Month: May 2025

Some of our toughest Kiwis are now wearing comfortable, hardwearing New Zealand wool socks, thanks to a decision by the New Zealand Defence (NZDF) to use socks made by New Zealand apparel company Norsewear.

From this month on, all new Te Ope Kātua o Aotearoa New Zealand Defence Force recruits will be kitted out in premium, durable, extra soft and super warm Norsewear socks, made from traceable merino and mid-micron wool sourced from New Zealand farms. The socks, which were put to the test against a number of other brands during a rigorous trial involving hundreds of real soldiers, sailors and aviators, are crafted by experienced sock engineers at Norsewear’s southern Hawke’s Bay factory.

Company owner Tim Deane says it’s a win for both New Zealand wool and local manufacturing, and a huge boost to the team at the heritage Kiwi business. “Thanks to the team at ADA New Zealand, who initiated talks between Norsewear and NZDF, our military are now marching out in what we believe to be the very best socks in the world. And to have NZDF recognise their superior comfort and durability in the very toughest of conditions is just magic,” he says.

It was a combination of factors that led to Norsewear’s selection, says Tim. “By using the best New Zealand wool and local manufacturing expertise, we’ve developed socks that are a step ahead of others – they don’t just last longer, they deliver great comfort and temperature control, help protect feet from injury, ward off bacteria, and are odour resistant too. That’s pretty important for our service personnel out in the field, battling the elements and in high-pressure environments. The very last thing they need to be worried about is sore, wet, or cold feet.”

Tim says securing the NZDF contract through ADA New Zealand, who had previously brought in socks from the United States, has enabled the purchase of two new state-of-the-art Italian knitting machines that are now installed and busy producing thousands of pairs of woollen socks, using Wool Integrity New Zealand certified traceable fibre from Norsewear’s South Island farm partners.

“We’ve refined our design to meet the specific needs of the New Zealand Army, Navy and Air Force, delivered at a competitive price” continues Tim. “That means the Kiwi military gets great socks, NZDF gets more flexibility on supply along with clarity of the whole supply chain, and we buy more wool from New Zealand farmers to fulfil the contract.”

Tim has also employed two more staff to meet demand in the town of Norsewear, where the socks are made. With a population of just 150, Norsewear – famous for its wide range of socks, from the ubiquitous Farm Flecks through to highly technical hiking socks – already employs a team member from around two thirds of local families.

Tony McQuillan, Director Defence Equipment Management Organisation, NZDF says the footwear is a crucial part of military clothing and Norsewear was able to prove it would meet specific standards. “Importantly, being New Zealand made and using New Zealand wool also delivers carbon footprint benefits,” he says.

Collaborating with Norsewear delivers value to the New Zealand wool industry, concludes Tim, “and it’s a positive step in the Government’s mission of supporting regional economies and reducing our reliance on overseas suppliers for contracts of this nature.

“The whole team at Norsewear is buzzing right now – we’re proud to be chosen, we’re proud to contribute, and we’re really proud to be using the very best fibre in the world to get the job done.”

To learn more about Norsewear, go to www.norsewear.co.nz

Pictured: Kate Maloney, ADA NZ and Tim Deane, Norsewear at ADA NZ’s Warehouse in Palmerston North

The Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry hold a revered place in recognising the vital contributions of industry partners to New Zealand’s Defence Force. Established in 1998 by the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council (NZDIAC), these awards shine a spotlight on the skill, innovation, and dedication that underpin the nation’s defence capabilities. This year, the awards ceremony in Wellington brought together leading professionals and organisations to celebrate their outstanding achievements.

Amidst the distinguished attendees were representatives from Australian Defence Apparel New Zealand (ADA NZ), who had the honour of being nominated for the prestigious NZDF Prime Contractor of the Year award. For ADA NZ, this recognition stood as a testament to years of commitment, collaboration, and ingenuity. The team’s nomination is among the highest accolades they have received, reflecting ADA NZ’s ongoing contribution to the New Zealand Defence Force through innovative, mission-driven solutions.

During the ceremony, the exceptional efforts of diverse industry contributors were highlighted, with Defence Minister Judith Collins commending the recipients for their dedication to bolstering New Zealand’s security, economy, and workforce. “Congratulations to this year’s winners, whose work strengthens New Zealand’s defence capabilities and demonstrates the highest standards, skills, innovation and impact on local communities,” Ms Collins remarked.

Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk echoed these sentiments, emphasising the critical role industry partnerships play in maintaining a robust defence infrastructure. With around 800 companies supplying essential products and services to New Zealand’s defence base, these collaborations underpin the sector’s resilience and future growth. “Defence is a major contributor to the economy, spending hundreds of millions of dollars locally on engineering and commercial services, maintenance, repair, and training support,” Mr Penk noted.

The broader scope of these partnerships is reflected in ambitious initiatives like the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, which outlines $12 billion of planned commitments over the next four years. These investments signify the government’s dedication to enhancing military assets, equipment, and infrastructure, further strengthening the synergy between Defence and its industry partners.

For ADA NZ, being recognised during such a prestigious event underscores the talent and tireless effort of its team, led by individuals like Sarah Pender, Kate Maloney and Dr Graham Fordy. Their work exemplifies innovation and excellence, qualities that continue to elevate ADA NZ and its parent group, ADA and Logistik, on both a local and global scale.

ADA NZ expressed heartfelt gratitude at being part of a collaborative force that delivers critical solutions for defence capability. Their focus remains firmly set on pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and driving forward together in a shared pursuit of excellence.

The Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry offer more than recognition; they are a celebration of the enduring partnerships and collective achievements that ensure the strength and resilience of New Zealand’s Defence Force. ADA NZ is honoured to contribute to this legacy, and this year’s nomination serves as both validation of their efforts and inspiration for future endeavours.

Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) proudly announces that the ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. (Highly Adaptable, Load-Optimised) carrier has been recognised with the prestigious 2025 NAUMD Innovation Award for Safety. This accolade underscores ADA’s dedication to advancing safety, efficiency, and comfort through cutting-edge design and innovation for Australia’s law enforcement personnel.

This recognition celebrates the game-changing features of the ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. Carrier and reflects the vital work that ADA’s Innovation Cell undertakes to ensure that its products meet the demanding needs of modern policing.

The ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. was developed with one clear purpose: to address the real-world challenges faced by law enforcement personnel. Extensive research, rigorous testing, and close collaboration with officers in the field have produced a carrier system that balances protection, comfort, and adaptability like never before.

Key Innovations of the ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. include:

1. Modular Architecture for Customisable Protection
   The H.A.L.O.’s modular design empowers users to tailor their gear to the mission at hand. With three adaptable modes to choose from, officers can scale protection to match operational needs, whether requiring lightweight mobility or full-body coverage.
2. Microclimate-Regulating Padding
   To optimise comfort in all conditions, the H.A.L.O. integrates advanced materials that regulate body temperature. The padding helps keep officers cool during high-temperature operations and warm in colder climates, reducing physical strain and fatigue over long durations.
3. Lightweight, Low-Profile Construction
   Designed for agility, the carrier’s low-profile construction minimises bulk while delivering superior ballistic protection when paired with soft armour panels or hard armour plates. This ensures that officers remain agile and unrestricted in high-pressure situations.
4. Seamless Gear Integration
   With vertical and horizontal MOLLE systems, the H.A.L.O. seamlessly integrates operational equipment for ease of access and organisation. Additional features like smart waistband adjustments enhance usability and improve overall efficiency.

The 2025 NAUMD Innovation Award for Safety is a testament to the ADA’s continuous drive for excellence in protective apparel. ADA’s ongoing collaboration with end-users and academia has resulted in the evolution of ADA’s load carriage equipment and modular wearables, allowing the ADA’s design team to push boundaries and deliver innovative solution that directly meets the needs of law enforcement personnel,” stated Chris Dixon, CEO of Australian Defence Apparel.

For enquiries about the ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. Carrier or ADA’s product offerings, please contact our Contracts team on sales@ada.com.au directly.