KiwiRail has NZ-made options for electric trains

The Council of Trade Unions says that KiwiRail has more than one option to ensure that NZ workers and manufacturers get a chance to participate in the build of electric trains for Auckland.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, said: “While a direct KiwiRail bid is our first preference, there is also the option of a robust local industry participation plan in the tender process. This would maximise the use of local expertise and capability including the Hillside and Woburn workshops.”

“Such industry participation plans are common in Australian Government procurement processes and there is room for such a plan in this tender.”

There is a long way to run in this process with final decisions expected in early 2011. A study by the economic consultancy BERL showed huge benefits to the economy and employment if up to 70% of the value of these trains is provided from New Zealand. It is important that a ‘whole of life’ approach for these trains is used rather than a simple up-front cost.

Peter Conway said that the railway workshops already build and recondition trains with the support of local industry so the expertise and capability is there.

ENDS

© Scoop Media