Manufacturers unite for defence access

Press, 19 April 1989, Page 31

Manufacturers unite for defence access

PA Wellington New Zealand manufacturers have agreed to form an industry association to push the case for a strong defence manufacturing capability and to help access the Australian market. At a meeting in Wellington on Monday, members of a mission which has recently returned from Australia decided to establish a Defence Manufacturers’ Association under the wing of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation. the spokesman for the group, Mr David Moloney, said the formal constitution of the association was still to be developed but its main objectives would be to raise awareness amongst industry of the potential rewards of defence manufacture and supply, and how to go about tapping the vast potential market in Australia.

The association would

also lobby politicians and officials about the strategic and economic benefits of developing a strong defence industry base in New Zealand. “There is a vast bureaucracy which has to be grappled with. Issues like quality assurance, the development of an offsets policy, and increasing the skill capabilities of the workforce are important.

"The association will help local manufacturers understand the system and the process. “It will also publicise the capabilities of industry to defence officials in New Zealand and abroad.”

Mr Moloney said New Zealand defence officials acknowledged the strategic importance of having a viable industry base. They supported the idea of a Defence Manufacturers’ Association as a means of improving communications between industry and the defence; establishment.