New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release - draft

23 February 2007

END OF ERA FOR DEFENCE HOUSE

The flags at Defence House in Stout Street were taken down for the last time today in a ceremony to mark the closure of the building.

The ceremony was officiated by the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae who said, “This is an historic occasion for Defence which marks the end of an era but continues our ongoing strategy to build a more modern, professional and innovative Defence Force.”

The Stout Street premises were built in the 1940s. Despite refurbishments the décor remained dull and dated and the building’s services were inefficient. “The working environment in the new Defence House is incomparable to the old building,” said Lieutenant General Mateparae.

Over the past four weeks over 500 personnel from the former Defence building in Stout Street have progressively moved into the new Defence House in Aitken Street.

The new state-of-the-art building is designed to facilitate increased communication and collaboration, greater efficiency and productivity, and a healthier working environment for staff.

The building features an open plan layout with lighting and air conditioning that self adjusts to prevailing conditions. New facilities also include a cafeteria, gymnasium and break out areas.

The new Defence House will be officially opened in late March.

ENDS

© Scoop Media