East Coast transport recovery plan makes progress
The Government has reached agreement with industry and local communities on a collaborative transport delivery model for the East Coast recovery.
Transport Minister Michael Wood says the transport network has been hit hard in cyclone and flood-affected areas.
“Our primary focus has been getting lifeline roads open and reconnecting isolated communities. We’re shifting our focus to permanent repairs and longer term work, which is where this agreement is crucial.
“We need to ensure we have a process that allows projects to be prioritised and resources allocated accordingly, all while ensuring we don’t lose the local voice.”
“The delivery structure is modelled after what was used following the Kaikōura earthquake, and is suited to complex environments where social and economic outcomes for local communities are as important as the physical work itself.”
“The interim agreement allows Waka Kotahi to work alongside KiwiRail to develop a framework with Downer, Fulton Hogan and Higgins (part of Fletcher Construction) on how the full scope of work will be managed, designed and delivered in conjunction with regional suppliers over the coming years.”
Wood says that Waka Kotahi has met with local contractors across Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay over the past fortnight, to both understand their capability and capacity as well as answer questions about the alliance structure and how they will be involved.
“Local contractors will be key to the recovery and rebuild, with their valuable knowledge and expertise crucial to ensuring the right outcomes on the ground. We will be continuing to engage with local contractors over the coming months, with their formal involvement coming once the full alliance model is stood up towards the middle of the year.”
“The scale of work that will need to be undertaken over the next few years is significant and so we need to make sure we’re not only using all available workers and resources, but using them effectively.
Wood says the delivery model is expected to be in place for a number of years, and work over the coming months will ensure that the model is set up to best suit the needs of all parties.
The delivery design and construction management team is expected to be in place by mid-2023. Ongoing recovery works to improve access levels are being undertaken by the existing Network Outcomes Contracts (NOC) across affected regions.
