Author: Poorni Fonseka

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.

ADA (AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE APPAREL PTY LTD) has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Award for “Leader in Textile, Clothing, and Footwear”. This is a remarkable achievement for the company as VMHOFA celebrates its 22nd year.

Award winners were announced at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards gala dinner on Wednesday, 9 October.

The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards recognises excellence in manufacturing and acknowledges leaders in innovation, sustainability, and industry advancement. Out of 129 distinguished nominees, ADA was selected for this award, highlighting the company’s outstanding capabilities at its Bendigo Manufacturing plant.

This recognition reaffirms ADA’s commitment to quality, collaboration, and ethical practices, which are the foundations of the company’s success. It also showcases the critical importance of sovereign capability and a resilient local supply chain in ensuring long-term success in the manufacturing industry.

Victoria’s $33.5 billion manufacturing sector is a driving force of the state’s economy and is made up of more than 23,000 businesses, supporting more than 260,000 jobs and exporting $25.7 billion worth of goods.

Celebrating Victoria’s Manufacturing Champions

Individual Awards

Honour Roll Service to Industry – John Krueger, Krueger Transport Equipment

Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year – Hannah Dillimore, Newform Steel Fabrication and Levi Konnerth, A.W. Bell Machinery

Young Manufacturer of the Year – Afnan Siddique, Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions

Woman Manufacturer of the Year – Latinka Cubitt, Catten Industries

Company Awards

Leader in Construction Technologies – Modscape

Leader in Gender Equality and Inclusion – Alstom Transport Australia

Leader in Health Technologies – CSL

Leader in Textile, Clothing and Footwear – Australian Defence Apparel

Leader in Transport and Rail – Alstom Transport Australia

Leader in Manufacturing – Stahl Metall

Manufacturer of the Year – Regional Business – Farm Foods

Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business – Assembled Threads

Manufacturer of the Year – Medium Business – Hanlon Industries

Manufacturer of the Year – Large Business – CSL

LEGEAR, a division of Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) and leading provider of tactical gear and apparel, in partnership with renowned outdoorwear company Salomon, is honoured to announce their Gold Sponsorship of the Veteran Games. This landmark initiative aligns with ADA’s commitment to supporting veterans’ mental and physical well-being.

“At ADA, our mission is to equip those who serve and protect,” said Chris Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of ADA. “LEGEAR’s co-sponsorship of the Veteran Games with Salomon is a natural extension of that mission, and we feel privileged to be helping veterans thrive in their post-service lives.”

The Veteran Games, a proactive health initiative, was developed to address the critical findings of the Royal Commission on Defence and Veteran Suicide. By fostering community, purpose, and celebration of military identity, the games strive to improve the lives of current and future generations of Australian veterans. Tragically, over 1,600 Australian veterans have lost their lives to suicide in the past two decades, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives like the Veteran Games.

LEGEAR’s commitment to the Veteran Games extends beyond financial sponsorship. The company will equip Veteran Games staff and a participating team with Salomon footwear, celebrated for its performance and durability in demanding environments. LEGEAR will also provide tactical gear for athlete gifts and set up a recovery station at the VG Village. The station will offer participants the opportunity to meet the LEGEAR team, try on Salomon footwear, and refuel with a CMBT protein shake.

“We are incredibly proud to support the Veteran Games and the well-being of our veterans,” said Jason Semple, General Manager of LEGEAR. “The event provides a crucial platform for camaraderie, support, and healing. It’s a true honour to be a part of this important initiative alongside Salomon.”

Learn more about the Veteran Games at veterangames.com

Melbourne, Australia—Australian Defence Apparel (ADA), a leader in protective solutions for Defence personnel, has announced the unveiling of DFNDR®, its revolutionary new brand of body armour and load carriage systems.

The launch will take place at the upcoming Land Forces Expo, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11-13th September 2024.

DFNDR® systems are designed to be highly adaptable and customisable, making them suitable for a wide range of users, missions, and environments. With a strong emphasis on human factors engineering and informed by data-driven insights on soldier systems, the DFNDR® series ensures that soldiers can easily adjust their wearables to meet the unique demands of any situation.

The most significant advantage of DFNDR® systems is their unparalleled flexibility. These systems can seamlessly transition from a lightweight plate carrier to a fully up-armoured tactical system without requiring soldiers to carry excessive or complex equipment, minimising cognitive burden.

“DFNDR® represents a significant leap forward in tactical gear design,” said Chris Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of ADA. “We’ve combined over a century of battlefield experience with cutting-edge materials, rigorous testing, and data-driven intelligence to create a system that empowers soldiers to perform at their best in any environment.”

DFNDR® is the result of ADA’s unwavering commitment to innovation and soldier-centric design. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tactical gear, ADA equips the modern soldier with the tools they need to face the challenges of the 21st-century battlefield.

Media are invited to visit the ADA stand at the Land Forces Expo to experience DFNDR® firsthand. Show highlights at ADA’s stand E218 also include the launch of both DFNDR® and ENFORCR® (newly launched brand for law enforcement gear), introduction to the best-in-breed global tactical brands, and view the award-winning ENFORCR® Ghost Glove™.

Melbourne – Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) in collaboration with Private Brands is delighted to announce that their innovative ENFORCR+Ghost – The Next-Gen Duty Glove, has been awarded the esteemed Australian Good Design Award Winner accolade in the Product Design category. The Australian Good Design Awards is the country’s most prestigious international accolade for design and innovation. This recognition was celebrated at a grand ceremony held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, attended by over 1000 distinguished guests from design, architecture, engineering and business sectors. 

The ENFORCR+Ghost glove, a product of an extensive two-year collaboration between ADA and Private Brands, showcases groundbreaking design and innovation. The glove offers 360-degree cut protection and unparalleled dexterity, specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of Defence and Law Enforcement professionals. This award underlines ADA’s commitment to excellence in design and functionality, setting a new standard for safety gear in high-stakes environments. 

The Jury praised ENFORCR+Ghost – The Next-Gen Duty Glove, commenting: 

Born from a Defence and Law-enforcement end-user requirement, the ENFORCR+Ghost glove provides 360-degree cut protection and dexterity for operating weapons and entry tools. The Jury commends the ENFORCR+Ghost for its exceptional design that combines comprehensive cut protection with high dexterity. It meets the rigorous demands of defence and law enforcement professionals, offering both safety and functionality in high-stakes environments. 

Chris Dixon, CEO of ADA, said, “I’m very proud of all the teams involved. Winning the Australian Good Design Award is a testament to our commitment to innovation and quality in uniform and gear design. This accolade recognises our dedication to meeting the needs of those who serve and protect.” 

The 2024 Australian Good Design Awards, themed “The Design Effect,” emphasised the crucial role of design in fostering sustainability and innovation. The 2024 Awards highlighted excellence across 12 Design Disciplines, covering more than 32 Categories.  

The Awards recognise a diverse range of projects from Australia and abroad, encompassing architectural design, engineering, digital and communication design, and emerging fields such as design strategy, social impact and policy design – a new standalone category introduced in 2024. This year’s entries were rigorously evaluated by more than 80 distinguished Jurors from around the globe, including designers, engineers, architects, and industry leaders. 

ADA and Private Brands’ collaboration perfectly exemplifies the transformative power of industry collaboration in design, aligning with the Awards’ focus on sustainability and innovation. This prestigious accolade reaffirms ADA’s position as a leader in the development and management of highly specialised Defence and Law Enforcement apparel. 

For more information about ENFORCR+Ghost and other innovative products by ADA, please visit https://enforcr.ada.com.au/products/ghost-glove.