New Zealand Merchant Navy Units (1899-2024)

New Zealand's Merchant Navy has a rich history, and several units and organizations have been part of it over the years. Here’s a list of notable Merchant Navy units from 1899 to 2024, along with some online associations and resources where you can find more information:

Notable New Zealand Merchant Navy Units and Associations

1. New Zealand Shipping Company

   • Period: Founded in 1873, active through various changes into the 20th century.

   • Website: Historical information can be found at New Zealand Shipping Company History.

2. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand

   • Period: Founded in 1875, significant through the 20th century.

   • Website: Union Steam Ship Company History

3. Blue Star Line (New Zealand)

   • Period: Active from the late 19th century to the 20th century.

   • Website: Historical details can be found on maritime history websites and Blue Star Line Archives.

4. Owen & Company

   • Period: 19th century to early 20th century.

   • Website: Historical information can be accessed through maritime heritage sites.

5. New Zealand Marine Department (later Maritime New Zealand)

   • Period: Established in the 19th century, continues as Maritime New Zealand.

   • Website: Maritime New Zealand

6. New Zealand Naval Trust

   • Period: Focuses on naval and maritime history, including Merchant Navy contributions.

   • Website: New Zealand Naval Trust

7. New Zealand Merchant Navy Association

   • Period: Established in the 20th century, continuing to support former and current Merchant Navy personnel.

   • Website: New Zealand Merchant Navy Association

8. New Zealand Maritime Museum

   • Period: Established to preserve maritime heritage.

   • Website: New Zealand Maritime Museum

9. NZ Ship and Marine Society

   • Period: Active in preserving maritime history.

   • Website: Information can be found through local maritime heritage organizations.

10. Naval Historical Society of Australia

    • Period: Includes New Zealand naval history and Merchant Navy.

    • Website: Naval Historical Society of Australia

11. New Zealand Veterans Affairs

    • Period: Supports veterans, including those from the Merchant Navy.

    • Website: New Zealand Veterans Affairs

Online Resources

• New Zealand History Online: Provides historical context and records for various maritime and Merchant Navy units. NZ History Online

• National Archives New Zealand: Offers access to historical records related to maritime history. Archives New Zealand

• Papers Past: Digital repository of New Zealand newspapers, which can provide historical context and stories related to Merchant Navy units. Papers Past

For specific historical details or archival research, local libraries and historical societies may also be valuable resources.