MBIE Chief Executive, David Smol
Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka uta
The review was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) after TVNZ reported an Air New Zealand unit was carrying out repair work on planes for the Royal Saudi Navy. The review will be led by David Smol, a former chief executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Air New Zealand later terminated the contract. MFAT cleared itself of wrongdoing, determining the engines were not a controlled good.
However, RNZ later revealed MFAT had approved exports of military goods to forces in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), despite concerns by the United Nations and rights groups that this equipment may be fuelling Yemen s civil war.
Former MBIE head David Smol to lead New Zealand military export control review
12 Apr, 2021 06:15 AM
2 minutes to read
David Smol, former chief executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Photo / RNZ
RNZ
By Mackenzie Smith of RNZ
A former government official has been tasked with reviewing New Zealand s military exports controls regime.
The review was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) after TVNZ reported an Air New Zealand unit was carrying out repair work on engines for the Royal Saudi Navy. The review will be led by David Smol, a former chief executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
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