Bell Gully recently advised the Ministry of Defence on the
acquisition of a new fixed high frequency radio capability from Babcock (NZ)
Limited. The firm’s team was led by partner Angela Harford, together
with solicitors Philip Zander and Luke Higgins.
Bell Gully partner Angela Harford said “Bell Gully is
delighted to have advised the Ministry of Defence on the acquisition of a key communications
capability that will enable the New Zealand Defence Force’s service people to
undertake the humanitarian, constabulary and military tasks required of them”.
High frequency
radio provides communications coverage in some of the world's most remote
locations, and is a vital tool for the New Zealand Defence Force – especially
in locations where satellites cannot reach and where ordinary radio
communications do not work. It's also used as a back-up should satellite
communications fail, are disrupted or are unavailable.
The investment has
a capital cost of NZ$26.6 million, with the new high frequency system expected
to be fully operational by August 2023. A support contract for $2 million per
annum was also signed by the New Zealand Defence Force.
"The Ministry
of Defence and New Zealand Defence Force perform countless valuable roles for
our country on a daily basis - making access to reliable and modern technology
vital. It was a privilege for the Bell Gully team to have worked with the
Ministry and the New Zealand Defence Force on the acquisition of this new
capability and associated support services." Angela said.
