Higgins sponsorship welcomed

Monday 21 June 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

Higgins sponsorship “significant benefit to community” – Audit NZ

The Regional Sports Park Trust has welcomed the findings of an Audit New Zealand review of the Higgins sponsorship of the Sports Park.

Hastings District Council initiated the review following accusations of inappropriate arrangements in relation to procurement and sponsorship at the Sports Park. There were also suggestions that ratepayers would be worse off because the work Higgins is undertaking at the Park had not been competitively tendered. Higgins is undertaking the works associated with 18 netball courts, eight football fields and roading and services at the Sports Park.

“We approached Higgins for sponsorship and we agreed they would have the opportunity to undertake the next stage of works, subject to their pricing being competitive.” says Sports Park Trust Chair Lawrence Yule.

“Despite some speculation over the arrangements, we were always confident that we were getting a great deal for the community”, says Mr Yule. “The Audit New Zealand review has confirmed this.”

Higgins is providing a $500,000 sponsorship to the Sports Park.

Among the conclusions of the Audit New Zealand report were:

“…the sponsorship offer by Higgins is of significant benefit to the community”

“….the overall outcome has been very positive and has been in the interests of the community.”

“Nothing came to our attention to suggest that the arrangements made with Higgins were inappropriate in any respect”

Mr Yule said the Audit NZ findings were not a surprise.

Both the Trust and the Council ensured that there were robust processes in place for ensuring competitive pricing. This involved verification by quantity surveyors Rawlinsons, as well as other price reviews on various project components by Council engineers, consultants and appropriate independent advisers. Rawlinsons noted that Higgins pricing was “competitive and reflective of market conditions”.

Sports Park Trust Chair Lawrence Yule said the Higgins deal represented an outstanding result for the community.

“The Higgins people have done exactly what they said they would. The region has received the double whammy benefit of an excellent price for the stage two

ends

© Scoop Media