New Logistics Facilities Opened at Burnham Military Camp
Defence Minister Judith Collins has opened a new Army maintenance support facility at Burnham Military Camp and initiated construction on the next phase of the Army logistics upgrade.
Regional Logistics Centre Development
Ms Collins said the Defence Force relies on having the appropriate equipment positioned and supported effectively, and noted that the new facilities will serve as a Regional Logistics Centre for the South Island. She stated that the development will enhance the Defence Force’s capacity to sustain operations, support personnel, and safeguard New Zealand’s interests.
Completed Maintenance Support Facility
The $58 million Burnham Maintenance Support Facility is a modern, technology-enabled complex designed for maintaining and repairing defence equipment. It provides increased capacity and improved safety for personnel. By using the same design and process as the facility at Linton, the project was completed ahead of schedule and came in $6.25 million under budget.
Construction of New Regional Supply Facility
Work has also commenced on a multi-functional regional supply facility at Burnham Military Camp. The $82.7 million project will create a single, modern logistics hub offering efficient access to equipment and supplies. The project is expected to support the local economy through employment opportunities for approximately 600 people over its duration. Notable cost savings have been achieved by replicating the design used at Linton Military Camp.
Ongoing Logistics Investments
Ms Collins said the development demonstrates disciplined delivery by the Defence Force as part of its effort to protect New Zealanders and the nation’s way of life. She added that enhancing defence logistics is included within the Government’s Defence Capability Plan, which outlines $12 billion in planned commitments over the next four years.
According to Ms Collins, logistics is often the quiet element behind operational success, ensuring personnel receive the equipment they require, where and when it is needed.
Project Background
Both the Maintenance Support Facility and the Regional Supply Facility are components of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Consolidated Logistics Project, a programme that includes five new logistics facilities across Linton and Burnham Military Camps.