Signing of social procurement contract

Dunedin (Monday, 5 October 2015) – Dunedin City Council today signed a trial social procurement contract with Mauri Kohatu Incorporated for the maintenance of some green space sites around the city.

The $52,500 contract will see Mauri Kohatu Incorporated undertaking weed control, litter control and path maintenance at a range of sites across Dunedin on a trial basis until 30 June 2016.

The initiative came about after Black Power members made submission to last year's Annual Plan asking Council to consider giving them contracts to maintain some of its green space.

DCC Events and Community Development Manager Rebecca Williams says, "Council then agreed to consider opportunities to contract organisations that work with people who traditionally find it difficult to find employment."

Mrs Williams says that following the Annual Plan submission, meetings were held between Black Power leader Albert Epere and various DCC departments.

"Through these meetings and the support of Te Puni Kōkiri and the Kapiti Business Facilitation Service, Albert and his whānau under the umbrella of Mauri Kohatu Inc have set up a contracting business and been assessed and approved as a DCC contractor."

As well as meeting all the necessary health and safety and other requirements as part of this process, Mauri Kohatu also had to demonstrate it has the necessary skills to perform the work.

Mrs Williams says it is important to note that this social procurement contract relates only to areas that are not currently under contract. The Mauri Kohatu trial will also operate within existing budgets.

The current trial will help DCC to assess whether it is feasible to offer these types of contracts in future and, if so, how it ensures quality and value from them.

ENDS

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