Builders, plumbers, electricians, painters and fencers are just some of the trades being appointed to a Trades Panel by Waimakariri District Council.

The panel is a new initiative by the Council to streamline its procurement process, saving time and money for both the council and suppliers, while also supporting local businesses and contractors.

Project Delivery Manager Kelly LaValley says the panel appoints local tradies to carry out scheduled and reactionary work required by the Council.

“Earlier this year we asked interested trades people to register and were pleased by the number of applications we received.”

An open tender process was run for suppliers to submit proposals describing their Organisation Capability, the Capability of Personnel, their Proposed Service offering and additional information.

“The Council have since supported the recommendation of the Procurement Strategy to create a Trades Panel which will have a range of preferred suppliers across a range of trades. The benefit for ratepayers is that we can provide great value for money by vetting up front and there’s an additional benefit that we support local businesses.”

Contractors can expect to be on the Trade Panel for a term of three years with the option to extend by one year. The work will primarily focus on the planning and delivery of the projects outlined in the Council’s most recent Long Term Plan.

The types of work covered by this panel include new minor buildings, building alterations, electrical and plumbing upgrades, new and upgraded fencing, and interior painting.

While this is the first panel, they council will also be looking to put in place panels to cover minor capital works for civil works and construction and professional services in an effort to continually streamline processes and provide savings for both the council and its suppliers.