Last updated 14:10, May 15 2018
SIMON MAUDE/STUFF
A study reviewing future options for navy basing and ports has brought the future of Devonport's base into question.
A study reviewing future options for navy basing and ports has brought the future of Devonport's base into question.
Any potential move for Auckland's naval base would be a "huge loss" for Devonport, community leaders say.
A December briefing paper to new Defence Minister Ron Mark, just released under the Official Information Act, shows the NZDF has been regularly looking at alternative locations over the past 20 years.
Devonport Business Association manager Toni van Tonder said shifting the base would negatively impact on the local economy, not only because of staff leaving the area, but as a result of losing events such as a naval open day which drew 10,000 people to the area in March.
"In terms of heritage and history in our place narrative, it [the navy] is really important. It would not feel like Devonport without the navy here," Van Tonder said.
"If it did happen, it would be absolutely terrible for us [Devonport]," van Tonder said.
Despite speculation, the NZDF is saying any decision could be "months, perhaps years in the future".
The briefing paper mentioned a 2016 white paper proposing investment in ice-strengthened ships for scientific work in the southern oceans, which had raised the possibility of naval facilities in Otago.
In the past, establishing a large dry dock in Picton had also been suggested.
The NZDF confirmed it was part way through yet another review of possible locations, if the Ports of Auckland were to move.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Mike Cohen said the Devonport navy base plays an important role in its function as an 'emergency parliament'.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Mike Cohen agreed with van Tonder, saying the navy was one of the largest employers on the North Shore.
Cohen said a shift away from Devonport would be problematic for families of the navy who have established themselves both in the suburb and nearby.
He was also concerned about what the base would become if a shift did take place.
"If they turned it all into housing, obviously there would be a significant impact on Lake Rd traffic congestion," Cohen said.
He also pointed out a little-known fact: if "something happened to Wellington", the naval base would become the new home for Parliament.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chairman George Wood said a recent conversation suggested growth in the naval base, rather than departure.
"We were down there a month ago and we had a discussion at that time about what the future held for the naval base and they were going to be doing quite a considerable amount of work," Wood said.
"There's some exciting things on the horizon. [So] I'm quite surprised that change is in the air."
Wood said there was talk of new buildings, a strengthened wharf, and concentration of the north yard (Ngataringa Bay) back into the main naval base.
In a written statement, NZDF said moving any part of the navy was not currently government policy but conceded the Defence Force was examining the future of Auckland's Devonport Naval Base.
It said the current study was far from complete and reviewing sites outside of Auckland was a prerequisite, at least as hypothetical options.
With NZDF saying few New Zealand ports appeared to be feasible alternatives, it seemed unlikely Devonport's fleet would be setting sail any time soon.
"Any decisions are months and perhaps years in the future," the statement said.