We love highlighting good news for the North Shore, and the government's announcement in late November that they will be investing in the Devonport Naval Base is great news for the Shore and Devonport.

This announcement comes three years after the government confirmed the home of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) would remain in Devonport. An initial investment of $25 million has been announced by the government for design and planning on the first tranche of works.
The $25 million will be used for planning and design on specific and immediate infrastructure challenges on the Base. These include training facilities at Narrow Neck, a replacement Sea Safety Training complex, transitional office space, and replacement dry dock gates for which additional budget will be provided over the next 3-4 years based on individual business cases being developed.
The announcement was made by Associate Defence Minister, Chris Penk, who said the planned long-term development would enable capability, provide RNZN personnel the facilities they need to train, live and operate, and strengthen our national security.
Local MP and cabinet minister Simon Watts was also on hand to support this boost for his home patch.
“The Devonport Naval Base is a cornerstone of our nation’s security and a proud part of our North Shore community,” said Simon Watts. “For more than a century, it has anchored New Zealand’s naval capability, but just as importantly, it has anchored families, careers, and community life right here on the Shore.
“The men and women who serve at Devonport, along with the civilian staff who support them, make an extraordinary contribution. They work hard, often quietly and without fanfare, to keep New Zealand safe. Many of them live locally, raise their families here, and volunteer in our schools, clubs, and community organisations. They are not just part of our defence force, they are part of our neighbourhood.
“As the local MP, I’ve been clear from day one that supporting the base means supporting its people. That’s why I’ve strongly advocated for increased investment, particularly in naval housing and infrastructure, to ensure personnel and their families have the standard of living they deserve.
“I’m pleased to see real progress being made. This investment is not only good for the Navy, it’s good for the North Shore. It strengthens our national capability, boosts local jobs, and reinforces the long-term future of the base in our community.
"To everyone who serves, works, or lives in connection with Devonport Naval Base, thank you. Your contribution matters, and you have my continued commitment and support.”
Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Karl Woodhead, welcomed the announcement as an indication of the government’s commitment to address sea water rise and the Base’s ageing infrastructure – much of which was built in the 1940s.
“But it’s also an acknowledgement of how critical the Devonport Naval Base is to New Zealand’s national security,” he said.
“With the funding now available to immediately begin planning and design work on the first stage of infrastructure improvement, this is a really tangible first step in what will be a complete modernisation of the Base.”
The final cost to transform Devonport into a fit-for-purpose, operational naval facility is estimated at $4 billion and scheduled to take 35 years to complete.
Great news for the North Shore!