Nioa extends its presence in New Zealand

Australian munitions and armaments manufacturer Nioa has expanded its presence in New Zealand with the acquisition of firearms and ammunition wholesale distributor Sportways Distributors.

Nioa has bought 100 per cent of the company which will be renamed Nioa New Zealand, building on relationships that already include Nioa supplying the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Police.

Auckland-based Sportways represents more than a dozen international suppliers, distributing rifles, pistols, shotguns, ammunition, outdoor gear and accessories to a large dealer network and law enforcement community throughout the country.

Nioa CEO Robert Nioa said NIOA intended to build on Sportways’ two decades of serving the New Zealand community.

“NIOA has a rich heritage in the sporting, recreational and hunting markets so we have a genuine appreciation of Sportways’ reputation and its place in New Zealand.

“Sportways has a wide customer base and we are excited at the opportunity.”

Brisbane-based Nioa is the biggest Australian-owned supplier of firearms, weapons and ammunition to the Australian Defence Force, law enforcement agencies and commercial markets.

Nioa now has 200 staff with offices and operations in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Benalla, Lithgow, New Zealand and the United States, plus a joint venture operation with European defence giant Rheinmetall manufacturing munitions in Maryborough, Queensland.

Picture: kirk.studio/NIOA headquarters high security facility

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