Commander David Hedgley – Master Navigator & Celestial Navigation Expert
With nearly 50 years of distinguished naval experience, Commander David Hedgley brings the timeless art of celestial navigation to life. Based on the Carterton Events Centre presentation during Carterton Space Week 2024, his talk offered attendees a rare opportunity to explore how mariners have navigated by the stars for centuries—a practice rooted in precision, intuition, and adventure.
Background & Expertise
David Hedgley has dedicated decades to training naval officers in the critical skills of navigation—traditionally at sea and across a range of seafaring challenges. In one notable example of his leadership, he adapted classic training when Pacific Pearl—a cruise ship—was used as an alternative training platform due to naval commitments during New Zealand Defence Force operations in Fiji. He has also commanded vessels such as HMNZS Endeavour, highlighting his proficiency in leadership and maritime operations.
At Carterton Space Week 2024 — Celestial Navigation Session
On Monday, 7 October , at 8 pm, Carterton residents gathered at the Carterton Events Centre for “Celestial Navigation with Commander David Hedgley,” a compelling session that bridged centuries of maritime tradition with our fascination with the stars. His presentation showed how navigators used celestial bodies to chart courses across vast oceans, offering historical context and practical insights.
