Merchant Navy Day 2026

Each year the Maritime Museum commemorates the men and women of the Merchant Navy, and remember the crews of civilian ships who serve in wartime. This is a one-hour public service which includes the laying of the wreath at the museum’s Merchant Navy Memorial Plaque. 

We are pleased to welcome Mr John Gresson as our keynote speaker for Merchant Navy Day. His career spans maritime law, shipping line ownership and management, and naval reserve service (including involvement in countering Somali piracy).  Mr Gresson has been recognised for his contributions to the maritime sector in New Zealand, within the South Pacific, and for his work when operationally deployed to the Middle East.  We look forward to his insights as we commemorate Merchant Navy Day.