NZ defence industry 'misunderstood', braces for protests at this week's forum in Auckland

Tuesday 15th November 2016

The New Zealand Defence Industry Association, bracing for protests at its annual forum in Auckland this week, says it is a "misunderstood" sector that generates $60 million for the economy by providing support services to the NZ Defence Force.

“The vast majority of the 170 defence supply organisations represented at the NZDIA Forum support NZDF with enabling services including maintenance, repair and overhaul, logistics, professional advisory services, ICT and engineering," said NZDIA chair Bernie Driver. "Close to 1,000 people are employed nationally in food and services alone, and a further 600 in repair and maintenance contracts.”

At the 2015 forum in Wellington, speakers were almost drowned out by protestors opposed to the defence industry and delegates had to be escorted into the event by police. This year's two-day event at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre is likely to draw more foreign dignitaries as it coincides with the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th-anniversary celebrations, Operation Neptune.

New York Stock Exchange-listed Lockheed Martin, whose products include the Black Hawk helicopter, the F-16 and the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, is again principal sponsor for the event. Lockheed is what is known as a prime contractor to the military, winning major contracts which it then turns to the local industry to help fill. Much of that work is won by Lockheed's mission systems and training division, maintenance and overhaul divisions.

"In the past, we haven't spoken about it. This year it is a conscious decision to try to get balanced perspective in the media," Driver said. The NZDIA has previously been dubbed "merchants of death," which he said was "a misguided label."

"Look, the government determines that New Zealand chooses to have an armed force and most New Zealanders would be incredibly proud of NZ Defence," he said. Much of its work was civil, such as rescue and support work after this week's Kaikoura earthquake, "but even when they are in harm's way we want them to be the best equipped they can."

According to the NZDIA website, a principal sponsor package costs $30,000 plus GST. Also on offer were 'cocktail function sponsorships' at $13,000, 'pre-awards dinner cocktail sponsorships' at $10,000 apiece and a wine sponsor, also $10,000. A further $60,000 was divided between everything from tea breaks to lanyards.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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