Council goes local for renewals

A local business has won a significant contract to deliver Carterton District Council’s three waters renewal work for the next five years.

The freshly inked contract between the council and G&C Diggers was recently signed by CDC chief executive Geoff Hamilton and G&C general manager Paul Smart at the company’s Clareville headquarters.

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark observed that “just like Carterton, the agreement shows small is beautiful”.

“Of the three companies that tendered, G&C won on merit,” he said.

“They also have the added benefit of being local. That means they have locals on the ground, they understand the people they are working with and the community they are working in and for.

“We are always delighted to see local success stories for Carterton.”

Mark said the contract created certainty of long-term work for a Carterton-based team and sustainable jobs for Wairarapa people.

“I could not be more pleased with this fantastic outcome for G&C Diggers, and our community.”

The deal covers projects for three waters infrastructure renewals in the Carterton district for an initial five-year period, with options for an extension on future renewals.

Hamilton also welcomed the certainty the agreement provides for CDC’s upcoming three waters work.

“We expect the contract and legislation will ensure water services in our district.

“Whatever the future brings, the work programme should be secure. Our partnership creates a defined work plan with commitments and the will to deliver for our community,” Hamilton said.

“We followed a thorough procurement process and contract negotiation, which was one of the areas of improvement the council has made in the past 12 months following the independent review of the recent project.”

Mark said he is happy the review’s findings are being built upon.

“Our approach to this particular procurement removed the significant administrative overhead burden and is an extension of continuous improvement in service delivery and procurement practices,” he said.

“This contract shows the benefit of sound procurement practice while also being fair to the market.”

Business owners Paul Smart and Mark Dennes bought the business in 2020 from founders Gavin Dennes and Christine Adams, who moved to Clareville in 2011 after developing G&C’s presence in Martinborough and Masterton.

Smart and Dennes now lead a team of 12 Wairarapa-based staff from their Carterton base.

“We pride ourselves on being professional, completing jobs to a very high standard, and working collaboratively with customers to ensure we meet their needs,” Smart said.

CDC will consider the renewed works programme for discussion and approval at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, March 29.

– NZLDR

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