Trade providers benefit: $10.8M injection from council panel

A total of $10.8M has been injected back into local trade service providers from August 2021 to May 2024, through a panel designed to streamline Waipā District Council’s procurement process.

The trade services panel is reviewed every three years and includes preferred suppliers of council who either live, work in or service the Waipā District. These businesses are ‘first call providers’ when ad hoc or urgent work is needed.

First established in 2021, the current panel consists of 93 trade service providers from sole traders to medium enterprises.

Procurement advisor Adele Bird said there is a significant value of spend going back to our local trade service providers through our procurement strategy and panel.

“How we procure goods and services impacts our district. This not only benefits these businesses but our district’s economic wellbeing as a whole,” Bird said.

The panel also creates a more efficient process between council and businesses.

“Those on the panel go through the procurement process once for the three years. This streamlines everyone’s experience when we need to call on these businesses to get the job done. This approach creates a far more effective method for us all.”

Applications are now open to join the panel for the next three years. Trade service providers who work, service or live in the Waipā District are eligible. The current panel is set to expire on July 31, 2024.

“We are looking for credible tradespeople who are qualified and experienced in their industry, who can meet health and safety requirements and answer the call when we need them,” Bird said.

Interested businesses can view the full criteria, drop in dates and apply at waipadc.govt.nz/tradeservicespanel. Applications close Friday, June 7.