New Zealand’s civil construction industry has welcomed changes announced today by Minister for Economic Growth Hon Nicola Willis that simplify government procurement and clearly set out what’s required from suppliers.

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard said the Government’s review of procurement rules would better support businesses looking to tender for government contracts.

“Procurement has long been unclear and inconsistent for contractors tendering on Government work, so it’s good to see positive steps taken, that streamline procurement and provide a better focus on benefit for New Zealand businesses and communities.”

Mr Pollard said CCNZ had regularly engaged with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the review of the procurement rules, including through workshops, proactive contact around issues and through a submission in response to consultation on the rules.

The new Government Procurement Rules had been cut from 71 to 47, which signified a clearer, simpler process and positive change, however Mr Pollard said there was still work to do.

“It’s great to have clearer and more efficient rules. But there’s still work to do in making sure that the procurement process adds value and is a good use of time for those looking to tender on Government contracts.

“It is one thing having clear rules, but we need to make sure that they are applied consistently across central and local government entities and in a manner that is commercially reasonable and sound.”

He said significant further benefit could be achieved through early supplier engagement, and through increased forward works briefings by client organisations so suppliers could be prepared and better understand client expectations when tenders came to market.

CCNZ members worked to construct and maintain the country’s infrastructure, and regularly provided feedback on improvements to the process. The association had also previously worked with Infrastructure New Zealand and the Construction Strategy Group to provide a detailed summary of improvements in procurement for major infrastructure projects.