The Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve has a proud place in New Zealand's naval history, its people providing professional, loyal service on a part-time basis. The role of the early Naval Reserve was to supplement regular force numbers and to provide coastal defences to ensure the free flow of shipping.
The role has become more complex but still involves supplying personnel for Naval vessels as well as providing a key interface between the New Zealand Defence Force and the Maritime Industry. But there is so much more... from Fishery patrols and customs assistance, to assisting civil agencies, to hosting overseas guests, to port based liaison, to peacekeeping missions, to boarding and briefing of merchant vessel Masters, to vessel tracking and maritime operational analysis.
The Naval Reserve has units in each of the four main centres: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and a small sub-unit in Tauranga. Each of these units provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting team on a part time basis. The Naval Reserve is an integral part of the New Zealand Naval Force and Team Defence.
The museum has a collection of oral histories relating to the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve.