NIOA has received a 2018 NZ Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for their role in the delivery of the NZ Defence Sniper Rifle Replacement project.
NIOA was a finalist in Award Category 2 which recognises the provision of a product to Defence less than $15 million.
In 2016, NIOA took part in an open tender to replace NZDF’s existing sniper rifle with a new .338 Lapua Magnum weapon system. Barrett’s MRAD (Multi Role Adaptive Design) rifle was selected, whilst the .50BMG Barrett M107A1 was subsequently chosen for the anti-materiel rifle role.
NIOA helped provide a complete systems solution for both rifles, which included the rifle system itself, optics, ballistic computers and other associated ancillary equipment.
NIOA’s General Manager of Government Business, Patrick Whitty received the award at the annual the NZ Defence Industry Association Forum.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised for the hard work and dedication that both the NZDF and NIOA have put into this project,” Whitty said. “I’d like to thank the team at the NZ Defence Capability Branch for their professionalism throughout the process. They are always a pleasure to work with and greatly assisted us in making sure the weapon system and ancillary equipment were fit for purpose.”
The awards were established by the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council (NZDIAC) in 1998 to highlight and reward the contribution made by industry to Defence.
“Maintaining a force which is combat capable, flexible, and able to respond to the complex array of challenges we face as a nation will require the support of suppliers who can deliver capabilities which are able to meet these needs,” Minister of Defence Ron Mark said in his closing speech to the forum.
“The annual awards are an opportunity to recognise industry’s significant contributions to Defence and, as in previous years, the calibre of nominations was very strong.”