Babcock is paying tribute to the enduring maritime legacy of the Calliope Dry Dock at Devonport, New Zealand, by featuring it in a new exhibition celebrating its unique history.
Waitematā Legacy: 136 years of Calliope Dry Dock, which runs until 13 October as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival, honours one of New Zealand’s most significant engineering accomplishments, and a cornerstone of the country’s naval history.
The Calliope Dry Dock, situated at Devonport Naval Base, is the largest facility of its kind in the Southwestern Pacific. Built in 1888, it has been essential to New Zealand’s maritime industry, accommodating a range of vessels from the historic HMS Calliope and HMS Diamond to contemporary naval and research ships.
Hosted at the Devonport Ferry Terminal, the exhibition features a variety of educational displays, where visitors can explore a timeline of the dock’s construction and operational milestones, view historical photographs, and discover how the dry dock continues to serve both New Zealand’s defence and commercial sectors.
“We are immensely proud to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Calliope Dry Dock,” Babcock Program Director Mark Worsfold said.
“This exhibition not only highlights its rich history but also honours the skilled craftsmen and workers who built and maintained this engineering marvel.
“As the current custodians of a taonga of great significance, we are committed to preserving this vital piece of New Zealand’s history for future generations, while supporting the modern needs of the Royal New Zealand Navy.”
Key highlights of the exhibition include:
- A historical timeline: From the dock’s inception in 1881 to its current role in New Zealand’s national security, visitors will learn about significant moments in its history, including its expansion in 1943 to accommodate larger vessels.
- New Zealand’s rich naval history: Featuring stories such as the recovery and repair of HMNZS Leander after the 1943 Battle of Kolombangara, and the investigation of the Rainbow Warrior following the 1985 bombing, the exhibition delves into the dry dock’s critical role in maintaining New Zealand’s naval fleet.
- Modern applications: The dry dock continues to be a hub for naval and commercial repairs, from refitting the ANZAC-class frigates to servicing research vessels like NIWA’s RV Tangaroa in 2024.
Aligning with the Festival’s theme ‘Pacific Connections’, the exhibition also explores the dock’s ties to the Pacific region, including its historical connection to HMS Calliope, which famously survived a violent storm in Samoa in 1889. This story, along with others from the dry dock’s history, reinforces its role as a symbol of New Zealand’s maritime strength and resilience.
“The Calliope Dry Dock has played a key role in the story of our Navy and our nation for over a century,” Mr Worsfold said.
“It is a vital element of New Zealand’s national security infrastructure, allowing us to maintain and support the fleet that defends our nation and protects the sea lanes on which so much of our trade and economy depend.”
