Industry Awards Highlight Economic Contribution
Minister of Defence
Hon Chris Penk
Associate Minister of Defence
Defence Minister Judith Collins has announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry, highlighting the significant contribution they make to New Zealand's security, economy and workforce.
'Congratulations to this year's winners, whose work strengthens New Zealand's defence capabilities and demonstrates the highest standards, skills, innovation and impact on local communities,' Ms Collins says.
'The winners include a New Zealand and Tongan-based construction company, which built the Pacific Leadership Development Programme classrooms and fale in Tonga, and an augmented and virtual reality developer who built simulated training courses with the Royal New Zealand Navy.
'Defence looks forward to enhancing its partnership with industry to supply military assets, equipment and infrastructure following the release of the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, which outlines $12 billion of planned commitments over the next four years.'
Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk says this year's recipients demonstrate industry is a trusted partner to Defence.
'About 800 companies supply critical products and services to New Zealand's Defence industrial base, bolstering its resilience,' Mr Penk says.
'Defence is a major contributor to the economy, spending hundreds of millions of dollars locally on engineering and commercial services, maintenance, repair and training support.'
2024 Category Winners:
Category A - Prime Contractor of the Year – Hawkins
Category B - Sub-contractor/Small to Medium Enterprise of the Year Product – (two winners) Build N Concrete and Seipp Construction
Category C – Sub-contractor/ Small to Medium Enterprise of the Year Service – The Sysdoc Group
2024 Special Award Winners:
Tū Kaha (Courage) – Dr Laura Robichaux (Beca)
Tū Tika (Commitment) - (two winners) Krystal Paraone (StaplesVR) and Rodney Bosch (PAE)
Tū Tira (Comradeship) – Paul Grant (Kuehne + Nagel Limited)
Tū Māia (Integrity) – Damian Little (Hawkins)
Kotahitanga (Unity) – Annette Smith (The Sysdoc Group)
The Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry are administered by the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council on behalf of the Minister of Defence.
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