Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:37:16-1:37:43

How HMS New Zealand might have retained an RNZN link

A revived HMS New Zealand would probably remain a Royal Navy ship but could develop a strong New Zealand crewing tradition, perhaps including an RNZN executive officer.

Alternate HistoryCommonwealth NaviesHMS New ZealandNaval PersonnelRoyal New Zealand Navy
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Question

Would a revived HMS New Zealand have been adopted directly by New Zealand?

Short answer

Probably not, because New Zealand would be unlikely to sustain a separate carrier type, but the ship could carry a substantial RNZN contingent and formal crewing traditions.

Notes

New Zealand would probably not take ownership of a large, unique carrier. Operating a separate class would impose a disproportionate burden on a very small navy. A more plausible arrangement would keep the ship in Royal Navy service while assigning a significant Royal New Zealand Navy contingent. An executive-officer tradition is offered as one way to make that association durable without transferring the hull.