Seven New Zealand businesses and individuals working with the Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Defence Force have received a Minister of Defence Award of Excellence for Industry.
At an event at Parliament, recipients received their awards from the Secretary of Defence, Andrew Bridgman, and the Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, Greg Lowe. The work recipients do for Defence not only strengthens New Zealand’s defence capabilities, but also embodies the Defence values of Tū Maia, Tū Tira, Tū Tika, Tū Kaha and Kotahitanga.
Minister of Defence Andrew Little, in his comments to the recipients said this year’s winners and finalists have gone above and beyond expectations.
“They have shown a spirit of partnership with Defence that builds outstanding innovation and leadership. The range of businesses and people receiving awards shows just how varied and highly skilled the defence industry is,” Andrew Little said.
CATEGORY AWARDS
The provision of service to Defence as a prime contractor – Qioptiq
The provision of a product to Defence as a Sub-contractor or small to medium sized enterprise (SME) – Inde Technology Limited
SPECIAL AWARDS
Tū Māia (Integrity) - David Goodrich OAM – Silver Spirit Partners
Tū Tira (Comradeship) – Lionel Ng – Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Tū Kaha (Courage) – Mike Sheedy – Gemtech Solutions Limited
Tū Tika (Commitment) – Patrick Power – Airbus New Zealand
Kotahitanga (Unity) – Steven Renata – Kiwa Digital Limited
Secretary of Defence, Andrew Bridgman, said many of this year’s recipients represent small to medium sized companies from across New Zealand.
“It was a pleasure to meet with Kiwi businesses boosting defence capability with their exceptional work. I would like to congratulate them all on their achievements and thank them for their support and enduring partnership with Defence,” said Andrew Bridgman.
The goods and services acquired by Defence range from long-term maintenance and repair services to the provision of consultancy services, and everything in between. This broad set of industries and businesses is well represented by the 2022 award finalists and winners.
Find out more about the recipients of the awards here.