Change of Command HMNZS Philomel

“I have the ship.” With those words Commander (CDR) Paul Matenga takes over the command of HMNZS Philomel today from Captain (CAPT) Julie Simpkins, who has been in the role since March 2022.

HMNZS Philomel is the main administrative base for our Navy and its functions include recruit and officer training, logistics, Te Taua Moana marae and specialisation schools.

CDR Matenga joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2001 as a Weapons Engineer, serving in HMNZ ships Te Kaha, Te Mana and Canterbury, the latter as the Marine Engineering Officer. His subsequent postings to at Defence House led to his most recent role as Principal Advisor Logistics Strategy with Logistics Command Maritime.

CAPT Simpkins now takes up the role as Commanding Officer Devonport, overseeing Devonport Naval Base and the wider Navy Defence Areas around Auckland.