NZ Defence Industry Awards of Excellence 2003

The Defence Industry Committee of New Zealand sponsors the New Zealand Defence Industry Awards on an annual basis. Nominations are called from the New Zealand Defence Force and other organisations with an interest in defence procurement.

For the 2003 Awards ten nominations were received, the following awards were presented.

Category A: Defence Industry Awards of Excellence

The Category A awards are for major suppliers of goods or services to the New Zealand Defence Force or Ministry of Defence. This may include major sub-contractors or service suppliers.

Category A Winner

Fulton Hogan/Higgins Joint Venture, Manawatu.

Category B: Defence Recognition of Industry Excellence.

This category recognises sub-contractors and lower level suppliers who provide excellent service in a variety of ways, but are difficult to assess against the major contractors.

Category B Winner

Covertex Ltd, Auckland .

Covertex were contracted, against international competition, to construct an inflatable shelter for the use of RNZAF servicing crews in severe tropical environments. The overseas companies offered the product at a higher cost with up to four months’ lead time, where Covertex completed the design and manufacture in four weeks. The product was larger than any known similar structure. Manufacture required identification of fabrics and adhesives capable of doing the job under particularly demanding conditions. It also required air conditioning to a level not previously used in such situations.

Covertex accepted considerable financial risk in carrying out this development, which in the final outcome performed extremely well. The one significant problem was dealt with expeditiously. The company regularly seeks feedback on performance of the shelters and continues to make improvements to the product in the field.
Date: November 2003