22 | Delivering the right outcomes A key project for the Tararua Alliance is the upgrade of Route 52 between Weber and the boundary with Central Hawke’s Bay. from page 20 Tararua: Tararua Alliance REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Our highly skilled operators specialise in all aspects of Roadmarking throughout the North Island,we are predominately based in 3 locations, Manawatu, Bay Of Plenty & Hawkes Bay where we service these areas and surrounding districts for local councils, NZTA and private carparks. Telarc & T8 Certified . Give one of our friendly staff a call to discuss your needs. Grant Taylor 027 5362441 Office 0800 326 007 BaySPRAY REGISTERED CHEMICAL APPLICATORS ALLEN CLARK DIRECTOR P 06 845 3533 M 027 337 8783 E office@bayspray.co.nz A PO Box 635 Hastings, Hawke’s Bay “This is opposed to being locked into a firm contract with unit rates, which can drive wrong behaviours that don’t always make sense for the network and won’t deliver the right outcome. “We use open and transparent financial mechanisms to take away the incorporation of profit into the infrastructure decision-making. We determine, regardless of profit, what is best for the network and optimising quality, time and cost. “We can also be more agile when it comes to engaging supply partners locally to assist us in delivering our contracts because decision making sits in the one team.” A good example was when there was an under slip on River Road some years ago, which threatened to cut off Akitio township. Matt says quick turnaround was achieved on the complex and technical repair as decisions could be made rapidly by the alliance and also by outsourcing to key locals that had the right skills and staff to deliver. “We didn’t have the luxury of time to do extensive designs for this project prior so by partnering with Haycock Contracting, who had worked on the network for 20 or so years knew the soil types, drainage challenges etc in that area, meaning the project could be designed as it was built. The retaining wall we built, along with robust drainage, has ensured access is maintained and added some resilience to the route. It was the combination of their expertise and the expertise of the alliance, collaborating together and working on that project.” Matt says the preferred methodology is to get external contractors involved in projects at the design stage. It not only results in better outcomes but also help mitigate issues. “Traditionally the design would be done then there would be a procurement process to get the contractor on board who had had no involvement up to that stage. The people delivering the work know the project best so the ultimate is to get them alongside the designers to get the best outcome.” A key project currently underway is Huarahi Tūhono - Weber to Wimbledon, the Provincial Growth Fund upgrade Route 52 between Weber and the boundary with Central Hawke’s Bay. The alliance is approximately 30% through and the project is earmarked for completion by early 2024. “The project will provide a safer and more resilient road for our local community, and the other motorists who use it. The road has always been challenging to manage and the combination of increasing heavy truck movements and significant weather events made it untenable without external investment,” says Chris. Prioritising continuous improvement and reducing the risk of complacency within the alliance is a key focus. Chris says a recent review of the alliance and its strategic objectives has reset the overarching objectives. “The existing alliance and associated contract with Downer runs to 2029 so we need to ensure a high level of performance,” he says. “Senior management from both organisations came together to review what’s going well and the opportunities for improvement, then developed new overarching goals that will support the delivery of good outcomes for our community”. Especially as Matt says there is a significant programme of emergency works taking place across the district due to multiple severe weather events. “Tararua has one of the largest local road networks in the country, with very few ratepayers per kilometre of road. We are working with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to secure funding to repair issues. Our local supply partners will be absolutely key in delivering that work and we’re keeping in close communication with them to give them as clear an idea as possible of the workload ahead.”
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