NZDIA appeals for calm

15 November 2016

NZDIA appeals for calm

The New Zealand Defence Industry Association (NZDIA) Forum, being held in Auckland on Wednesday and Thursday, will see 170 businesses from across New Zealand come together as a sector to share their knowledge and grow collaboration.

Chair of the NZDIA Bernie Diver says the defence industry is often misunderstood, but as a sector it provides approximately 2,500 jobs, in excess of $125 million in wages and more than $60 million back to the New Zealand economy, as well as supporting the New Zealand Defence Force to undertake  security, humanitarian and service roles.

“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. Close to 1,000 people are employed nationally in food and services alone, and a further 600 in repair and maintenance contracts.”

“Yet the companies who work in defence supply have been unfairly targeted. It’s simply unjustified and unfair to the many people and suppliers who are doing an honest day’s work by supplying our New Zealand forces as they undertake missions such as rescuing ships in the Southern Ocean, providing disaster relief in the Pacific Islands or enabling Antarctic science. Globally too, New Zealand acts as a responsible citizen, supporting mandated operations that make our world a safer place.

“At times that does mean our people are helping others in some dangerous places. Our military personnel must be well equipped in order to defend themselves and those in need. Those suppliers who provide and maintain that important equipment to Defence are also represented at the forum.”

The forum is taking place at the same time as the celebrations for the Royal New Zealand Navy’s 75th  anniversary.

Mr Diver says that while NZDIA wholeheartedly respects the freedom of speech of all, he is increasingly concerned that the NZDIA Forum has in recent years become a target and attendees have run the gamut of abuse.

“We simply appeal to anyone planning to protest: please remember our people are suppliers doing a job, and our Navy’s 75th anniversary is something we should be proud of. Auckland is a truly outstanding global city – plans to disrupt the forum or celebrations may be upsetting for those affected, and will do little for the everyday New Zealanders going about their daily lives in the city or for our international reputation.”

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