MEDIA RELEASE
3 March 2003 Available for immediate use
Build New Navy Ships in NZ urge Canterbury Manufacturers
Three of the six tenderers for the navy’s new ships are willing to provide work to New Zealand companies. The Canterbury
Manufacturers’ Association sees the project, code-named Project Protector, as a time for the government to act on its
oft-spoken support for industry.
“Project Protector is tremendous opportunity for NZ industry,” said John Walley, Chief Executive. “We have the skills
learned in the Anzac ships project and in the superyacht industry where we are the fifth largest player. There is no
reason why we should not be a major player in the growing patrol boat market as well.”
Government has indicated that because of trade agreements Australia and Singapore will be considered as local. This
diplomatic correctness is a nonsense - we have to learn to play the game of capturing New Zealand dollars in New
Zealand. “This makes sound economic sense,” said Mr Walley. “Of the $500m set aside for the project about $360m would be
returned directly through taxes. This cannot happen if the ships are built off-shore.”
Project Protector could provide significant long term benefits to Canterbury businesses.
“We have the capability to provide engineering systems such as cranes, jet propulsion units, ship’s stabilizers and so
on as well as electrical systems and accommodation, In short, a great deal of what goes in the hull or above deck,” said
Mr Walley. “The Anzac ships project delivered over $80m of work to Canterbury and many of the firms involved have gone
on to other export projects as a result of this experience. There is an opportunity for similar benefits to flow from
Project Protector provided the project’s potential is realized. The long term economic gain will be considerable.”
ENDS