26 October 2006
Members of the New Zealand Defence Industry Association are improving their skills and technical expertise to provide local content and through-life support for new procurements.
Chairman of the Association for the past five years, Neal Garnett, (formerly a New Zealand Army Lieutenant Colonel), says he’s noticed a maturing of defence industry players.
“We lack the size and infrastructure of prime suppliers of military equipment for the New Zealand Defence Force, but we have specialty niche players and a lot if Kiwi can do attitude.”
New Zealand industry has built strong relationships with the suppliers of military equipment, ranging from the light operational vehicles, Army weapon systems, the Project Protector fleet of vessels, to upgrades for the RNZAF P-3K Orions and C-130 Hercules aircraft and European NH-90 helicopters which are due around 2010 for introduction into service by 2013.
“Our members believe their single biggest contribution is being a strong player in the provision through-life support for the new equipment. This can range from specialist suppliers of paint and application techniques for the light armoured vehicles, to operational support services and technical expertise in the form of maintenance.
“We already have shown that New Zealand industry can provide innovative local solutions which have won acclaim internationally. To hold our heads high knowing we have contributed to keeping New Zealand Defence Force personnel safe through the provision of the best possible equipment and support possible is important. Currently the operational tempo is high and is likely to continue into the future.
The first Defence Industry Association conference was held nine years ago; its theme being what could manufacturers and suppliers make or deliver as part of the procurement process.
“We have matured to appreciate that the scale and magnitude of manufacturing sophisticated military equipment is massive. We can and do contribute in some smaller areas, but our main growth strength is in the area of new technology and intellectual capital.
‘Our modern defence business operator has a brief case and computer and is on the road building relationships. And we are doing really well in building trust relationships with prime overseas suppliers and, in some cases, acting as their local agents within New Zealand”.
Keith Hansen, General Manager of SPEL, a supplier of services to the Defence Force, also sees a bright future within the defence industry. Procurement over the past five years has created opportunities for New Zealand companies to demonstrate their skill and aptitude in responding to local challenges.
“Defence has traditionally owned and operated military equipment, but with procurements of vessels for Project Protector and the new NH-90 helicopter we are seeing a broadening of the range of options.
“These options focus on a whole of government approach that includes other government agencies engaged in boarder control and New Zealand security. As this grows, additional demands will be made of the Defence Force increasing the need for support services. “
Acting Secretary of Defence, Chris Seed, said New Zealand industry involved with defence has demonstrated they can provide innovative solutions to problem.
“New Zealand industry has been advised to liaise with prime suppliers and to assess opportunities for involvement through the life of the equipment. The Ministry of Defence is responsible for the procurement process and we ensure interested organisations are kept informed of developments.
“The evidence is that the New Zealand Defence Industry sector is seeking to provide support for the defence force in whatever manner possible and that is a good thing.”
More than 200 delegates attended the 2006 Defence Industry Association forum at Te Papa in Wellington 17-19 October. Acting Secretary of Defence, Chris Seed presented the Minister of Defence Awards for Excellence on the evening of 18 October.
ENDS