The lighthouse was deactivated and keepers were withdrawn in 1978 and replaced by an automated beacon on the same site.
Cape Brett Lighthouse and its associated structures are on the Heritage New Zealand list as a Category 1 Historic Place List No: 7799. It was registered on 26 June 2009
Baring Head Lighthouse is a concrete lighthouse at Baring Head in the Wellington Region of the North Island of New Zealand, with an LED beacon powered by mains electricity.[2] It is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand, and can be accessed via walking tracks in the southern area of the East Harbour Regional Park, south of Wainuiomata.
The lighthouse tower is 12.2 m tall (40 ft), but the hilltop elevation gives a focal height of 87 m (285 ft).[2] The light range is 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi).
The lighthouse was built to be the main approach light to Wellington Harbour, as well as a coastal light for Cook Strait. Lit on 18 June 1935, it replaced the light at Pencarrow Head, which was decommissioned later that year.[2] The lighthouse was initially powered by a diesel generator but was converted to mains electricity in 1950.[3] The 1000 W light was fully automated in 1989 and demanned. In February 2005, the original lens was replaced by a flashing LED beacon visible from up to 18 kilometres (10 nmi; 11 mi)
HMS Somerset has returned after tracking Russian warships in UK waters (Picture: Royal Navy)
Royal Navy warship HMS Somerset has returned to Plymouth after more than 100 days at sea, including six missions tracking Russian naval vessels in UK waters.
The Type 23 frigate was recalled from Christmas leave to monitor a Russian task group moving through the North Sea, cutting short the festive break for the 200-strong ship’s company.
Since then, Somerset has sailed more than 18,000 nautical miles, mostly around the English Channel and North Sea, shadowing Russian corvettes, landing and support ships, cargo vessels and the intelligence-gathering ship Yantar.
Commander Joel Roberts, HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer, said: “After many months away, it is with immense pride and joy that I welcome our return home from a successful deployment.
“Our presence has made a real and tangible difference in delivering UK national security objectives and reinforcing Nato’s mission of collective security, unity, and deterrence.”
During the deployment, HMS Somerset also operated closely with Nato allies, making port visits in Den Helder, Bergen, Stavanger, Zeebrugge and Hamburg. The ship also stopped in North Shields, Aberdeen and Clyde Naval Base.
More than 1,000 members of the public visited the ship during an open day in Hamburg.
HMS Somerset’s Merlin helicopter, from 814 Naval Air Squadron, clocked up 100 flying hours. It was used to gather intelligence on Russian warships and took part in anti-submarine warfare training during Exercise Arctic Dolphin in the Norwegian fjords.
There, HMS Somerset and her Merlin crew worked with Nato submarines – some of whose captains were undergoing the Submarine Command Course, also known as “the Perisher”.
The exercise saw HMS Somerset simulate attacks and carry out high-speed manoeuvres to push trainee commanders to their limits.
The ship’s company is now back in Devonport and preparing for well-earned leave.
Carrier Strike Group 25 will deploy for eight months to the Indo-Pacific (Picture: MOD)
A retired Royal Navy Commodore says the UK’s latest carrier strike group (CSG) deployment is a clear demonstration of a credible force – even without US warships in support.
Commodore Steve Prest, who served as Commander Weapon Engineer on HMS Queen Elizabeth, told the Sitrep podcast that the group’s ability to strike, deter, and reassure allies made it a “serious bit of capability”.
“The Carrier Strike Group is ultimately is designed to take action against heavily defended targets,” he said.
“So the F-35, which is really the core element of the tip of the spear of the strike group, if you like, is designed to penetrate contested airspace and deliver ordinance in order to destroy targets to achieve military objectives.”
HMS Prince of Wales is due to leave Portsmouth on 22 April for an eight-month deployment.
She’ll be joined by HMS Dauntless, HMS Richmond, an Astute-class submarine, and RFA Tidespring.
Allied vessels from Norway, Spain and Canada will also take part, although the United States is not contributing a ship or aircraft this time.
Despite the change from 2021’s deployment led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, Cdre Prest said the group remains well defended.
“HMS Dauntless, a Type 45 destroyer absolutely on top of her game, is an exceptional air defence asset,” said Cdre Prest, who is a former Director of Navy Acquisition.
“HMS Richmond is there with a Sea Ceptor missile system, and they’ve been shown to be effective in that theatre… She’s well defended. Plus, of course, our Norwegian chums will be there providing escort duties as well.”
“Does it deliver all of the things that the Americans deliver? No,” he added. “But very few nations in the world can come anywhere near close to matching that.”
The deployment, named Operation Highmast, includes participation in Nato’s Neptune Strike exercise in the Mediterranean and operations with partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, Japan and India.
Cdre Prest said the presence of the group is about more than military strength.
“It also sends a message to those who might seek to oppose the United Kingdom in its interest to say that actually we’re serious about this,” he said. “We have some credible capability. We are able to go places and do things.”
Watch: What we know about the vessels making up CSG 25
He also stressed the importance of building relationships through deployments like this.
“Nato in particular, but also these alliances in the Asia-Pacific, are an absolute cornerstone of the government’s defence policy,” he said.
“Because, as the Americans would famously say, you can’t surge trust.
“And there’s another saying that I came across recently from the Finns, which I thought was excellent. And they say you can only prepare in advance.”
The group will also test the use of drones to carry supplies between ships – a Royal Navy first.
Cdre Prest said this would help free up helicopters for more critical tasks like surveillance and anti-submarine missions.
“This is a fantastic and really interesting innovation,” he said.
The CSG is expected to operate in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Indo-Pacific before returning later this year.
HMNZS Taupo is one of two remaining inshore patrol vessels in the RNZN. Two others surplus to requirement were sold to Ireland. (Gordon Arthur)
Share
The New Zealand government published its Defence Capability Plan (DCP) on 7 April, a document that had been delayed for many months. The DCP is essentially a blueprint listing investment in the military for the next 15 years, aligning with national strategy. The plan includes much-needed boosts to naval capabilities.
At the launch of the DCP, Prime Minister Chris Luxon said, “Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and New Zealand has stepped up on the world stage, but our current defence spending is simply too low.” The plan thus promises NZ$12 billion (US$6.65 billion) in defence spending over the coming four years, of which NZ$9 billion is new expenditure. The result will see defence as a proportion of GDP rise from the current 1% to slightly more than 2% within eight years. Luxon said this “is the floor, not the ceiling, of funding for our defence force”.
The DCP focuses foremost on critical investments needed by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in the coming four years, as well as the following ten-year timeframe. The government also vowed to update the DCP every two years; the DCP prior to this one appeared six years ago in 2019.
Three key aims for the NZDF are delineated. Firstly, it must be combat capable with enhanced lethality and a deterrent effect. Secondly, NZ’s military must be a force multiplier with Australia and interoperable with partners, including a more tightly integrated “Anzac” force. Finally, the NZDF must be innovative and obtain improved situational awareness.
New Zealand has two Anzac-class frigates built alongside eight Australian ones. This is HMNZS Te Mana during a port call in Hong Kong. (Gordon Arthur)
Attrition of skilled personnel spiked because military personnel were involved in prolonged manning of managed isolation facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Defence Minister Judith Collins noted, “That has left us with a hollowed-out middle in our personnel, and this plan allows us to address that. Already our attrition has fallen from 15.8% in December 2022 to 7.5% in February 2025 – but we know we need to rebuild the core of the NZDF so we can fully utilise the ships, aircraft, vehicles and weapons we already have, while looking to what is needed in the future.”
As already mentioned, a key point in the DCP is the commitment to more closely align the NZDF with Australia. It stated, “This means the two countries will combine military forces in defence of shared interests, common values and territory. This will include the introduction of more common, complementary and increasingly interoperable capability, further entrenching our ability to act together in support of shared interests.”
Elsewhere, the DCP noted, “New Zealand will seek to procure the same assets and equipment as Australia where it makes sense to do so. This will help with interoperability.” Observers should therefore closely monitor Australia’s procurement decisions, for they will likely have a heavy bearing on what the NZDF decides too.
New Zealand has a fleet of eight SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopters, though three have been placed in long-term storage. (Gordon Arthur)
What specific naval capabilities for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) were highlighted in the DCP from 2025-28 then? The main items are listed below.
1. Enhanced strike capabilities. As the threat environment worsens, the NZDF needs new missile systems “to provide a deterrent effect to adversaries and an ability to respond to hostile vessels at a greater range”. Over the next four years, the NZDF is therefore looking at strike capabilities, particularly in the maritime domain. Options listed are arming the air force’s four P-8A Poseidon aircraft and the RNZN’s two Anzac-class frigates. The latter is long overdue, as the frigates are rather toothless; their anti-ship strike capacity comes from Super Seasprite helicopters carrying a maximum of two Penguin missiles. The DCP said other options, including land-based strike, are being explored too.
Given that the DCP said, “Defence will explore acquiring the same capabilities as Australia or partners, who are enhancing their capabilities in this area,” then some weapons that Australia is acquiring would make sense for New Zealand too. This includes the likes of the AGM-158C LRASM for P-8As and Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for frigates. Australia also has a land-based maritime strike requirement, where the NSM-firing StrikeMaster and HIMARS-launched Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) are leading contenders. New Zealand will presumably be closely following that project.
Some NZ$100-300 million is set aside for maritime strike. The subsequent 2029-39 timeframe will include refreshes to strike systems already operational by then, plus the possibility of delivering the long-range missile capability from multiple domains.
2. Frigate sustainment programme. The RNZN operates two Anzac-class frigates and, although Australia is beginning to retire its fleet of eight Anzacs, the Kiwi warships must soldier on into the early 2030s. This will entail further maintenance and upgrades to extend their lives. The DCP noted, “This allows for the full benefits of the recently completed combat system upgrades of the frigates to be met, prior to their replacement.”
Furthermore, the navy does not want them out of service for prolonged periods, so maintenance and modifications must be implemented incrementally so that the frigates remain available for operations. Some NZ$300-600 million is set aside for the frigate upgrade.
HMNZS Canterbury is a 9,000-tonne multipurpose vessel that is important for sealift and amphibious operations. (Gordon Arthur)
3. Persistent surveillance using uncrewed autonomous vessels and air vehicles. The presence of a Chinese naval task group performing gunnery in the Tasman Sea in February caused alarm bells in the corridors of power. In a veiled reference to China, the DCP noted: “New Zealand’s geographic isolation no longer shelters us from threats to the extent it once did. We are seeing increasing threats to, and through, our extensive maritime area of interest. In addition to the risk of illegal activities, we face the increasing prospect of hostile forces operating in our wider maritime domain in ways that are coercive and threatening.”
Furthermore, the DCP promised greater focus on uncrewed systems in the short and medium term. “This includes long-range uncrewed aerial vehicles [UAV] to provide more persistent maritime surveillance; uncrewed vertical-take-off-and-landing aircraft to replace some maritime helicopter tasks; and uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels to help monitor and protect our exclusive economic zone, and support our Pacific partners.”
Uncrewed surface vessels will complement crewed vessels and aircraft. The RNZN is already trialling Bluebottle USVs obtained from Ocius Technologies. More generally, the DCP stated, “These systems may be deployed from crewed ships to enhance their effective sensor range, and/or independently for multiple months to enhance the NZDF’s maritime domain awareness and in support of other government agencies constabulary missions such as countering transnational criminal activity and resource protection.”
NZ is required to monitor ocean territory stretching from the Equator to Antarctica, and “persistent uncrewed surveillance capabilities provide the NZDF and other government agencies with better awareness and targeting”. Some NZ$50-100 million is set aside for this capability in the next four years. Later, in the 2029-39 period, the RNZN will give greater consideration to subsurface autonomous systems. This might put underwater platforms like Australia’s Ghost Shark from Anduril in the frame.
The NZDF wants long-range UAVs in the next four years. These would support both land and maritime forces “with improved and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance over longer distances, including in the Pacific and Southern Ocean”. A figure of NZ$100-300 million is listed for such assets from 2025-28, and even more will be needed in the following decade.
4. Replacing maritime helicopters. The RNZN relies upon eight second-hand Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopters, but these ageing aircraft are increasingly difficult to maintain. Eyeing their eventual replacement in mid-2027, Wellington issued a request for information on 24 April 2023, with responses due in July that year.
The DCP noted, “Maritime helicopters are a core part of the frigates’ capability as they increase the platform’s defensive and offensive abilities. They also extend the frigates’ surveillance range, overall weapon capability, and ability to support noncombat tasks like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.” At least NZ$2 billion is allocated for this procurement, making it the most expensive listing in this year’s DCP.
If commonality with Australia is an important consideration, this would enhance the prospects of the MH-60R, of which Australia will have 36 flying by the end of 2026 and the in-country ability to sustain them. However, the NZDF has indicated that uncrewed systems will also be considered to increase the number of deployable aircraft and attain greater ranges.
HMNZS Manawanui, a hydrographic and diving support vessel, now lies on the seabed near a Samoan reef. It will not be replaced. (Gordon Arthur)
5. Future replacement vessels from 2029-39. After the unfortunate loss of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoan waters in October 2024, the RNZN now has just eight vessels encompassing five classes, and nearly all are due for replacement by the mid-2030s. A Maritime Fleet Renewal programme is under way to investigate options for modernising and simplifying the fleet. A common hull design for future frigates and patrol vessels is one possibility, for instance. While most will be crewed vessels, uncrewed ones are also being considered.
The RNZN has stated that HMNZS Manawanui will not be replaced. Instead, its hydrographic and diving roles will be transferred to other platforms. The multirole vessel HMNZS Canterbury will be up for replacement in the 2029-39 timeframe, as will the two frigates and two offshore patrol vessels. The DCP said, “The Anzac frigates will be replaced with comparable contemporary frigates and the offshore patrol vessels will also be replaced with consideration given to whether commonality of design or systems with the frigates may be possible.” A common design would maximise crew training, qualification and flexibility, and minimise maintenance and support. If interoperability with Australia is deemed critical, then the latter’s selection of a general-purpose frigate – either the Japanese Improved Mogami or German Meko A-200 – will be closely observed in NZ.
Strategic interest in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is growing, so the RNZN aims to put back on the table a requirement for a Southern Ocean patrol vessel somewhere in 2029-39. Current vessels do not fully meet this requirement, but a dedicated Southern Ocean vessel “would broaden the patrol area and enhance our awareness of what is occurring in the Southern Ocean. This could include a combination of uncrewed technologies, deployable boarding teams and platforms.”
6. Future Devonport Naval Base design. The RNZN has only one naval base, located in Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore. Up to NZ$50 million will be spent on upgraded facilities there, focusing on “upgraded and modern training environments, upgraded secure facilities and office spaces, and operational areas, including wharves, jetties and the dockyard, that are fit for purpose for the navy’s updated vessels and personnel,” according to the DCP.
Scottish-born Gordon Arthur is a freelance defence photojournalist who specialises in coverage of the Asia-Pacific region. After 20 years living in the territory of Hong Kong, he is now based in New Zealand. His work has appeared in more than 60 international defence journals and magazines to date.
In the skies, the fleet was supported by Royal Australian Navy MH-60R helicopters, as well as RAAF and Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon sub hunters, generating a significant force tailored for sea control and deterrence missions.
Two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters circle HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Toowoomba as the ships prepare to weigh anchor to conduct ASWEX 25.
Four of Australia’s seven Anzac-class frigates sailed in formation off the Western Australian coast for ASWEX 25 this month.
CAPTION: Two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters circle HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Toowoomba as the ships prepare for ASWEX 25. Story by Lieutenant Marcus Middleton. Photo by Leading Seaman Iggy Roberts.
Their mission – to hunt Australian submarine assets to ensure the Royal Australian Navy is fully capable of protecting Australia and its interests.
While capable of operating independently for long periods, for ASWEX, this lethal grey wolf, the backbone of the fleet, operated in packs.
HMA Ships Warramunga, Toowoomba, Stuart and Arunta worked as one, united frigate force under the direction of the Australian Maritime Task Group.
Joined by HMA Ships Choules and Hobart, the task group fleet put proof to the concept of an agile fleet that is focused, lethal and ready.
In the skies, the fleet was supported by Royal Australian Navy MH-60R helicopters, as well as RAAF and Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon sub hunters, generating a significant force tailored for sea control and deterrence missions.
Commanding Officer Warramunga Commander Dylan Phillips said ASWEX was a significant opportunity to uplift mariner and warfare skills by undertaking complex activities as part of a task group.
“The required coordination added a level of complexity impossible to replicate when operating independently,” Commander Phillips said.
“It was also a great opportunity to train our next generation of Navy personnel, ahead of the introduction of exciting new capabilities including the Hunter-class anti-submarine frigates and general-purpose frigates.”
Anzac-class frigates are highly capable ships, fitted with air and surface surveillance radars, omni-directional hull-mounted sonar and electronic support systems that all interface simultaneously with the 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system to present a coherent tactical picture to the warfare team.
They are also armed with Mark 45 5-inch guns capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship-launched MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes and the Mark 41 vertical launch system for the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile.
They also have eight anti-ship/land attack-canister-launched Harpoon missiles, and defensive countermeasures such as the Nulka active missile decoy system, off-board chaff and the Nixie torpedo decoy.
Warramunga officer of the watch Lieutenant Scott Smith, working in a ‘pack’ for the first time, said the Anzac-class was a versatile anti-submarine weapon, crucial in defending Australia against submarine threats.
“This exercise has affirmed the capability of the Royal Australian Navy to form a large task group of warships to achieve a common mission,” Lieutenant Smith said.
“This is indicative of the way in which we will fight, and provides an invaluable opportunity for realistic training as a task group.”
HMAS Warramunga’s Leading Seaman Ronin Wetherspoon said incorporating the Anzac-class frigates was an important training milestone in his understanding of tactical data links.
“With the future of warfare rapidly advancing, tactical data networks have held their own,” Leading Seaman Wetherspoon said.
“With proper training and preparation, a unit can fight a battle using tactical networks rather than their own sensors.
“This hides the location of our platforms and, with the acquisition of Naval Strike and Tomahawk missiles, allows us to strike from greater distances and closer to the home that we serve and protect.”
Sister ship Toowoomba also played a large role during ASWEX, including live gunnery, air warfare exercises with live aircraft, anti-submarine warfare, officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, formation entry/departures, boat drills, at-sea ammunition replenishment and general task group operations.
Lieutenant Commander Darcy Cook, Toowoomba’s weapons electrical engineering officer, said the exercise directly enhanced Australia’s ability to deter and counter undersea threats, and reinforced the nation’s maritime security posture.
“The Anzac-class frigates play a key role in Australia’s anti-submarine defence, employing highly capable organic systems to detect and deter threats,” Lieutenant Commander Cook said.
“Working alongside other joint assets, they strengthen a multi-layered, anti-submarine warfare strategy.”
He also highlighted how, during shore phase, having all Anzac crews gather at HMAS Stirling was a great opportunity for east- and west-coast sailors to connect and share knowledge on operating Anzacs at sea.
“It was a great chance to reconnect with old friends, swap stories and reflect on how far we have all come, as well as meet new friends,” Lieutenant Commander Cook said.
“Catching up with familiar faces and hearing about what they have done recently was a reminder that this job moves fast, but friendships never fade.”
The ASWEX 25 task group with a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon flying overhead during ASWEX 25. Photo by Leading Seaman Iggy Roberts.
Construction will soon begin in Auckland’s Bayswater on 61 new townhouses for Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) personnel.
11 April, 2025
Central Tāmaki Makaurau iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will build the homes, lease them to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and manage ongoing maintenance.
The NZDF has worked closely with the property development arm of the iwi on the design and layout to ensure the housing meets the needs of sailors by providing warm, safe, dry homes that are fit for modern family living with good car parking and storage.
The homes will be spread over two separate sites in Bayswater, near Devonport Naval Base.
The homes, which are expected to be ready to occupy late next year, will provide a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom configurations.
Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Karl Woodhead, says the lease agreement with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is good news for sailors.
“There are four factors important for our personnel when it comes to accessing housing for them and their families – quality, modern homes, fit-for-family size, close to other Navy families and within 30 minutes of Devonport Naval Base. This arrangement addresses all of these.”
Navy leadership took the question of housing for its personnel very seriously and would continue to look for opportunities to improve housing for sailors and their whānau, Commodore Woodhead said.
HMNZS Taranaki at Sydney 28 October 1966 after Exercise Sword Hilt. All the small ships went up under the bridge and around Cockatoo Island while the carriers berthed.
