winning the war.
"I am very proud of the Wrens."
The museum has a collection of oral histories relating to the Wrens.