Ngawha-Link project helps Mid-North development

Businesses in the Kaikohe area are starting to reap the benefits of having the Northland Corrections Facility sited at Ngawha.

Several local companies have been given the opportunity to submit tenders to supply goods to the facility both during construction and when it becomes operational in 2005.

When Ngawha-Link identified there were a number of local businesses with the capability to supply goods and services, the Department of Corrections agreed that a wide range of goods, other than those for which it holds national contracts, could be supplied locally. This means that Northland-based companies will be given first opportunity to provide quotes for around 40 supply contracts.

Mayor Yvonne Sharp commented: “It is encouraging to see central government agencies working with local organisations to deliver real benefits to the local business community. The Ngawha-Link project is a first for the Department of Corrections and shows that Northlanders have the capability and willingness to develop local solutions to local opportunities.”

Ngawha-Link has also led to the establishment of a fruit and vegetable co-operative based in Kaikohe. The Tai Tokerau Food Co-operative has six foundation members and aims to act as a “funnel” for other producers.

A further spin-off from the initiative has been the growth of community networks and a stronger focus on Kaikohe’s long-term future, with a web site planned for development.

Many local contractors have already participated, via sub-contracts, in the construction of the new facility undertaking work in excess of $25m to date. While this has brought pressure to bear on the region’s limited trades skill base, it has also generated many new trade training and employment opportunities. In addition, more than 185 formerly unemployed local people have been taken on during the construction of the facility.

The Ngawha-Link project has been co-ordinated by business consultants, Ivanangel Consulting Ltd, led by senior consultant Debra Bright. She said: “Ngawha-Link has really taken off and I have been both impressed and encouraged by the enthusiasm of the Kaikohe community. Local businesses are seizing the opportunity to undertake the supply of goods to the Corrections Facility.”

The Ngawha-Link steering group has members representing Enterprise Northland, Far North District Council, Work and Income, Mainzeal Construction, Department of Corrections, Ngati Rangi, Kaikohe Community Board, Northland Chamber of Commerce and the Tertiary Education Commission.

John Halse of Enterprise Northland said: “The success of Ngawha-Link in working to secure contracts for Northland businesses is great news and means that local people will truly stand to benefit from the construction of the Corrections Facility. In the long term it will be a major contributor to the economic development of the area.”

Anyone interested in the Ngawha-Link project should contact Debra Bright on 09-401 7417, or email grow@ivanangel.co.nz.

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