By SIMON COLLINS
The Government has put a fulltime agent on the Auckland Hospital redevelopment site to make sure New Zealand companies know about business opportunities in the $423 million project.
The agent, former plastics manufacturer Wayne Brown, started on January 31 and will stay on the site until at least 2004.
The director of the NZ Industrial Supplies Office, Bob Murdoch, said Australia had assigned similar agents to major projects such as the Anzac frigate programme and the Sydney Olympics. This was the first time New Zealand had done it.
"It's the biggest project going on in New Zealand," he said.
"It's one where there is an opportunity where we have identified some areas where local content could be increased ... For every $1 million worth of goods that you get manufactured locally, it's equivalent to 15.7 jobs."
Allan Johns, assistant director of the hospital project, said it involved replacing much of the equipment in the present Auckland Hospital as well as new buildings.
"A lot of the current equipment is 20 years old and due for replacement, and we have elected to phase the replacement with the new building."
For example, the kitchens in the new hospital will get new food carts to transfer food to the patients.
Mr Brown has already had an expression of interest from a local manufacturer who could make the carts.
Even if no one is making particular products, Mr Brown will notify manufacturers who may be able to start making them.
However, he said local companies that could supply goods or services needed to register with the Industrial Supplies Office through its website. Under the rules of Closer Economic Relations, the register is open to Australian businesses as well.
Mr Murdoch said the office was looking at posting agents to other major projects, including oil and gas development in Taranaki, new prisons and infrastructure.
"If [NZ companies] have got something that is innovative and competitive, let us know. Don't let us know after the event, let us know before so we can help."
ON THE WEB: Register with the NZ Industrial Supplies Office
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Business
Market close: NZ stocks head into Easter on a positive note
The uptick came despite a trading halt, voluntary administration and a product recall.