New regime awards contracts

The Kaipara District Council has awarded two maintenance and cleaning contracts totalling $2.2 million to Recreational Services Limited.

The Parks, Reserves and Cemeteries Maintenance contract and the Public Toilets and Building Cleaning and Maintenance contract replace one earlier contract and are a direct result of the council reviewing options for better, more cost effective delivery of a number of its services.

General Manager Operations, John Burt said Recreational Services will establish a service depot within the district and employ local people wherever possible.

He said the company, which already has existing contracts with other councils in Northland, had the capability and experience to deliver the services.

Chair of the Commissioners, John Robertson, noted that this was the first contract awarded under the watch of the Commissioners.

"It has met the tests we have set - falls within budget, and provides an ability to monitor performance," he said.

The contracts will start in mid December and run for a period of three years. Recreational Services Limited had the lowest price and was also assessed as being the highest quality bidder.

The council received four responses for the contract in respect of parks, reserves and cemeteries maintenance and two responses for the contract in respect of public toilets and building cleaning and maintenance.