Ivan "Peewee" Emirali
Ivan appears to have served briefly on HMNZS Gambia but appears to have been stationed at shore-based radar stations. His service number was RNZN 7118.
Ivan Emirali, at home in Algies Bay, served at various stations in the Pacific during WWII including Guadalcanal and on HMNZS Gambia as part of the British/Pacific fleet.
Photo from the 2009, Local landmarks: Leigh Radar Station
According to the story at Local landmarks: Leigh Radar Station, Ivan arrived at Leigh Radar Station in the north of Auklan, New Zealnd in May 1943 and spent six months there. The only mention of his time on HMNZS is the caption to the picture of him. The story goes on to say that "When it came time to retire, he and his wife Syliva chose Algies Bay" about 15 miles from Leigh to reite to. The story also says that "After the war, Ivan spent just over 40 years working in the radio, tv and appliances manufacturing industry."
I think this is a picture of the same Ivan Emirali which appeared in a brochure from DRECO (Dominion Radio and Electrical Corporation) sometime in the late 1950's or early 1960's.
The brochure says that "Mr. Emirali joined DRECO in 1946 after serving three years in the Radar Branch of the RNZN. During his period with DRACO he has been in the Office and Stores and for a period of approximately five years held the position of Buyer. He was then appointed as Sales Executive and subsequently became Production Manager. Mr. Emirali is married, has two children and spends his leisure hours on the golf course."
Mr. Emirali was 100 in December 2024, his birthday cake was decorated with a mini HMNZS Gambia made out of icing, and flanked by letters from King Charles and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. A newspaper, Local Matters, had an article "Sailor’s 100th saluted at RSA" about his birthday celebrations.