The Royal New Zealand Navy has existed since 1846 when settlers first purchased gunboats for protection. It has developed over time with the purchase of torpedo boats in 1884 and funding for ships in the Australasian Auxiliary Squadron starting in 1887. Today the highest ranking officer is Rear Admiral David Ledson. The navy utilizes working and dress uniforms and has a rank structure for both junior and senior officers. It operates various vessels like HMNZS Kiwi and HMNZS Taupo, and personnel perform a traditional haka dance. The author predicts that with continued development of equipment, machinery, weapons and ships, the Royal New Zealand Navy will continue to improve in the future.