The policy has resulted in the hiring of the main contractor for the Outram Flood Protection project who has been employing local people, including youth and Māori, and actively encouraging ongoing training for their employees.
The policy has helped the RRC “Outram Flood Protection” project exceed many social procurement targets including employing 12 females, 10 more than the original target. We’d targeted to have one apprentice but ended on bringing on a second and we also hired three youths which was more than our target of one. Meaning these people all have skills they can take away with them to help further their careers.
The Outram Flood Protection project aims to reduce risk of seepage during high reiver flows by extending the floodbank toe with an earth fill weighting blanket and strengthening any weak areas. Seepage is a risk that may affect the long-term integrity of the floodbank and creates a risk to the West Taieri community and forms part of the Taieri Flood Protection Scheme that prevents inundation of up to 4,000 hectares of highly productive agricultural land, Dunedin International Airport, and State Highway 87.
The project has been completed on time with the bulk earthworks taking place between October and December 2022. Since then, work has included paddock reinstatement, and procurement for a portable pumping option.
The majority of the project has been completed by local businesses, directly benefitting the local economy and providing employment opportunities within the community.
