Defence Minister, Chris Penk, has paid tribute to the contribution businesses supplying the New Zealand Defence Force make to national security and resilience at the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry.
“This year’s award recipients have delivered high-quality equipment, assets, infrastructure and services that are fundamental to the successful operations of the New Zealand Defence Force and the Ministry of Defence,” Mr Penk says.
“In an increasingly complex and challenging world, Defence relies on strong partnerships with innovative and capable New Zealand businesses.
“More than 800 suppliers provide essential goods and services to Defence across New Zealand. Their contribution boosts supply chain resilience and ensures Defence is always ready to respond in times of trouble.”
Award winners this year include the construction firm that built the Maintenance Support Facility at Burnham Military Camp (pictured, above) and a company that designed and manufactured new physical training and combat socks.
Leighs Construction were the Prime contractor for the maintenance facility, which was built as part of the NZDF’s Consolidated Logistics Programme. The project was delivered under budget and early, with Leighs’ problem solving and innovative thinking helping to provide efficient and effective solutions, the Minister said.
Norsewear was named Sub-contractor or SME of the Year for supplying the NZDF’s physical training and combat socks. A well-known local New Zealand business, Norsewear identified an opportunity to work with the NZDF to reengineer the socks.
User testing helped deliver an improved design trialled by over 500 people across a range of environments and put through extreme use durability testing. Design of the combat socks not only involved a significant amount of testing, but over 1,600 lines of code written to ensure the production machines accurately follow designs to put structure, padding, stretch, and warmth where it is needed.
“This year’s award recipients employ New Zealanders, grow specialist skills, drive regional growth, and boost our exports. Their impact is significant,” he said.
“Defence spending is an important driver of innovation and opportunity across multiple sectors. A strong local defence industry will support the delivery of the 2025 Defence Capability Plan (DCP), which outlines planned commitments to double defence spending over eight years.”
The Minister has also announced the reinvigoration of the Defence Industry Advisory Council, which administers the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry.
The Council has refreshed its membership and updated its Terms of Reference to strengthen alignment with the Government’s defence and economic growth priorities.
For more information on Defence procurement visit: www.defence.govt.nz/business-and-industry/how-defence-works-with-business/.
