Navy women celebrate 75th milestone

The longest-serving woman in the New Zealand Navy said she initially joined only ‘‘for an adventure’’.

Now, the Lieutenant Commander shares her 35-year-long career as a guest speaker at the Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service’s (WRNZNS) 75th anniversary celebrations.

During her service, Janette ‘Jan’ Kingham has watched opportunities for women grow from not being allowed at sea, to being free to join any Naval trade. In fact, she herself has written a part of that history.

The Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service was established on April 11, 1942. It was disbanded in July 29, 1977, when women were transferred into permanent service in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Kingham joined as an Ordinary Communicator with 28 other women to the Duchess Division on July 7, 1982.

From the day she joined till today, she said change has been a positive progression rather than a battle.

‘‘We’ve got lots of firsts for our Navy women to talk about,’’ she said. ‘‘I have milestones in my life that I am proud of.’’

Such as, Kingham was the first Navy woman to be awarded the New Zealand Defence Force Person of the Year in 2015. Also, she was the first Navy woman to post as the Recruit Training Officer, from 2012 to 2014.

As time has gone on, there has been a change in the numbers of

‘‘It’s been hard, but it has been an adventure.’’

Jan Kingham

women at representational things, like courses, meetings and in the higher ranks, she said.

All trades are now open to females, uniforms are more practical, and there is combined training and accommodation, she said.

Also, there are more familyfriendly policies, which includes breastfeeding, a pregnancy uniform and a day-care.

When Kingham joined in 1982, women were still not allowed to go to sea. When this rule was changed in 1989, Kingham agonised over being a ‘sea service’ or ‘non-seagoing’ sailor. Eventually, Kingham chose to stay ‘‘ashore’’ to raise a family.

Instead, Kingham progressed through the the lower ranks until she commissioned to an officer in 2003.

‘‘I believe I have got where I am through hard work, my own merit, and my husband’s and family support,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s been hard, but it has been an adventure.’’

LAINE MOGER/STUFF Lieutenant Commander Kingham reflects on the positive changes for Navy women she has seen during her 35-year-long career.