This conflict has led to the splitting into two of a procurement of tablet computers for government agencies.

An initial closed-tender exercise has already begun, on October 8, to established suppliers already on the all-of-government panel of "desktop/laptop and mobile voice-and-data services suppliers" says a preliminary notice of intent released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Suppliers will be asked to propose terms for supply of tablet computers to agencies with a relatively urgent need.

An open tender for longer-term tablet supply will follow early next year.

"Our original intention was to go to the market in early 2013 with an open tender," says senior communications advisor Frances Martin.