Minister of Defence Awards for Industry recognise excellence

On 01 May seven New Zealand businesses and individuals working with the Ministry of Defence and NZDF 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.

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,” said Andrew Little.

The Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry were established in 1998 to highlight and reward the contribution made by industry to Defence. The Awards are administered by the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council (NZDIAC) on behalf of the Minister of Defence.

This year’s award recipients included two category award winners and five special awards winners:

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.

Prime Contractor of the Year: Qioptic Ltd

In early 2022 Qioptiq was selected to design and deliver a new thermal inline sight for the NZDF’s Modular Assault Rifle System. This award acknowledges Qioptiq’s approach to relationship building and delivering quality outcomes.

The company invested time and resources to develop an understanding of the NZDF and how it operates, displayed professionalism and enthusiasm in building a relationship that became essential during COVID-19 travel restrictions, and goodwill and commitment to quality by continuing to refine their product to deliver the best outcomes.

Sub-Contractor or SME of the Year: Inde Technology Ltd

Inde Technology Ltd delivered a stable system for remote desktop access, which is critical for business continuity planning and has allowed for flexible working arrangements. Inde Technology brought specialist expertise to delivering the solution, and ensured Defence was trained and supported to maintain the system. The company’s focus on delivering value throughout the project stood out.

Tū Kaha (Courage) Award

Winner: Mike Sheedy, Gemtech Solutions Ltd

Mr Sheedy was commissioned to review Army logistics arrangements for warehousing, maintenance, repair and overhaul - known as Project Alexander. This thorough and wide-ranging review was carried out collaboratively with the incumbent supplier, Lockheed Martin NZ, and Logistics Command Land and resulted in a number of improvements including embedding continuous improvement and benefit realisation processes.

Mr Sheedy conducted the review diligently and respectfully, and ensured that all stakeholders felt considered and valued throughout the process.

Tū Maia (Integrity) Award

Winner: David Goodrich OAM, Silver Spirit Partners

The acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft fleet is delivering one of the largest and most significant capablities to be introduced into service in several generations. Commercial throughlife support arrangements of this scale and type required an experience negotiator and Mr Goodrich delivered a commercially strong contract for Defence, in less than ten months and while COVID-19 travel restrictions were in place.

His expertise, knowledge of the sustainment provider, and the respect for him within the sector were critical in delivering the contract and the certainty it provides.

Tū Tika (Commitment) Award

Winner: Patrick Power, Airbus NZ

A blended workforce supports the deeper maintenance programme of the NH90 helicopter fleet. Managing this requires a strong and engaging leader and in providing that leadership Mr Power has delivered a world-leading programme that has helped to establish New Zealand as an international authority on NH90 deeper maintenance.

He has built and maintains a high-performing team and is generous in his sharing of knowledge to upskill the wider workforce. He is a trusted partner to the RNZAF, and his experience and advice is sought by members of the wider NH90 user community.

Tū Tira (Comradeship) Award Winner

Lionel Ng, Auckland Regional Public Health Service.

During the COVID-19 lockdown period and restrictions on travel, Mr Ng was responsible for enforcing border requirements on returning RNZN ships. He worked closely with Defence to understand implications of time impacts on isolating ships’ operations, and the reduced risk posed by the way these ships are operated.

Standard operating procedures were developed for delivery and receipt of swabs and for managing on-board cases. Mr Ng ensured Defence was kept informed on emerging policy changes and went out of his way to minimise the effects on Defence’s maritime movements.

Kotahitanga (Unity) Award Winner

Steven Renata, Kiwa Digital Ltd

The Ministry of Defence formed a rōpū to focus on upskilling the knowledge of te ao Māori of its people, and Kiwa was commissioned to support this by developing a mobile app. In addition to being feature-rich, this easy-to-navigate app enables phonetic sounding out of words to support learners, and inclusion of a history section for people to expand their knowledge.

Throughout the process Kiwa displayed flexibility by accommodating additional needs of the Ministry, such as translation of a number of terms that are unique to Defence.

Finalist for Prime Contractor of the Year

Airbus New Zealand Ltd was nominated for the technical services it provides for NH90 deeper maintenance activities at RNZAF Base Ohakea. Their personnel operate as part of a blended workforce with RNZAF, providing a point of continuity and increased resilience.

Airbus NZ supported the upskilling of new Air Force

personnel while delivering innovative solutions such as a corrosion resistance programme. As a result, Aotearoa New Zealand has become a respected leader in the sustainment of the NH90 helicopter with a comparatively high fleet availability.

Finalists for Sub-Contractor or SME of the Year

Big Mal Ltd provided outstanding, highly specialised services for maintenance and management of the NZDF’s firing ranges in the Auckland region, ensuring operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and in a way that minimises harm to the environment Electronics Navigation Ltd delivered a new maritime Damage Control Communications training simulator, providing specialised training that mirrors the conditions found on seagoing platforms.

Marops Ltd developed assessment and training requirements to support the Frigate Sustainment Communications Programme, in line with the Defence Manual of Learning.

South Pacific Scaffolding Ltd supplied complex scaffolding and shrink-wrapping services to Babcock and the Royal New Zealand Navy as they worked to maintain various seagoing vessels, including HMNZS Manawanui and frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel projects.