Under the Closer Economic Relations Agreement (CER) with Australia and the Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) with Singapore, the NZDF treats New Zealand, Australian and Singaporean industry equally. The number of nations with whom NZ has a free trade agreement is increasing, so the words “Local industry” used on this site include Australian, Singaporean and the industries of other nations with whom NZ has such agreements.
In practical terms, this requirement is unlikely to have significant impact. Except for very large projects, NZ industry can be expected to have an advantage in supplying goods and services within New Zealand through, for example, reduced freight costs and the ability to provide ongoing support.
Efficient NZ industry may be able to use its experience in working with the NZDF to tender for contracts issued by overseas Defence Forces, remembering that countries with which New Zealand has free trade agreements are required to reciprocate in the way they treat NZ industry.
Given that the New Zealand Government’s procurement policy is to purchase from the best source in terms of both supply and ongoing support, local companies need to ensure that they can provide exceptional value to the NZDF or else they will be against competition from other countries.
New Zealand’s trade policy is administered by the Ministry of Economic Development, and implemented through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. DDLS can provide contact points in those departments if required.