JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM COUNCILS OF THE AUCKLAND REGION AND ACENZ

Media Release
13 September 2005

National recognition for regional contract streamlining initiative

Councils across the Auckland region have been commended for a new standardised approach to contracts in the New Zealand Post Management Awards announced yesterday.

The project, which took fourteen months to complete, resulted in a standard template, plus guidelines, to be used for the procurement of professional consulting services for example engineering, planning, and architectural. Previously all eight councils had their own set of conditions.

The template referred to as the Auckland Region Standard Conditions of Contract for Consultancy Services (ARCCCS) streamlines contract clauses with particular attention to standardising indemnity, liability, minimum insurance requirements and intellectual property

Chairperson of the Auckland Region CEO Forum and sponsor of the project Colin Dale is delighted it has been recognised. He says “All eight councils in the Auckland region now use the contract standard. Consultants can now expect greater consistency between all local authorities and many of their private sector clients, not only across the region, but nationally.”

The Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand (ACENZ) collaborated on the project. Chief Executive of ACENZ Mike Connolly is pleased with the outcome. “The template has led to improved project management for both councils and engineers, resulting in cost and time savings for both parties.

“We firmly believe this cooperative approach has led to a more durable and widely acceptable set of standard contract conditions. This is a great outcome for local government in New Zealand” says Mr Connolly.

The document was a joint effort by the Papakura, Franklin and Rodney District Councils, Auckland Regional Council and Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau City Councils. The document can be downloaded from www.acenz.org.nz.

ENDS

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