Christchurch City Council did not tender $1.245m touch wall, despite policy

6 JULY 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Christchurch City Council failed to pursue an open tender process for their $1.2m ‘touch wall’, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “In addition to its lack of transparency, Christchurch City Council disregarded the value of ratepayer money by failing to follow their own procurement policy to find value for money and effective market competition.”

“The policy explicitly states ‘all qualified suppliers must have a reasonable opportunity to participate in all Council procurements’.”

“Instead of following an open tender process for the touch wall project, the Council just asked Gibson Group to name potential competitors and explain how their product differed. It’s like they chose the supplier, then figured out what they wanted.”

“Gibson Group declined to name any competitors, claiming their software was unique. But they pointed out that the hardware could be subject to an open bid, however the Council appears to have ignored this. It’s just incredible.”

“While we make no criticism of the Gibson Group, the Council needs to front up and explain why this screen was not tendered. There are countless potential suppliers who could have perhaps done this cheaper. So why the lack of tender? Was this the real reason the Council tried so hard to keep it secret?”

ENDS

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