Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council is renewing a significant suite of full facilities and maintenance contracts, to support the upkeep of thousands of community, park and play assets across the region for the next five to 10 years.
These contracts cover all the services required to maintain 10,298 hectares of gardens and green spaces, 853 toilets, 775km of carparks, 897 playgrounds, 66 libraries, 43 pools, three holiday parks and 3,661 kilometres of walkways in Tāmaki Makaurau.
General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities Taryn Crewe says a key focus of the procurement process is cost efficiency and that will involve looking at how the new contracts can deliver the best value for ratepayers.
“The council commits around $195 million each year – around $100 per resident – to keep our extensive range of local parks and sports fields mowed, trees trimmed, facilities clean and buildings maintained to a high standard for widespread community use,” says Mrs Crewe.
“The full facilities and maintenance contracts are critical to managing these assets well for everyone to enjoy, now and for generations to come.
“To identify strengths and key areas for improvement, the council has gathered extensive feedback, analysed the performance data of our existing contracts, and reviewed facilities management best practices across Australasia.”
In 2017, the council combined the maintenance of parks and community facilities under a small number of large outcome-based contracts, that expire in 2027. This aimed to leverage the council’s scale, simplify maintenance operations and manage risks through outsourcing.
The current contract renewal looks to secure contracts that include large and small suppliers, with locally led decision-making.
“We are looking to retain the strengths and proven benefits of having large service providers with some key improvements from contracting smaller local suppliers, and keeping specialised skills in-house,” says Ms Crewe.
“We’ve identified a need to align new contracts with increased local board decision-making responsibilities and priorities, while also maintaining cost-efficiency and consistent service delivery across the region.”
In parks, reserves and open spaces, contractors undertake litter removal, mowing, cleaning of toilets, BBQs and playgrounds, facility maintenance and repairs, and managing pest plants and animals.
In and outside halls, libraries and community centres, leisure centres and pool facilities, ongoing work is required to maintain and clean public areas including toilets, changing rooms and storage buildings.
Further work by contractors helps to look after urban gardens, keep streetscapes, bus shelters and town centres clean.
Expressions of interest are open to all providers, large and small, until 11 March 2026. A detailed evaluation process will follow, with a shortlist of preferred suppliers prepared for the Value for Money Committee to consider in December.
The council’s current contracts finish in June 2027, with new contracts set to start from 1 July 2027.
