Downer awarded three waters maintenance contract

31 March 2016

Taupo District Council has awarded Downer New Zealand Limited its three waters maintenance contract.

The $11.4 million contract is for a five year period with rights to two, two-year renewals subject to performance and council approval. It also includes electrical maintenance work at the council's treatment plants and pump stations.

Mayor David Trewavas said the council had undertaken a robust process to select the successful tender.

Of the 10 companies who expressed an interest, four were shortlisted and evaluated by a team of five including an independent moderator. Each company was assessed against a weighted attribute system and a score given. Sixty per cent of the score was based on attributes and 40 per cent was based on price. Downer had the highest score.

The original engineers estimate for the merged contracts was $12.5 million.

Mr Trewavas said the weighted attribute tender process to reflect it was a high value, long term service delivery contract. It took into account a number of factors including methodology, experience, company capability and health and safety.

Our procurement policy acknowledges that value for money does not necessarily mean selecting the lowest price but rather the best outcome for the district.

Downer is well established in the Taupo District with roading teams based in Taupo and Turangi. It is proposed that the delivery team for the contract will be split between its Taupo and Turangi offices so they will be well positioned to attend urgent jobs at both ends of the lake, he said.

The merging of the maintenance and electrical contracts is also expected to deliver some cost savings through the efficiencies gained.

Chris Jobson, National Water Manger for Downer sees the opportunity for a long term partnership with Taupo District Council as beneficial to the local community.

Downer designs, builds, maintains and delivers water services throughout New Zealand and we are delighted to be working closely with the Taupo District Council on this contract. Our focus is on a smooth transition at the start of the contract and integrated service delivery for the local community to showcase our expertise in water, wastewater and stormwater systems.

Communities are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the future growth of the Taupo District and our commitment to providing quality three water services goes beyond our contractual obligations. We will employ a local team dedicated to the three waters maintenance contract and we also intend to support the local area with support for the voluntary fire service.

The contract begins on July 1.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz